When you hear the word “kidney,” you might immediately think of filtering waste from your body, but did you know that these small, bean-shaped organs do so much more than just cleaning your blood? “What does the kidney do for the body?” is a question worth asking because the kidneys are crucial to maintaining the balance of your health. They are involved in regulating everything from your blood pressure to the production of red blood cells.
What Are The First Sign Of Kidney Stones?
Let’s dive deeper into how the kidneys work and why they’re absolutely essential to your well-being. By the end of this, you’ll have a solid understanding of these vital organs and why you should care about keeping them healthy.
Table of Contents
What Are Kidneys, and Where Are They Located?
Before we get into their functions, let’s start with the basics. The kidneys are two small organs, each about the size of a fist, located in your lower back, one on each side of your spine. They’re part of your urinary system, which works together with other organs like the bladder and urethra to eliminate waste and regulate bodily fluids.
The kidneys are made up of millions of tiny units called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering your blood. Each nephron acts like a mini-filtration system, catching waste products and excess substances like salt, water, and urea (a waste product of protein digestion), and turning them into urine.
What Does The Kidney Do For The Body: Filtration of Blood
Perhaps the most well-known job of the kidneys is filtering the blood. Your blood is constantly being filtered through your kidneys, removing waste and extra fluids. The kidney’s filtration system works around the clock to ensure that harmful substances, like toxins, are kept out of your body. But the process is a little more complex than just filtering out waste.
Each kidney filters about 50 gallons of blood every day. Inside the kidneys, the blood is separated into two parts: waste and useful substances. The waste (like urea and excess salts) gets removed, while substances that the body still needs, such as glucose, electrolytes, and certain vitamins, are reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This sophisticated filtration system helps to keep your body’s internal environment stable.
Regulating Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Another important thing the kidneys do for the body is maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, are crucial for many body functions, including muscle contractions and nerve signaling.
Kidneys control how much of these electrolytes are excreted or kept in the body by filtering your blood and adjusting the reabsorption of these substances. This is why when your kidneys aren’t working properly, you can experience symptoms like dehydration or electrolyte imbalances that can affect everything from your heart rate to muscle function.
Balancing Acid and Base: pH Regulation
Your body needs a stable pH level (around 7.4) to function properly, and the kidneys play a key role in regulating this. They help maintain this pH balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from urine, which are both essential in regulating acidity.
If the kidneys weren’t able to keep the pH level in check, your blood would become too acidic or too alkaline, which could lead to serious problems. It’s a silent job, but it’s one of the reasons why your kidneys are so important to your overall health.
Blood Pressure Regulation: How Kidneys Control Your BP
You might be surprised to learn that your kidneys also play a huge role in regulating blood pressure. They do this by controlling the volume of blood in your body and by adjusting the levels of sodium. When the kidneys sense that blood pressure is too low, they release a hormone called renin, which triggers a series of events that help raise blood pressure by increasing sodium and water retention.
In essence, the kidneys are like a finely tuned pressure system that works to maintain a balance in your blood flow, which is crucial for maintaining good health. When kidney function is impaired, it can lead to high blood pressure, which can, in turn, cause further damage to your organs.
Red Blood Cell Production: The Erythropoietin Connection
Did you know that the kidneys are responsible for producing a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO)? Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When the kidneys detect low levels of oxygen in the blood, they release more EPO to increase red blood cell production. This is an essential function, as red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
When kidney function declines, so can the production of erythropoietin, which can lead to anemia, a condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen properly.
Detoxification and Metabolism Regulation
In addition to filtering waste, the kidneys are involved in detoxification and metabolism. They help process certain medications and break down toxins, making them less harmful to the body. Some metabolic waste products, like lactic acid and uric acid, are excreted through the urine to prevent them from building up in your body.
Without efficient kidneys, your body would have a harder time dealing with toxins and waste products, which could lead to a build-up of harmful substances that affect your organs.
Kidney Stones: A Common Health Concern
One of the most common kidney-related problems is kidney stones. These occur when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize and form hard deposits in the kidneys. Kidney stones can cause intense pain when they move through the urinary tract, and they’re often caused by dehydration, poor diet, or other factors that affect kidney function.
Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and keeping your kidneys healthy through regular check-ups can help prevent kidney stones from forming.
FAQs On What The Kidney Does For The Body
What Are The Primary Functions Of The Kidneys In The Human Body?
The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste from the blood, balancing fluids, regulating electrolytes, and producing hormones. They help control blood pressure and red blood cell production, maintain pH levels, and remove toxins. Essentially, they ensure the body’s internal environment stays stable for overall health and function.
How Do The Kidneys Filter Waste From The Blood?
The kidneys filter blood through tiny structures called nephrons. Each nephron contains a glomerulus, which filters waste and excess substances from the blood. These filtered materials then travel through tubules where essential substances are reabsorbed, and the waste, now called urine, is sent to the bladder for excretion.
What Is The Role Of The Kidneys In Regulating Blood Pressure?
Kidneys regulate blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. When blood pressure drops, the kidneys release renin, which triggers the release of angiotensin and aldosterone. These hormones help constrict blood vessels and retain sodium and water, raising blood pressure to ensure proper blood flow to organs.
How Do The Kidneys Help Maintain Fluid Balance In The Body?
The kidneys help maintain fluid balance by adjusting the volume and concentration of urine. When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys conserve water by concentrating urine. In contrast, when there is excess fluid, they excrete more water to keep the body’s fluid levels in check and prevent imbalances.
What Role Do The Kidneys Play In Balancing Electrolytes?
Kidneys regulate electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium by filtering blood and selectively reabsorbing or excreting them based on the body’s needs. This helps maintain the right electrolyte balance for proper nerve function, muscle contractions, and overall cellular processes, keeping the body in homeostasis.
How Do Kidneys Regulate The Body’s pH Levels?
The kidneys maintain pH balance by filtering out excess hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate from the blood. This process helps neutralize acids in the body and ensures the blood remains within a healthy pH range of about 7.35 to 7.45, which is critical for enzyme function and overall metabolism.
Why Are Kidneys Crucial For Detoxification In The Body?
Kidneys detoxify the body by filtering waste products and toxins from the bloodstream, which are then excreted as urine. This process helps eliminate harmful substances like urea, creatinine, and excess medications, preventing their buildup in the body, which could otherwise lead to toxicity and organ damage.
How Do Kidneys Help Regulate The Production Of Red Blood Cells?
The kidneys produce erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, the kidneys release more EPO to increase red blood cell production, ensuring that the body has enough oxygen-carrying capacity to function properly.
What Is Erythropoietin, And How Do The Kidneys Produce It?
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. It stimulates the bone marrow to increase red blood cell production. The kidneys detect oxygen levels in the blood and release EPO when necessary to maintain adequate oxygen supply throughout the body.
How Do The Kidneys Filter Out Excess Salts And Minerals From The Blood?
The kidneys filter excess salts and minerals by using nephrons to separate them from the blood. In the tubules, essential minerals like sodium and potassium are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, while excess amounts are excreted in the urine, helping to maintain a proper balance of minerals in the body.
What Role Do The Kidneys Play In Regulating Blood Volume?
The kidneys help regulate blood volume by controlling the amount of water excreted in the urine. They achieve this through the secretion of hormones like aldosterone, which promotes water retention, and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which influences the kidneys’ ability to conserve or excrete water based on blood volume needs.
How Do Kidneys Control The Body’s Sodium Levels?
The kidneys control sodium levels by filtering it from the blood and either reabsorbing it or excreting it in urine. When sodium levels are too low, the kidneys retain more sodium, and when levels are too high, they increase sodium excretion, thus maintaining the balance needed for proper cellular function.
What Is The Impact Of Kidney Failure On The Body’s Waste Removal Process?
In kidney failure, the kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste products from the blood. This leads to the accumulation of toxins, excess fluids, and waste, causing symptoms like swelling, fatigue, and confusion. Without treatment, kidney failure can result in severe complications, including electrolyte imbalances and organ damage.
How Do The Kidneys Maintain The Body’s Internal Environment (Homeostasis)?
Kidneys maintain homeostasis by regulating fluid balance, electrolytes, pH, and waste products in the blood. They adjust filtration and reabsorption based on the body’s needs, ensuring stable conditions for essential bodily functions like temperature regulation, nutrient delivery, and waste removal, thereby supporting overall health.
How Does The Kidney Contribute To Regulating Metabolism In The Body?
The kidneys play a role in regulating metabolism by balancing fluid, electrolytes, and pH levels, which are vital for metabolic processes. Additionally, they produce hormones like erythropoietin and renin that influence red blood cell production and blood pressure, both of which are essential for maintaining metabolic efficiency.
What Happens If The Kidneys Cannot Filter Waste Properly?
If the kidneys cannot filter waste properly, harmful toxins and excess fluids build up in the body. This can lead to a range of issues, including high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, fatigue, and swelling. Over time, untreated kidney dysfunction can cause irreversible damage to organs and systems throughout the body.
What Are The Effects Of Poor Kidney Function On The Overall Health Of The Body?
Poor kidney function can lead to a buildup of waste, fluid, and toxins in the bloodstream. This can result in symptoms like swelling, high blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Additionally, it may cause metabolic imbalances, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of heart disease, leading to severe health complications.
How Do The Kidneys Help The Body Get Rid Of Toxic Substances?
The kidneys filter out toxins like urea, creatinine, and certain drugs by passing blood through tiny structures called nephrons. These waste products are then excreted in the urine. This detoxification process prevents harmful substances from accumulating in the body and ensures overall health and proper organ function.
How Do Kidneys Control The Levels Of Calcium In The Body?
Kidneys regulate calcium levels by filtering it from the blood and reabsorbing or excreting it based on the body’s needs. They also activate vitamin D, which helps the intestines absorb calcium more effectively. This regulation is critical for maintaining bone health, muscle function, and overall calcium balance.
How Do Kidneys Help The Body Get Rid Of Excess Water?
The kidneys manage water balance by filtering the blood and adjusting urine output based on the body’s hydration levels. When there is excess water, the kidneys produce more dilute urine to eliminate the surplus. This process helps maintain optimal hydration and prevents issues like edema or dehydration.
What Is The Role Of Kidneys In Maintaining The Body’s Hydration?
Kidneys maintain hydration by regulating water levels in the body. When hydrated, the kidneys excrete more water in the urine, while they conserve water when the body is dehydrated. This helps balance the body’s fluids and ensures cells remain adequately hydrated, which is vital for normal physiological functions.
Can Kidneys Affect The Body’s Response To Stress?
Yes, the kidneys can influence the body’s response to stress through the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones help regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and the body’s energy response during stress. Impaired kidney function may alter the stress response, leading to complications like high blood pressure or fatigue.
How Do Kidneys Influence Muscle And Nerve Function?
Kidneys influence muscle and nerve function by regulating electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and sodium. Proper electrolyte balance is crucial for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. If kidney function is compromised, it can lead to imbalances that affect muscle strength, nerve signaling, and overall coordination.
What Are Kidney Stones, And How Do They Form?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys when urine becomes concentrated, allowing crystals to form. Factors like dehydration, high levels of calcium or oxalate in urine, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of stone formation, leading to intense pain and discomfort.
How Can Kidney Disease Affect The Body’s Ability To Produce Red Blood Cells?
Kidney disease can impair the kidneys’ ability to produce erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Without enough EPO, the body may develop anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. This is a common complication of chronic kidney disease.
What Is The Connection Between Kidney Function And Anemia?
The kidneys produce erythropoietin (EPO), which is essential for red blood cell production in the bone marrow. When kidney function declines, EPO production decreases, leading to anemia. This results in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, causing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
How Does Kidney Disease Impact Electrolyte Balance In The Body?
Kidney disease disrupts the kidneys’ ability to filter and regulate electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium. When kidney function declines, excess potassium or sodium may accumulate in the blood, while essential minerals may be lost. This imbalance can lead to serious health issues such as heart arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or bone problems.
What Are Some Early Signs That Your Kidneys Are Not Working Properly?
Early signs of kidney problems may include fatigue, swelling in the ankles or legs, frequent urination, especially at night, changes in urine color, and a decrease in urine output. You may also notice high blood pressure, back pain, or unexplained itching. If any of these occur, it’s important to seek medical advice.
How Can Kidney Failure Affect Blood Pressure Levels?
Kidney failure can lead to high blood pressure, as the kidneys lose the ability to regulate fluid balance and blood volume effectively. When kidneys cannot properly filter excess sodium and water, it results in fluid retention, which increases blood volume and raises blood pressure. This condition can worsen kidney damage over time.
What Happens To The Body’s Waste Products When The Kidneys Stop Working?
When kidneys stop working, waste products such as urea, creatinine, and toxins build up in the bloodstream. This leads to a condition called uremia, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, confusion, and fatigue. If untreated, it can be life-threatening, as the body becomes overwhelmed by toxic buildup.
How Do The Kidneys Help Control Blood Sugar Levels In The Body?
The kidneys help regulate blood sugar by filtering excess glucose from the blood. When blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys excrete some of the excess glucose in the urine. Additionally, kidneys can help activate certain enzymes that influence insulin sensitivity, contributing to overall blood sugar control.
What Is The Role Of Kidneys In Balancing The Body’s Acid-Base Levels?
The kidneys maintain the body’s acid-base balance by regulating the excretion of hydrogen ions (acid) and the reabsorption of bicarbonate (base). This process helps keep the blood pH within a narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45, essential for proper enzyme activity, cell function, and metabolic processes.
How Do Kidneys Influence The Digestive System’s Function?
Kidneys influence the digestive system by maintaining electrolyte balance, which is vital for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, by regulating calcium and vitamin D levels, kidneys support bone health, which in turn impacts the digestive system’s ability to function properly. The kidneys also help balance fluid levels for digestion.
Why Are Kidneys Important For Overall Cardiovascular Health?
Kidneys play a key role in regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte levels, all of which are essential for cardiovascular health. When kidneys are impaired, they can contribute to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and electrolyte imbalances, which strain the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
How Do Kidneys Help Control The Body’s Temperature Regulation?
Kidneys contribute to temperature regulation by maintaining fluid balance and electrolyte levels. By controlling the amount of water excreted, the kidneys help manage hydration, which is essential for regulating body temperature. Proper hydration ensures that the body can sweat effectively, helping to cool down during heat or physical activity.
How Can Kidney Health Be Monitored Or Tested?
Kidney health can be monitored through blood tests, such as measuring serum creatinine levels, and urine tests that detect protein or blood in the urine. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is also a key indicator of kidney function. Imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans may also be used to assess kidney health.
What Lifestyle Habits Are Most Beneficial For Kidney Health?
To support kidney health, it’s important to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reduce salt and processed foods. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can also significantly reduce the risk of kidney disease.
How Does Dehydration Affect Kidney Function?
Dehydration reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and maintain fluid balance. When the body is dehydrated, kidneys conserve water by producing concentrated urine, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones or urinary tract infections. Chronic dehydration can also impair kidney function over time, increasing the risk of kidney disease.
How Do Kidneys Contribute To The Production Of Vitamin D?
Kidneys activate vitamin D into its active form, calcitriol, which is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines. This process helps maintain healthy bones and supports various bodily functions like immune health. Without proper kidney function, the body may struggle to activate vitamin D, leading to calcium imbalance and bone issues.
How Do Kidneys Affect The Body’s Immune Response?
The kidneys play a role in the immune response by filtering the blood and removing harmful substances, including bacteria and viruses. They also produce certain hormones that help regulate immune functions. In cases of kidney disease, the immune system may be compromised, making it harder for the body to fight infections effectively.
How Do Kidneys Work To Keep The Body’s Hormones In Balance?
Kidneys produce and regulate several hormones, such as erythropoietin (EPO) for red blood cell production and renin for blood pressure regulation. They also activate vitamin D and influence calcium and phosphate balance. By controlling these hormones, kidneys help maintain a stable environment for the body’s metabolism and overall health.
What Happens To The Kidneys When You Have High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter blood effectively. Over time, this can lead to kidney disease, making it harder for the kidneys to regulate waste, fluid balance, and blood pressure. This creates a vicious cycle of kidney damage and worsening hypertension.
Can Kidney Function Affect The Body’s Ability To Break Down Food?
Yes, kidney function can affect digestion and nutrient breakdown. The kidneys regulate the levels of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are crucial for muscle contractions, including those in the digestive tract. Impaired kidney function may disrupt these processes, leading to digestive issues or difficulty in nutrient absorption.
How Can Kidney Disease Lead To Fluid Retention And Swelling In The Body?
In kidney disease, the kidneys struggle to filter excess fluid and waste. This results in fluid retention, leading to swelling in areas like the ankles, legs, and face. The body’s inability to regulate fluid levels can also lead to high blood pressure, further worsening kidney function and causing more swelling.
What Is The Impact Of Kidney Problems On Other Organs In The Body?
Kidney problems can affect other organs, particularly the heart, lungs, and bones. For instance, kidney disease can cause high blood pressure, which strains the heart and increases the risk of heart disease. It can also lead to calcium and phosphate imbalances, affecting bone health and causing cardiovascular issues.
What Happens If Kidney Function Decreases Over Time?
As kidney function declines, the kidneys become less able to filter waste and maintain fluid, electrolyte, and hormone balance. This can lead to toxin buildup in the body, fluid retention, anemia, bone health issues, and high blood pressure. If untreated, progressive kidney dysfunction can result in kidney failure and require dialysis or a transplant.
How Do The Kidneys Impact The Body’s Ability To Filter Out Drugs Or Medications?
The kidneys filter drugs and medications from the bloodstream. If kidney function is impaired, the ability to clear medications effectively decreases, leading to drug toxicity. This can cause side effects, overdose, or organ damage. People with kidney issues often require adjusted dosages or alternative medications to avoid complications.
What Is The Connection Between Kidney Health And Your Diet?
Diet plays a significant role in kidney health. A diet high in salt, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can exacerbate kidney disease, raising blood pressure and fluid retention. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in sodium and phosphorus, supports kidney function and reduces the risk of kidney damage.
How Do Kidneys Influence The Body’s Ability To Manage Stress And Anxiety?
Kidneys influence the body’s stress response through the production of hormones like renin, which regulates blood pressure, and cortisol, which helps manage stress. If kidney function is compromised, these hormonal processes may be disrupted, potentially increasing the body’s stress levels and affecting the overall ability to handle anxiety.
Can Kidney Damage Lead To Irreversible Health Conditions?
Yes, if kidney damage progresses without treatment, it can lead to irreversible conditions like kidney failure, heart disease, and bone problems. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can also cause permanent damage to organs such as the heart and liver, leading to systemic issues and reduced quality of life.
What Are The Warning Signs That Kidneys May Not Be Functioning Well?
Warning signs of kidney problems include fatigue, swollen ankles or legs, frequent urination, especially at night, changes in urine color, difficulty urinating, high blood pressure, and back or flank pain. Unexplained itching or skin rashes can also indicate kidney issues, especially when toxins build up in the bloodstream.
How Do Kidneys Help Regulate The Body’s Response To Exercise?
Kidneys help regulate hydration and electrolyte balance, both of which are essential for proper muscle function and stamina during exercise. They also help control blood pressure, ensuring that the body can supply enough oxygen to muscles. Proper kidney function supports endurance and recovery by maintaining fluid balance during physical activity.
What Is The Relationship Between Kidney Function And Heart Disease?
Kidney disease and heart disease are closely linked. Kidney dysfunction can lead to high blood pressure, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances, all of which put strain on the heart. Similarly, heart disease can decrease blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their function. This interconnection increases the risk of both conditions worsening over time.
How Do Kidneys Help Manage The Body’s Calcium And Phosphate Balance?
The kidneys regulate calcium and phosphate levels by filtering these minerals from the blood and controlling their reabsorption. They also activate vitamin D, which helps the intestines absorb calcium. Proper kidney function ensures that calcium and phosphate levels stay balanced, supporting bone health and preventing disorders like osteoporosis.
What Is The Role Of The Kidneys In Protein Metabolism?
The kidneys help regulate protein metabolism by filtering out excess amino acids and nitrogenous waste products, like urea, from the blood. They also play a role in balancing protein intake through processes like gluconeogenesis and maintaining nitrogen balance. Impaired kidney function can lead to the buildup of waste products from protein breakdown.
How Do Kidneys Prevent The Buildup Of Waste Products In The Body?
Kidneys filter the blood, removing waste products such as urea and creatinine. The nephrons in the kidneys filter the blood, reabsorb necessary nutrients, and excrete excess waste through urine. By effectively performing these functions, kidneys prevent the accumulation of harmful toxins that could otherwise damage the body.
Can Lifestyle Choices Like Smoking Affect Kidney Health?
Yes, smoking can negatively impact kidney health by narrowing blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the kidneys, and increasing the risk of hypertension. Smoking also accelerates the progression of kidney disease, leading to quicker deterioration of kidney function. Quitting smoking is crucial for maintaining kidney and overall cardiovascular health.
How Do Kidneys Manage The Body’s Blood Supply And Red Blood Cell Production?
The kidneys help manage blood supply by regulating blood volume, pressure, and fluid balance. They produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. This process ensures that the body has enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues, crucial for overall metabolic function.
How Does Kidney Disease Affect The Body’s Ability To Maintain Energy Levels?
Kidney disease can lead to fatigue by causing anemia, as impaired kidneys produce less erythropoietin, which is necessary for red blood cell production. Additionally, the buildup of waste and toxins in the body can lead to general fatigue, making it harder to maintain energy levels and perform daily activities.
What Steps Can People Take To Improve Kidney Health And Function?
To improve kidney health, individuals should maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, avoid excessive salt and processed foods, and exercise regularly. Monitoring blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can also prevent kidney damage. Regular kidney function checks with a doctor are important for early detection of any issues.
Conclusion: Why You Should Care About Your Kidneys
So, what does the kidney do for the body? Quite a lot, actually. From filtering waste and regulating blood pressure to maintaining fluid balance and supporting red blood cell production, kidneys are essential for maintaining overall health. They’re constantly working behind the scenes to ensure that your body stays in balance and free from harmful toxins.
Taking care of your kidneys is essential, and it starts with simple lifestyle habits like staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive use of substances that could harm them, such as alcohol or over-the-counter painkillers. The more you understand about what your kidneys do for the body, the better you can care for them—and keep them working their magic for years to come!