Almost every individual idealize the kidney as one of the many organs in the body. In essence it is much more than just an organ because our lives revolve round the function of our kidney.

I term it the "power house" of the body, reason being that from the largest system to the minutest cell in the body depends on the kidney to perform in their greatest capacity. When various cells and organs are carrying out their functions, they produce waste and toxic substances in the process, which must be removed to keep the body in healthy condition.
Some organs and systems are involved in this removal but their excretory capacity is limited e.g digestive system excretes food residuals in form of faeces, lungs excretes carbondioxide, skin excretes water and salt, liver excretes bile but the kidney has maximum capacity of excretion.

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE KIDNEY
* Excretion of waste products formed during metabolism such as urea, uric acid, creatinine, toxins, drugs, bilirubin etc.
* Maintains water balance by excreting it when excess and conserving it when decreased.
* Produces erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for red blood cell formation
* Regulates blood pressure.
* Regulates blood calcium level.

COMMON DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY

NEPHRITIS: inflammation of the nephrons (functional unit of the kidney) usually caused by immune reaction.
ACUTE RENAL FAILURE : Abrupt stoppage of kidney function within few days to weeks, often reversible and requires emergency treatment.
CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE : progressive, longstanding, irreversible impairment of the kidney function. Usually requiring kidney replacement.

COMMON CAUSES OF KIDNEY DISEASES

* Damage of the tissues by poisons e.g lead, mercury.
* Reduced blood supply to the kidney, in cases of anaemia.
* Dehydration
* Hypertension
* Drug over dosage, abuse and addiction e.g paracetamol
* Delayed urination
* Tuberculosis
* Kidney stones
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY DISEASES

* Decreased urinary output
* Oedema(generalized body swelling) caused by water retention
* Anaemia
* Hypertension
* Haematuria(blood in urine)
* Proteinuria(protein in urine)
* Cessation of urine, in worst cases.

COMPLICATIONS OF KIDNEY DISEASES

* Accumulation of toxins and acids in the body which can damage organs like the heart, brain, liver etc.
* Heart failure due to fluid overload in the heart
* Hypertension
* Severe infection due to waste accumulation
* Coma due to severe acid accumulation which could result to death.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY KIDNEY
* Increase water intake it helps in waste excretion and kidney stones prevention
* Avoid drug misuse, abuse and addiction
* Eat nutritious food substances, fruits and vegetables
* Reduce alcohol intake to the barest minimum
* Urinate whenever you feel the urge rather than waiting for a long time
* Obessed, hypertensive, aging and individuals at risk of hypertension should monitor blood pressure regularly and adhere strictly to treatment regimen.

Wow. Very enlightening. Would love to have your contact for further medical counsel. Thanks.