Kidney failure

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Kidneys have a very important function because they filter waste products out of the body. As blood passes through the kidneys, all the bodyâ€™s natural toxins are removed. The waste products and extra water become urine, which the kidneys send to the bladder for storage until urination.

Kidneys also regulate the levels of certain substances in the body, such as the chemicals sodium and potassium, and also produce vitamin D and some important hormones called erythropoietin and calcitriol.

A person can live with only one healthy kidney, but if both kidneys fail then the condition is very serious. Toxins and fluids will build up in the body, and the blood cannot function normally because it is not being cleaned properly.

If untreated, this can lead to seizures, coma and eventually death.

Symptoms
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Prevention