Effect of Sodium and Water on Kidney Function

High blood pressure can cause serious kidney damage. Regulation of water and sodium, both key factors in blood pressure regulation, can prevent high blood pressure from overtaking the kidneys.

Kidney Function

• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes the kidneys as complicated filtering machines that remove wastes and extra water from the bloodstream. The body then expels the waste material as urine.

High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure damages the tiny blood vessels that help kidneys filter the blood, slowly destroying kidney function, according to the NIDDK.

Diuretics

• The NIDDK suggests that diuretic drugs can reduce blood pressure. Diuretics encourage the removal of water from the body, reducing total blood volume, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Sodium

• The NIDDK warns that high sodium levels can boost blood pressure, advising people with kidney trouble to avoid foods high in sodium. Diuretics remove sodium from the blood along with water.

Considerations

• High blood pressure may go undetected for years, causing slow but serious kidney damage, without regular measurement by a medical professional. A reading of 120 over 80 or below indicates normal blood pressure. Kidney disease sufferers must do everything in their power to keep their blood pressure below 130 over 80.