Kidneys-Don't take them for granted...

[Guest guest]

Last couple of weeks,

kidneys are in news for all wrong reasons. We of course need better laws,

awareness (and ethical doctors); so that such scandals do not recur.

Tucked below the liver

& spleen, and flanking the spine, kidneys make up just about half a

percent of our body weight. They are amazing organs which perform magical

feats for us... and yet we tend to be ignorant and take them for granted.

Here are ten of the several

things which kidneys do for us:

1.

Filter 200 liters of blood

a day, removing two liters of toxins, wastes and water

2.

Regulate the body’s hydration

and water balance

3.

Regulate blood pressure

by controlling fluid levels and making the hormone that causes blood vessels

to constrict

4.

Support healthy bones

and tissues by producing the active form of Vitamin D

5.

Produce the hormone that

stimulates bone marrow to manufacture red blood cells

6.

Keep blood minerals in

balance

7.

Keep electrolytes in balance

8.

Regulate blood acid levels

9.

Remove certain drugs from

the blood

10.

Eliminate excess water-soluble

vitamins

..... & here are ten

things we can do for this precious pair:

1.

Exercise regularly

2.

Don’t overuse over-the-counter painkillers or NSAIDs (non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs)

3.

Control weight

4.

Get an annual physical

5.

Follow a healthful diet

6.

Know your family’s medical history

7.

Monitor blood pressure & cholesterol

8.

Learn about kidney disease

9.

Don’t smoke or abuse alcohol

10.

Talk to your doctor about getting tested if you’re at risk

for CKD (chronic kidney disease) eg diabetics

13th March 2008 will be observed

as World Kidney Day. Visit www.worldkidneyday.org/

for details.

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