The kidneys are small but vital organs that keep the body in balance. They regulate water levels by conserving what the body needs and removing excess fluid through urine. They also control electrolytes, ensuring proper levels of minerals needed for muscle function, fluid balance, and other essential processes.

The kidneys remove waste and toxins from the blood, helping keep the body clean and healthy. Examples of waste, or toxins, are urea, creatinine (from normal muscle activity), acids, simple sugars, alcohol, and even certain medications. They play a major role in blood pressure control by adjusting blood vessel diameter and managing how much water the body retains or excretes through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

They also produce important hormones. Erythropoietin (EPO) helps stimulate red blood cells formation in our bone marrow. This harmone stimulates red blood cell production when oxygen levels drop. Kidneys convert Vitamin D into its active form calcitriol, which is necessary for calcium absorption and healthy bone formation.

In addition, the kidneys help maintain the body’s acid-base balance, keeping blood pH within a safe and stable range.

Together, these functions make the kidneys essential for overall health and homeostasis.