Your kidneys do more than just filter blood — they’re vital organs that regulate numerous essential body functions. At Fertiprotect & Superspeciality Center in Pune, Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar, a leading Pune nephrology doctor, explains how the kidneys maintain the body’s internal balance using the helpful acronym A WET BED.
🅰️ A – Acid-Base Balance
The body’s metabolism naturally produces acids, and the kidneys help maintain a stable blood pH (around 7.35–7.45). They do this by:
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Excreting hydrogen ions (acid) into the urine.
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Reabsorbing bicarbonate (a base) into the blood.
This acid-base regulation prevents conditions like acidosis or alkalosis, which can affect organ function and enzyme activity.
💦 W – Water Removal
Your kidneys control how much water is retained or excreted from the body. When your body needs to conserve water, the kidneys produce concentrated urine. When there’s excess fluid, they excrete more diluted urine. This:
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Maintains blood pressure.
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Prevents dehydration or fluid overload.
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Keeps cells functioning properly.
🩸 E – Erythropoiesis (Red Blood Cell Production)
The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. In chronic kidney disease, EPO production drops, leading to anemia—a common symptom marked by fatigue and weakness.
☠️ T – Toxin Removal
One of the most vital roles of the kidneys is filtering waste and toxins from the blood. These include:
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Urea (from protein metabolism)
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Creatinine (from muscle breakdown)
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Drugs and metabolic byproducts
These wastes are expelled through urine. When kidneys fail, toxins accumulate, affecting all body systems.
💓 B – Blood Pressure Control
Kidneys help regulate blood pressure in two major ways:
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By controlling fluid and sodium balance.
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By releasing renin, an enzyme that activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
Poor kidney function often leads to high blood pressure, and vice versa.
⚡ E – Electrolyte Balance
The kidneys regulate the levels of critical electrolytes such as:
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Sodium: Important for fluid balance and nerve function.
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Potassium: Vital for muscle and heart function.
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Calcium & Phosphate: Crucial for bone health and metabolism.
Imbalances in these electrolytes can be life-threatening, causing arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or bone issues.
🌞 D – Vitamin D Activation
Kidneys convert inactive vitamin D from the skin and diet into its active form, calcitriol. This helps:
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Absorb calcium from food.
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Strengthen bones.
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Support immune function.
In kidney disease, this conversion is impaired, leading to weak bones and calcium imbalance.
✅ Conclusion
Your kidneys are powerful organs with a wide range of responsibilities that go far beyond just producing urine. From maintaining your body’s pH, fluid, and electrolyte levels to producing essential hormones and removing waste — each function is vital to your health and well-being.
If you’re facing issues like high blood pressure, fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination, it’s time to consult a kidney expert. Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar, a highly experienced Pune nephrology doctor at Fertiprotect & Superspeciality Center, is committed to providing advanced, personalized kidney care. Don’t wait — early diagnosis can protect your kidney function and your future.