The human body is an amazing thing, created to regulate itself in ways that seem truly miraculous. Our circulatory system pumps a steady supply of blood throughout our body, keeping our tissues healthy and nourished. Our lungs bring in life-sustaining oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Our digestive system turns the food we eat into useful fuel for our bodies to use. And our urinary system flushes toxins and wastes from our bodies.

Most people know that the kidneys are a major part of the process of removing waste from our body. Those two little organs filter approximately 200 quarts of fluid every day, eliminating toxins and excess fluids. But that isn't the full extent of why kidney health is important. We rely on our healthy kidneys for many other reasons, too.

Our kidneys also release hormones to keep our blood pressure regulated and to stimulate the production of red blood cells. They also produce Vitamin D that keeps our bones healthy and strong. Without strong and healthy kidneys, our lives would be very different.

Our kidneys can become weakened in a number of ways. The number one cause of kidney disease is diabetes, which is one of many reasons why it is important to keep diabetes under control. High blood pressure is the 2nd leading cause of kidney disease. Getting your blood pressure checked regularly and keeping hypertension under control with diet, exercise, and medication (if needed) reduces your risk of developing kidney disease. And some people are born with kidney issues, which can often be hereditary.

Detecting kidney disease is as simple as taking a urine test. Unfortunately, people don't always test in time to learn that they have kidney disease until it is quite advanced, since there are few symptoms to alert them that something is wrong. When kidney disease is too advanced, it can lead to the necessity of dialysis treatments or even require a kidney transplant.

Since we have two kidneys and only truly need one to keep us healthy, the kidney is one of the few organs that can be donated while you are still alive, giving you a chance to save the life of another.

It's easy to see why it is so important to do what you can to keep your kidneys healthy and strong. Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and protein sources like egg whites and fish is very good for your kidneys. Avoiding the use of illegal drugs and keeping your use of over-the-counter medications to a minimum also helps to reduce strain on your kidneys. These tips are even more crucial if you do suffer from kidney disease.

Taking proper care of your health by eating right, getting enough sleep, avoiding toxins, and getting enough activity supports your many body systems, including your kidneys. Take good care of your body, and it will take good care of you!