The primary job of the kidneys?

The primary job of the kidneys is to filter and remove waste products and excess water from the body.

The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine below the rib cage, are responsible for maintaining the body's water and electrolyte balance. They filter blood and remove waste products, including nitrogenous waste products (such as urea and creatinine), toxins, and drugs. The kidneys also produce urine to eliminate these waste products and excess water from the body.

In addition to their filtering function, the kidneys have other important roles in maintaining overall health:

* Regulating blood pressure: The kidneys help regulate blood pressure by controlling the sodium and water balance in the body.

* Producing hormones: The kidneys produce several hormones, including erythropoietin (which stimulates the production of red blood cells), renin (which is involved in regulating blood pressure), and calcitriol (the active form of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption).

* Maintaining electrolyte balance: The kidneys help maintain the body's electrolyte balance by regulating the levels of potassium, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood.

* Activating vitamin D: The kidneys help convert vitamin D into its active form, calcitriol, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.