Kidney Function: What Your Kidneys Do and What to Watch For

Your kidneys filter about 120–150 quarts of blood every day and keep the fluid, salts, and minerals in balance. They also remove waste, control blood pressure, and make hormones that keep bones and blood healthy. When kidneys slow down, waste builds up and you can feel tired, swollen, or short of breath.

Knowing how kidneys work helps you spot problems early and protect them with simple habits and smart choices about medicines.

How to spot trouble fast

Kidney damage often starts quietly. Watch for these clear signs: less urine or darker urine, foamy urine, swollen ankles or around the eyes, constant fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained shortness of breath. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, get tested regularly — those are the biggest risks for kidney damage.

Common lab checks tell a lot: serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) show filtering power, while urine albumin checks for protein leakage. Ask your doctor for these tests if you have risk factors or any of the signs above.

Medications, daily habits, and real protection

Some drugs can harm kidneys, especially when used long-term or in high doses. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Contrast dyes for some scans, certain antibiotics, and high doses of some blood pressure meds need care too. If you buy meds online, always check with your doctor or pharmacist — dosing can change if your kidney function is reduced.

Simple daily steps protect your kidneys: control blood pressure and blood sugar, keep hydrated but don't overdo it, cut down on salt, avoid excessive protein diets unless advised, and limit regular NSAID use. Exercise, quit smoking, and keep a healthy weight — those lower the strain on your kidneys.

If you have chronic conditions, bring a current medication list to every visit. Your doctor may adjust drug doses based on eGFR. For anyone ordering prescriptions online, pick verified pharmacies and confirm dosing for your kidney status before you buy.

When to see a specialist? If eGFR is below 60 for three months, or urine tests show rising protein, ask for a nephrology referral. Sudden drops in urine output, very high potassium, or severe swelling need urgent care.

Small changes add up. Regular tests, better blood pressure and blood sugar control, and smart medication choices keep kidneys doing their job for years. If you’re unsure about a medicine or a test result, talk to your clinician — that’s the fastest way to protect kidney health.