Kidneys

Description

The Kidneys are a pair of Organs situated at the back of the Abdomen, below the diaphragm on each side of the Spine responsible for the disposal of waste materials from the Blood.  The Adrenal Cortex is located on the Kidneys.

Cardiovascular System

 The Kidneys help to regulate Blood Pressure.

 Erythropoietin (the Hormone which controls the formation of Red Blood Cells) is produced in the Kidneys.

Excretory System

       The Kidneys monitor the quality of blood so that the body is not poisoned by the end-products of its own Metabolism and the proper volume and composition of its body fluids is maintained.

       Approximately 25% of the Blood pumped by the heart each minute is filtered by the Kidneys and toxins are excreted from the body via this filtration mechanism (via Urine).

 Aluminum is excreted from the body via the Kidneys.

 Nitrogen waste products (Ammonia) are excreted from the body via the Kidneys.

 Excess Sodium is excreted from the body via the Kidneys.

 Urea is excreted from the body via the Kidneys.

 Uric Acid is excreted from the body via the Kidneys.

 Excess Water is excreted from the body via the Kidneys.

 The Kidneys are responsible for the continual production of Urine that contains the waste products filtered by the Kidneys.

Metabolism

 Some endogenous Creatine is manufactured by the Kidneys (from Arginine, Methionine and Glycine).

 The active endogenous form of Vitamin D (i.e. Calcitriol) is manufactured within the Kidneys from its precursor - Calcidiol.

Water & Water Balance

 The Kidneys are the primary organ responsible for the body's Water Balance.

Alkaloids

 Betaine may inhibit the ability of some toxins (including Carbon Tetrachloride) to damage the Kidneys.  ^[1]

Amino Acids

 Arginine may improve the function of the Kidneys and may help to prevent age-related degradation of the Kidneys.  ^[2]

 Glutamine may be essential for the optimal health of the Kidneys.  ^[3]

 Taurine concentrates in the cortex of the Kidneys.  ^[4]

Carotenoids

 Beta-Carotene concentrates in the Kidneys.  ^[5]

 Lycopene concentrates in the Kidneys. 

Enzymes

 Acid Phosphatase concentrates in the Kidneys.

 Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) helps to regulate normal Cell function in the Kidneys.  ^[6]

 Glutaminase is present in the Kidneys.

Hormones

 Aldosterone regulates Water Balance in the Kidneys by causing Sodium retention and Potassium excretion.

 Supplemental Melatonin may help to prevent the Kidney damage caused by Doxorubicin and Mercury (Melatonin increases Glutathione and Catalase levels in the Kidneys which helps to prevent Mercury and Doxorubicin-induced Kidney damage).  ^[7]

Lipids

 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) deficiency may cause Kidney malfunction. 

 Beta-Ecdysterone may enhance the function of the Kidneys. 

 Linoleic Acid (LA) deficiency may cause Kidney malfunction.  ^[8]

 Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) may enhance the ability of the Kidneys to remove excess Sodium, Water and other fluids from the body (i.e. acts as a diuretic).

Lipoproteins

 High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) may help to prevent Kidney damage (persons with low HDL have an increased risk of Kidney dysfunction).  ^[9]

Minerals

 Calcium is involved in Kidney function. 

 Charcoal may assist people with failing Kidneys to excrete waste products that their Kidneys would otherwise have difficulty handling but high dosages around 20 - 50 grams per day must be used to obtain this benefit. 

 Cobalt concentrates in the Kidneys. 

 Magnesium may alleviate Inflammation of the Kidney tissues and prevents the accumulation of excessive quantities of Calcium within the Kidneys - a condition known as Nephrocalcinosis. 

 Manganese accumulates in the Kidneys. 

 Molybdenum may improve the function of the Kidneys.  ^[10]

 Phosphorus may improve the function of the Kidneys.