The kidneys filter impurities from the blood. When physicians want to speak of how effectively this filtration happens, they refer to the patient's kidney function or renal function.
Diseases that affect renal function in children are...
Kidney disease--also called renal disease--includes an array of different diseases. Some involve structural defects that were present before birth and others are generally not present until early adolescence. Some diseases are very aggressive and...
Healthy kidneys prevent proteins in the blood stream from spilling into the urine. This is why doctors often first suspect kidney disease when a patient presents with elevated urine protein, or proteinuria. Proteinuria often occurs when the...
According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in nine Americans has some form of kidney disease. While some of this disease may be attributed to lifestyle factors, much of it is related to age and genetics. Ethnicity also plays a role as some...
There are a number of reasons why you may discover that your favorite pair of jeans no longer fit the way they used to. While it can be shocking and saddening to noticed that you have gained weight around your waist, in most cases weight gain is...
Children are a special subset of kidney patients because they are prone to kidney disorders that are not seen in adults. The symptoms of these diseases are often more dramatic than those exhibited by adults. Treating these symptoms can be...
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can occur in children as it does in adults. However, common causes for the disorder differ between the two age groups. While primary hypertension--high blood pressure not due to another disorder--predominates...
Pyruvate is critical in the breakdown of sugar in the body, and calcium pyruvate--taken to increase the amount of pyruvate in the body--is a supplement touted by some nutrition researchers for having various health benefits. Questions have been...
Among their many functions, the kidneys of healthy people prevent protein from entering the urine. If you are healthy, the kidneys will perform this function even if you eat a lot of protein. This is not necessarily true for kidney patients,...
Most alternative practitioners are unfamiliar with kidney disease. This is not surprising, because most medical doctors who have not specialized in nephrology or urology also tend to be unfamiliar with the current research on IgA nephropathy,...
Hectic lives, stress and caffeine are only a few factors that contribute to sleep problems in our society. In 2002, the National Sleep Foundation found that 74 percent of adults in the United States experience trouble with sleep "a few nights a...
MedlinePlus says that ascites refers to a collection of fluid that seeps into the tissues between the stomach lining and its cavity (peritoneal cavity). Certain underlying medical problems can, unfortunately, lead to ascites. Some of these...
Gradual swelling of the legs, also known as edema, can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. For example, leg swelling can indicate kidney problems or even heart failure. Raising the legs, wearing compression stockings, watching salt...
A treadmill can serve as a useful exercise device for weight-loss beginners. Depending on your level of fitness, you can vary the speed from a slow walk to a fast run, and machines often allow you to increase the incline to make the workout more...
The human body works hard to maintain a very strict internal pH balance. However, most of the foods Americans consume on a daily basis are acid-producing after digestion. This leads to a number of physical problems and even disease. Following an...
Few situations are as stressful for new parents as a baby that consistently will not settle and fall asleep. Although most new parents expect to get less sleep than they did before their baby's arrival, a baby who stays up all night long can try...
A person with a kidney disorder may or may not have any symptoms. Indeed, some people do not have any symptoms until the damage is severe. Blood in the urine is a sign there is damage at some point along the urinary tract. A high amount of protein...
Almonds are a versatile nut that you can blanch or dry roast, as well as enjoy raw. You digest almonds slightly differently, depending on how you prepare or purchase them. Almonds have a mild flavor, make a great addition to any salad or entree...
December through March is the best time to see the Tahoe Lake Shore via snowshoe. With so many trail options, novices and families along with seasoned shoers can enjoy incredible views, frozen lakes and varied terrain. Half-day to full-day treks...
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a combination birth control pill used used to prevent pregnancy. Although it is an effective method of birth control when used correctly, there are reasons why a woman may want to discontinue Othro Tri-Cyclen, such as side...
Beets have a bright red juice, which you can use to dye your favorite cake and cookie frostings. This natural option colors the frosting as well as a commercial dye, without the worry of artificial substances in your food. The amount of beet juice...
Good hygiene can prevent folliculitis. Wash our hands regularly, scrubbing for about 15 seconds (the time it should take to sing "Happy Birthday"). Clean under your fingernails and past your wrists. This tactic can actually treat low-level...
Although the names are sometimes used interchangeably, chinups and pullups are two different exercises for your back. The difference between these two exercises is minimal -- no more than a grip change -- but this simple feature affects the nature...
Sticking to a weight loss program can be challenging. If you feel your motivation dwindling, finding something to keep you engaged is key. The "Ladies' Home Journal" website recommends seeking inspiration in others, whether that means people who...
Heartburn is when you feel a burning in your esophagus, just behind your chest bone. This is usually caused from acid reflux, but not all the time. This burning sensation is caused by the stomach acids working their way up into the esophagus....
Bone density is a measurement of the mineral content inside your bones. Individuals with a high bone mineral content tend to have decreased risks for osteoporosis-related fractures. Performing weight-bearing exercises that include running can lead...
Nearly 5 million people see the one-mile deep Grand Canyon each year, which became a National Park in 1919. Most of them see it from the South Rim, which includes Grand Canyon Village, Hermits Rest and Desert View. This is the most accessible part...
Clogged pores are usually associated with oily, acne-prone skin. They are more common with increasing age when years of environmental damage and changes in the skin's texture cause the skin‘s pores to enlarge. Clogged pores, or comedones,...
Kidney dialysis cleans the blood of people whose kidneys have failed. It is often the only thing that stands between a patient in renal failure and certain death. That being said, it is not without negative effects, most of which are determined by...
Learn how to do reaches and drops when riding a road bike in this free video clip.
Running a marathon could be the biggest accomplishment of your life but it take a lot of exercise. Here are some workout tips in this marathon video.