Kidneys: What They Do, How They Fail, and What You Can Do About It

When your kidneys, two fist-sized organs that filter waste and regulate fluid balance in your body. Also known as renal system, they work nonstop—processing about 120 to 150 quarts of blood each day to produce 1 to 2 quarts of urine. Most people think of kidneys as just urine makers, but they’re also your body’s chemical balancekeepers. They control blood pressure, make red blood cells, activate vitamin D, and keep your bones strong. When they start slipping, it’s not a loud alarm—it’s a quiet drain. Fatigue, swollen ankles, trouble sleeping, or even just feeling off for weeks? Those can be early signs your kidneys are struggling.

The biggest threat to kidney health isn’t just old age—it’s type 2 diabetes, a condition where high blood sugar slowly damages the tiny filters in the kidneys. High blood pressure is another silent killer. Together, they account for nearly 70% of kidney failure cases in India. But here’s the good news: new medications like SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of diabetes drugs that also protect the kidneys by reducing sugar reabsorption and lowering pressure in the kidney filters. are changing the game. These aren’t just for blood sugar—they’re now frontline protectors for kidney function, even in people without diabetes. And unlike older treatments, they actually slow down damage instead of just managing symptoms.

What you eat matters too. A diet high in salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks puts extra strain on your kidneys. Ayurveda suggests starting your day with warm, cooked meals—not cold fruit or coffee—to support digestion and reduce internal stress on organs. And while supplements like vitamin D3 help with overall immunity and bone health, they won’t fix kidney damage if your blood sugar or pressure is out of control. The real fix? Early testing. A simple urine albumin test or blood creatinine check can catch trouble before it’s serious. Most Indians don’t get screened until they’re already in trouble. That’s like waiting for a leaky roof to collapse before fixing it.

In the posts below, you’ll find real stories and science-backed advice on how kidneys fail, what treatments are working now, and how everyday choices—from what you eat to what meds you take—can either protect or harm them. You’ll see how drugs like metformin and Ozempic aren’t just for weight or sugar—they’re quietly saving kidneys. You’ll learn what symptoms to watch for, when to push for tests, and how to avoid the traps that lead to dialysis. This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness. Your kidneys don’t yell. But they’re always talking. You just have to know how to listen.