Kidneys are a pair of organs located in the back of the abdomen, each being about a size of a fist. Their function is to filter blood, remove waste, and control the fluid balance in our body. They are essential for the urinary function, and also removal of electrolytes and regulation of blood pressure. It is possible to lose about 90% of kidney function without experiencing any symptoms or problems.

Kidneys are organs involved in keeping waste material from your blood supply, and having a damaged kidney can be a potentially fatal condition, and can lead to a lifetime of dialysis treatment. Acute renal failure and chronic kidney disease are two main diseases relating to kidney damage.

• Acute Renal Failure:

Acute renal failure is a disease where a patient suffers a sudden loss of kidney function, and this disease develops within 7 days.

There are numerous causes for this disease, some of them including damage to kidney tissue, exposure to harmful substances, or obstruction of the urinary tract. ARF can lead to multiple complications, including death.

• Chronic Kidney Disease:

CKD is a progressive loss in kidney function where kidneys progressively lose their function over a certain period of time – months or even years. The symptoms of this disease aren’t clear which makes it even more dangerous, as it might happen that the diagnosis might not recognize this disease until a serious damage in kidneys occurs.

CKD is a long term form of renal disease, and people having high blood pressure and diabetes have a risk of getting it.

Keeping your kidneys healthy is essential for your body, as the steps you take to keep your kidneys healthy can directly affect your body. Following are some steps that you can take to keep your kidneys safe and healthy:

• Routinely regulate your blood pressure and prevent it from shooting up to prevent kidney failure.
• Keep your cholesterol and blood glucose level in check, especially if you are diabetic.
• Exercise regularly to keep your body functions running as they should.
• Regulate your salt intake, it helps with the blood pressure, as well as keeps your kidneys from the risk of failure.
• Smoking can severely damage your kidneys. Cut back, or try to diminish smoking entirely as it is harmful for your kidneys, as well as other body organs.
• Drink as much water as you can.