The Vital Role of Kidneys in Regulating Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

by Umar Sallau, MD

The kidney is an organ that is frequently overlooked, although it is vital to our general health. Blood pressure regulation is one of the kidneys' most crucial roles. (Blood pressure is a measurement of how hard our body's artery walls are being pressed by blood.) Heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems can all be caused by high blood pressure. 

This blog post will discuss the vital role kidneys play in controlling blood pressure as well as what you should know to maintain the health of your kidneys. Continue reading to learn more about the vital role that your kidneys play, from knowing how they function to useful advice for keeping them healthy.

  1. What are the functions of the kidneys?

A critical organ in the human body, the kidneys carry out several essential tasks. Each person has two kidneys, which are bean-shaped organs situated in the back of the belly. Their main job is to filter waste from the blood and eliminate it from the body through urine. The force of your blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood throughout your body is called blood pressure, and the kidneys are crucial in controlling blood pressure. 

Kidneys accomplish this by managing the blood's salt and mineral levels as well as the body's fluid balance. The kidneys also make substances that aid in controlling blood pressure. Renin is a hormone that is released by the kidneys when they notice that blood pressure is too low. Renin raises blood pressure by tightening blood vessels and boosting bodily fluid levels. 

For preserving good health and avoiding kidney-related disorders, it is imperative to comprehend the critical role that the kidneys play in controlling blood pressure.

  1. How do the kidneys control blood pressure? 

The kidneys are essential for controlling blood pressure. They are in charge of eliminating waste materials and extra fluid from the body, which aids in preserving a balanced ratio of fluids and electrolytes. (Electrolytes, such as sodium, magnesium and potassium, are substances with natural positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water and they help regulate blood pressure, etc.) 

Additionally, hormones that help control blood pressure are produced by the kidneys. Renin and angiotensin are the two hormones that the kidneys produce to help control blood pressure. When the kidneys detect a reduction in blood pressure, renin is released. Angiotensin is then produced as a result of a sequence of chemical processes that are triggered by renin. A strong vasoconstrictor, angiotensin, constricts the blood vessels. 

Blood pressure increases as a result of the blood vessels narrowing. Additionally, angiotensin promotes the synthesis of the hormone aldosterone, which causes the kidneys to retain more sodium and water, raising blood volume and blood pressure. 

In addition to making these hormones, the kidneys are essential for flushing out the body's extra salt and water through urine. Blood pressure and volume are better controlled as a result. Overall, the kidneys are constantly working to ensure the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, which aids in regulating blood pressure.

  1. Factors and signs of kidney-related hypertension

Blood pressure is strongly regulated by the kidneys, and high blood pressure can result from impaired kidney function. Diabetes, hereditary diseases, renal disease, and other conditions can all contribute to problems with blood pressure that are related to the kidneys. Medication side effects can include kidney issues that result in high blood pressure. 

Mild to severe kidney-related blood pressure symptoms can include chronic headaches, visual impairments, ankle and foot edema, and breathing difficulties. It is crucial to remember that symptoms might not appear until the ailment has advanced, necessitating routine check-ups with your healthcare provider. 

Blood pressure problems associated with the kidneys should be recognized and treated as soon as feasible. High blood pressure can cause major health issues like heart disease, stroke, and renal (kidney) failure if it is not properly treated. It's crucial to consult your healthcare professional to decide the best course of action if you think you could have kidney-related blood pressure problems.

  1. Preserving healthy kidneys to avoid blood pressure problems

As stated above, blood pressure is significantly regulated by the kidneys. As a result, it's critical to look after them to avoid kidney-related blood pressure problems. Here are some pointers for keeping your kidneys in good shape: 

  • Keep Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water promotes kidney health. Unless it is in winter, 8 to 10 glasses of water each day is generally recommended. 
  • Consume a Balanced Diet: High blood pressure and kidney-related problems can be avoided by following a balanced diet low in salt, fried foods, sugar, and saturated fats. 
  • Engage in regular exercise: Exercise increases blood flow and lowers the risk of kidney-related problems. Aim for 30 minutes of brisk activity five times a week or more. 
  • Quit smoking. Smoking harms the kidneys and raises the possibility of kidney-related conditions. 
  • Control Stress: Stress raises blood pressure and places an additional load on the kidneys. Using techniques to manage stress, such as meditation in prayers, gratitude, can lower the risk of kidney-related problems. You can maintain healthy kidneys and avoid kidney-related blood pressure problems by heeding these recommendations. 

     
    Enhanced Kidneys Support

    As your kidneys are crucial in controlling blood pressure and your general health, it is crucial to practice preventative care and take good care of them. The ingredients of our Enhanced Kidneys Support are carefully selected based on scientific findings of some of the best herbs that support and promote kidney health to help promote normal blood pressure.

    DISCLAIMER: All articles on this site are for educational purposes ONLY.