The kidney is a vital organ in the human body. Its main function is to filter the blood to keep it clean. The human body normally contains two kidneys, but the body can function properly with just one. There are a variety of reasons why people have just one kidney. According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in every 750 children is born with only one kidney. A healthy, well-balanced diet is recommended for individuals with one kidney. To promote optimal health, you may have to make certain dietary and lifestyle changes over time.
Function
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs no larger than the size of your fist. Known as processing units for the body, they are located below the rib cage near the middle of the back. The kidneys are essential to good health. They remove excess water and waste from the blood, keep the proper balance of minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium in your blood, produce hormones, maintain a normal blood pressure, manufacture red blood cells, and release vitamin D for strong and healthy bones.
Causes
A genetic abnormality known as renal agenesis is typically the cause of a person being born with just one kidney. However, you can also be born with renal dysplasia, a birth defect that renders one kidney unable to function. A nephrectomy, or kidney removal surgery secondary to injury, obstruction, cancer treatment or other disease is one reason for having one kidney later in life. A growing trend in medicine today is the donation of a kidney for transplant to a family member or friend who suffers from kidney failure.
Potential Effects
Most people who live with one kidney generally lead normal and healthy lives. If it does affect your health, it will happen gradually over time. The adverse health effects you may experience are similar to those related to kidney failure and are typically treated with dietary and lifestyle changes. You may experience high blood pressure because the kidneys are responsible for regulating the amount of fluid that flows through the bloodstream and producing rennin, a hormone that helps the blood vessels contract and expand normally. Over time, you may develop a condition known as proteinuria, or excessive protein in your urine. Although proteinuria is often a sign of kidney damage, it is relatively common among individuals who live with one kidney for several years.
Recommended Diet
The National Kidney Foundation reports that having a single kidney does not necessarily indicate that you have to follow a special diet. Rather, you need to make healthy choices and include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods into your eating plan. Nevertheless, your diet depends upon your individual condition, your height and weight, activity level, whether you suffer from kidney disease or require dialysis and complications you experience. There are certain dietary restrictions you may need to follow to promote renal and overall health. Working with a dietitian may be helpful to understand your individual needs.
Diet Restrictions
Over time, your kidney function may gradually decline, requiring you to follow specific diet recommendations and restrictions. Limiting your fluid, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein intake may become necessary when your kidney can no longer handle the burden, according to MedlinePlus. Excess amounts of sodium in the diet can interrupt your fluid balance, so you may need to limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,000 mg per day. Avoid adding extra salt during cooking or at the table. Moderate fluid and sodium restrictions will help improve your blood pressure levels. When protein is broken down, it creates waste material that must be removed by the kidneys. Too much protein can cause proteinuria and force your kidneys to work harder than normal, so you may need to limit your protein intake. Additionally, you should only consume alcohol and caffeine in strict moderation to help the kidneys function as normally as possible.
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