Unsere Nieren: Aufbau, Aufgaben & Funktionsweise einfach erklärt - filtern, Hormone (Vitamin D) etc.

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Tobias Weigl discusses the critical role of kidneys in blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance, particularly potassium. He addresses how conditions like diabetes and long-term use of medications, such as painkillers, can impair kidney function, potentially leading to acute or chronic kidney failure. The video is particularly recommended for viewers over 60, those regularly taking painkillers, or those with diabetes, offering insights into kidney functions, potential damages, and preventative measures.

Takeaways

• 🩺 Nieren are crucial for blood pressure regulation, electrolyte balance, especially potassium, and filtering toxins from the body.
• 📉 From the age of 40, kidney function declines by 1% per year, although one functioning kidney is enough for survival.
• 💊 Chronic conditions like diabetes and prolonged use of medications such as painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) can harm kidney function.
• ⚠️ Acute or chronic kidney failure can result from a weakened ability of the kidneys due to toxins, medications, or diseases.
• 🚰 The kidneys filter around 180 liters of blood per day, but only around 1.8 liters of urine are excreted after reabsorbing important nutrients and electrolytes.
• 🍬 High blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to glucose spilling into the urine, a sign of poor kidney filtration.
• 💧 Kidneys regulate blood pressure by maintaining the balance between salt and water in the body. High salt intake can raise blood pressure.
• 🔬 The kidneys produce essential hormones, including renin (for blood pressure regulation), erythropoietin (stimulates red blood cell production), and calcitriol (active form of vitamin D).
• 🧪 The kidneys help maintain electrolyte balance, particularly potassium, which can be affected by medications like diuretics used for reducing fluid retention.
• 📢 Regular kidney function checks and avoiding the overuse of medications are crucial for kidney health, especially in individuals over 60 or with chronic conditions.

Q & A

What are the primary functions of the kidneys?

The kidneys have four main functions: blood filtration, blood pressure regulation, maintaining electrolyte balance (especially potassium), and hormone production (such as renin, EPO, and calcitriol).

Why is blood pressure regulation linked to kidney function?

Kidneys help regulate blood pressure by controlling the balance of salt and water in the body. Special cells in the kidneys detect changes in this balance and adjust the blood volume accordingly, which affects blood pressure.

How can certain medications harm kidney function?

Medications like painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac), ACE inhibitors, and antibiotics can damage the kidneys, especially with long-term use or in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions.

What is the role of the kidneys in electrolyte balance?

Kidneys maintain electrolyte balance by filtering blood and selectively reabsorbing important electrolytes like potassium and sodium. They prevent excessive loss of essential nutrients while removing waste.

How does diabetes affect kidney function?

Diabetes can damage the kidneys' filtering ability, leading to increased glucose in the urine. Over time, this impairs the kidneys' ability to properly filter blood, contributing to kidney disease.

What are the signs of kidney damage or failure?

Signs of kidney damage include changes in urine output, elevated levels of certain substances (like potassium or urea) in the blood, and symptoms such as flank pain. In severe cases, this can lead to acute or chronic kidney failure.

What role do the kidneys play in hormone production?

The kidneys produce hormones like renin (for blood pressure regulation), erythropoietin (EPO, which stimulates red blood cell production), and calcitriol (active form of vitamin D, crucial for calcium balance).

How do kidneys filter blood, and what happens to the filtered substances?

Kidneys filter about 1.2 to 1.5 liters of blood per minute, removing waste and excess substances. Most of the filtered nutrients and electrolytes are reabsorbed, leaving about 1.8 liters of urine, which contains waste products.

Why is it dangerous to take medications without consulting a doctor, especially for kidney health?

Some medications can be toxic to the kidneys or exacerbate pre-existing kidney problems. Doctors can assess the patient's kidney function and adjust the medication dosage or recommend alternatives to avoid further damage.

What is the importance of potassium regulation in the kidneys?

Potassium is vital for cell function, and the kidneys regulate its levels by reabsorbing what is needed and excreting excess amounts. If potassium levels become too high or too low, it can lead to serious health issues like heart problems.