The normal human body contains two kidneys, which are considered among the body's major organs. However, not all people have both kidneys. According to the National Kidney Foundation, about one in every 750 children are born with only one kidney. Others have a kidney removed later in life. Some dietary changes may be necessary to maintain optimal health when living with one kidney.
Function
The kidneys perform several important functions in the human body, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. These functions include the removal of wastes and excess fluids from the bloodstream, blood pressure maintenance and production of essential hormones.
Distribution
More male children are born with only one kidney than females, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Reproductive abnormalities sometimes occur in children born with one kidney--this occurs more often in females than in males.
Causes
The condition of being born with only one kidney, or renal agenesis, is typically caused by a genetic abnormality. There are also several reasons that may cause a person to have a kidney removed later in life, such as cancer or donation of a kidney to a transplant recipient, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Injury, obstruction or tumors may also necessitate the removal of a kidney, notes the National Kidney Foundation.
Considerations
People with only one kidney typically do not need to adopt a special diet, notes the National Kidney Foundation. However, limiting sodium to 2,000 mg per day or less may be especially important, especially if you have hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Alcohol and caffeine are toxins filtered by the kidneys, so people with only one kidney may need to limit their consumption of these chemicals. Also, the assimilation of protein produces wastes in the bloodstream, so low to moderate intake of protein may be necessary.
Potential
With a sensible diet, most people with only one kidney experience health similar to a person with both kidneys, according to the National Kidney Foundation. However some people may be at greater risk of high blood pressure. Also, some people with one kidney may experience slightly elevated protein levels in the urine.
