Kidney Check
Keep your kidneys healthy
90% of the 200,000 New Zealanders who have indicators of chronic kidney disease are largely unaware they have a potentially life threatening disease. Chronic kidney disease can be detected early with a kidney function test and managed appropriately which means deterioration in kidney function can be reduced by as much as 50% and may even be reversible.
The kidneys play a vital role in the daily workings of your body. Your blood supply circulates through the kidneys about 12 times every hour, and the kidneys make urine from excess fluid and unwanted chemicals or waste in your blood.
The kidneys perform a number of key functions - when kidney function is impaired, this can be evident in the results of a kidney function test:
- Cleaning blood – kidneys filter your blood to remove wastes and toxins.
- Blood pressure control – kidneys keep your blood pressure regular.
- Water balance – kidneys add excess water to other wastes, which makes your urine.
- Vitamin D activation – kidneys manage your body’s production of this essential vitamin, which is vital for strong bones, muscles and overall health.
Bodybuilders and extreme athletes are more at risk of kidney failure due to high protein intake, excessive muscle breakdown from intense exercise, as well as anabolic steroid use.
