How much thought do you give to your kidneys? You know, those organs that sit in the back region, sort of below the ribs? Well, since March is National Kidney Month, you have the opportunity to give them a bit more consideration!
So what do your kidneys actually do? Well, the kidneys aren’t exactly the pride of the body; not glamorous or an organ people like to share about. Maybe that’s part of why they are tucked away in the back area of the body. And yet, for as much as they are pushed aside in conversation, they are very important to the proper function of the body.
The kidneys rest at the top of the urination process. Waste, primarily from food that isn’t used, and extra fluids, like water, are filtered from the blood in the kidneys and the urine is then sent down the ureter tubes to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it can be expelled.
This is important because the kidneys take out the excess and waste out of the body. Doing this helps with other organs working more property such as the heart and lungs. And everyone likes to talk about healthy hearts and lungs!
Kidneys contribute to making red blood cells, balancing ph levels, and contribute to healthy blood pressure. Not bad for a couple of fist-sized body filters.
Another function of the kidneys is separating out and managing useful minerals the body needs. These include potassium, sodium, and calcium. Similarly, potassium and calcium are useful for the kidneys to filter blood. In addition, lower levels of potassium in elder care could be related to strokes, heart disease, arthritis, and digestive disorders. Potassium can be found naturally in foods such as bananas, nuts, and potatoes.
Kidneys also help with vitamin D; a valuable mineral for elder care. Vitamin D is valuable because it helps with bone strength by assisting with calcium absorption and can help the body fight disease. As people age, the body’s ability to process vitamin D is said to decrease, which affects things like being able to maintain balance. Vitamin D is naturally obtained through direct sunlight on the skin and indirectly through supplements.
It’s useful to know for elder care that some medications can interfere with vitamin D in the body; even supplements. It is a good idea to check with a physician about the relationship between prescription medications and vitamin D for senior health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elder care in Claremont, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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