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They are a pair of bean shaped organs, each roughly the size of a fist on either side of your spine, below your ribs and behind your belly.
Most people are born with two kidneys, but it is possible to be born with one kidney and have a normal life.
Our kidneys are master chemists that always balances the chemical composition of blood regardless of what we eat or drink. Did you know that they process 1800 liters of blood in 24 hours? Kidneys have two distinct layers – the cortex which is the outer layer and the medulla which is the inner layer. Both layers contain about a million specialized filters called nephrons that process and filter our blood. Each heartbeat sends 25% of our blood to the kidneys for processing which involves filtration of blood, reabsorption of important minerals and elimination of excess water, toxins and waste products – better known as urine.
The functions of the kidneys:
1. Blood pressure control – the kidneys regulate our body’s arterial blood pressure in various ways, including hormones, salt and water regulation.
2. Volume control – the kidneys regulate salt and water balance to control our body’s total fluid volume. Have you ever noticed that your urine is darker when you drink less water and clearer when you drink more?
3. Mineral balance and toxin elimination – as mentioned in the introduction, when the kidneys process blood, they filter out unwanted toxins into the urine whilst retaining the minerals the body needs in a constant cycle to maintain balance.
4. Red blood cell production – A red blood cell has a lifespan of 120 days. The medulla senses and sends signals to the bone marrow telling it to make new red blood cells. If your hemoglobin or blood count is low, it can be a sign of poorly functioning kidneys.
5. Bone health – Strong healthy bones require dietary calcium, phosphorus and plant and animal sources of Vitamin D. Whether you take supplements or spend lots of time outdoors in the sun you need your kidneys to activate Vitamin D to help your intestines absorb these minerals from food and strengthen your bones.
Our kidneys are truly remarkable organs that perform life-saving functions for our bodies. No wonder it is the most transplanted organ!
About Us
Sunshine Kidney Care Nephrology Associates is the newest Nephrology Practice in Central Florida led by our board-certified nephrologists – Dr. John Hayes and Dr. Ingrid Calliste who together offer a combined 24 years of expert care and experience. Our patients can expect quality, collaborative, comprehensive, holistic and compassionate medical care delivered by an excellent provider team. The practice offers a range of clinical services including hospital consultations, office consultations and dialysis care. We also offer education, planning and management of renal replacement therapies and pre and post kidney transplant care. We have partnered with Fresenius Medical Care and DaVita Kidney Care to treat dialysis patients at 8 area dialysis centers. We will help you to navigate your individual treatment plans with our personalized approach to healthcare.
Sunshine Kidney Care Nephrology Associates
352.388.5800
Ste 522 The Sharon Morse Medical Office Building
1400 US Hwy 441N, The Villages FL 32159
