Did you know your kidneys filter all of your blood up  to 25 times a day? This kidney month, join us in getting to know your kidneys. Learn how you can protect these two fist-sized, bean-shaped organs that work around the clock for you. 

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Learn about kidney health 

Your kidneys make urine and remove waste and extra fluid from your body. If your  kidneys are struggling, they will work harder to keep up. You can lose up to 60% of your kidney function before you notice any problems. That’s why it’s important to take steps to keep your kidneys healthy today. 

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Understand your risk for kidney disease 

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney  disease, or if you are over age 65, talk with a healthcare professional about your risk for kidney disease. Checking on your kidneys is the best way to know if they are healthy. Your health care professional can help you get tested for kidney disease and  talk with you about your test results. 

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You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. During your next medical visit, you may want to ask your healthcare provider about your kidney health. Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, so getting tested my be the only way to know your kidneys are healthy. Your healthcare provider will help decide how often you should be tested.

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How do my kidneys work

Each of your kidneys is made up of about a million filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron includes a filter, called the glomerulus, and a tubule. The glomerulus filters your blood and the tubule returns needed substances to your blood and pulls out additional wastes. Wastes and extra water become urine.

How do my kidneys work?

Embrace a kidney-healthy lifestyle 

Take steps to build healthy habits. This can include eating healthy foods you enjoy, being active for 30 minutes each day, and aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep at  night. Also quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink per day if you are a woman and two drinks per day if you are a man. 

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Make healthy food choices

Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. 

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See a provider right away if you develop a urinary tract infection (UTI),

which can cause kidney damage if left untreated.

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