Overview
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which your kidneys have been damaged and are no longer capable of filtering your blood and keeping you healthy. Most patients have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, if your kidney disease progresses, wastes in your blood might build up and make you sick. High blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health, and nerve damage are all possible side effects. The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs near the bottom of the rib cage that are in charge of:
- Waste products, excess water, and other contaminants are filtered out of the bloodstream.
- Keeping the body's pH, salt, and potassium levels in check.
- Blood pressure and red blood cell production are both regulated.
- Increasing calcium absorption by activating a type of vitamin D.