The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located below the rib cage, are critical to your health and well-being. However, you don’t necessarily need both to keep the body functioning correctly. In fact, many people can live healthy lives with just one kidney. Here, we’ll explore the kidneys in more depth, explain how it’s possible to live with one kidney, and discuss how long you can live with just one of these essential organs. Understanding the KidneysThe kidneys are responsible for several critical processes in the body. Here are some of their most important functions: Filtering waste products from the bloodThe kidneys remove waste products from the blood with the help of nephrons, microscopic structures that filter blood and produce urine. There are approximately 1 million nephrons in each kidney. Each nephron consists of a filter, known as the glomerulus, and a tubule. The glomerulus filters the blood, and the tubule returns essential substances to the blood while removing waste. Balancing electrolytesElectrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, are minerals that play critical roles in blood pressure regulation, nervous system functions, and much more. The continuous filtering of the kidneys helps to balance the levels of electrolytes in your blood and prevents them from rising too high or dropping too low. Regulating blood pressureThe kidneys produce several hormones. Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells, and renin plays a role in regulating blood pressure, specifically when blood pressure or sodium levels drop too low. Living with One KidneySomeone might need to live with just one kidney for several reasons. For example, they may have decided to donate one of their kidneys to someone else who needs a transplant, or they may have had a kidney removed due to disease or injury. Regardless of why someone has one kidney, the body can function perfectly well with just one of these organs. When a person loses one kidney, the remaining kidney undergoes several adaptations to compensate for the lost function. Here's a quick breakdown of how this process works:
Life Expectancy with One KidneyMorbidity and mortality rates are very low for those living with one kidney. One study showed a mortality rate of just 0.03%! Put simply, in most cases, having one kidney does not significantly impact your life expectancy as long as the remaining kidney stays healthy. Protecting Your KidneyMany factors contribute to kidney health. If you’re living with one kidney, some specific steps you can take to protect it include:
Myths and Realities of Life with One KidneyThere are plenty of myths out there surrounding life with one kidney. Some of the most pervasive ones are that:
The Bottom Line: The Kidneys are ResilientThe kidneys are incredible and resilient organs, and the body can adapt if a person has to have a kidney removed for any reason. Most people with only one kidney live perfectly healthy lives and do not have to make any significant adjustments. About Milwaukee NephrologistsWith a team of board-certified specialists, including dietitians, Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s go-to resource for kidney-health concerns.
To learn more about protecting and caring for your kidneys, check out our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment.
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