As a parent, you probably don't give your children's kidneys a lot of thought, but they are vital organs that perform a whole host of important jobs in the body. Kidneys are responsible for:

• Removing waste and chemicals from the body in the form of urine
• Controlling red blood cell production
• Balancing bodily fluids
• Producing hormones that control blood pressure
• Generating a form of vitamin D that promotes healthy bones

Optimizing Kidney Health

Most kids don't have problems with their kidneys, but problems can arise from time to time, including congenital problems with the kidneys, hypertension, urinary tract infections and chronic kidney disease. Other times, problems such as diabetes or obesity can lead to complications that impact the kidneys.

We can all take steps to keep our kidneys healthy, and the good news is that most of the lifestyle choices that promote healthy kidneys are good for our overall health and well-being, too. These include choices such as:

• Choosing water to maintain adequate hydration
• Eliminating heavily processed foods
• Reducing salt intake from processed foods and fast food
• Promoting active play, sports and exercise over screen time
• Maintaining a healthy weight through a nutritious diet and regular exercise
• Getting a checkup at least once a year to make sure your health is on the right track

Of course, if your child does have a kidney condition, then taking steps to preserve healthy kidneys becomes even more important. In addition to following your doctor's advice closely and sticking to the steps above, the advice about drinking plenty of water and limiting sodium intake is especially critical. Kids with certain kidney conditions may also need to limit their intake of potassium and phosphorus, as well.

To reduce potassium intake, for example, cut out foods such as bananas, broccoli, potatoes, orange juice and dairy products in favor of foods like apples, berries, green beans, spinach and dairy alternatives. Many dairy products, including milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese, are also high in phosphorus. If your child has a kidney condition, be sure to speak with their medical team about their dietary needs and what foods are restricted.

The Division of Nephrology

If your child does need help with a kidney disease, our Division of Nephrology at Nicklaus Children's Hospital features an experienced team of pediatric nephrologists that are highly trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of renal (kidney) disorders, including:

• Hypertension
• Hematuria
• Proteinuria
• Chronic kidney disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Congenital anomalies of the urinary tract including vesicoureteral reflux (when urine travels backward from the bladder to the kidneys) and obstructive uropathy (urinary flow)
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Renal parenchyma diseases including glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the filtering part of the kidneys)
• Tubular diseases
• Collagen vascular diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease)
• Bedwetting

Our nephrology team's treatments for pediatric kidney disorders are comprehensive and include a variety of pediatric specialists and complex procedures when needed, such as kidney biopsies, and dialysis. If your child needs a specialist for their kidney health, we would welcome the opportunity to meet with your family and provide care to your child.