What are kidney enzymes?
Kidney enzymes are proteins that help the kidneys to function properly. They are involved in a variety of processes, including:
* Filtering waste products from the blood
* Regulating blood pressure
* Producing urine
* Controlling the pH of the blood
There are many different types of kidney enzymes, each with its own specific function. Some of the most important kidney enzymes include:
* Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles. It is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
* Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another waste product that is produced by the breakdown of protein. It is also filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
* Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. It is calculated by measuring the amount of creatinine in the blood and the urine.
* Electrolytes are minerals that are important for the proper functioning of the kidneys. They include sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
* pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. The kidneys help to maintain the pH of the blood within a normal range.
Kidney enzymes can be measured through a blood test or a urine test. These tests can help to diagnose kidney disease and to monitor the progression of kidney disease.
Kidney disease can cause the levels of kidney enzymes to become elevated. This can be a sign of damage to the kidneys or it can be a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly. Some of the causes of kidney disease include:
* Diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Heart disease
* Obesity
* Smoking
* Certain medications
* Family history of kidney disease
If you have any of the risk factors for kidney disease, it is important to see your doctor for regular checkups. This will help to catch any kidney problems early on, when they are easier to treat.