The kidneys are vital organs that filter all of the blood in the body up to 30 times a day, keeping what is needed and getting rid of what is not. They are responsible for homeostasis €“ i.e. the regulation of internal conditions within the body, such as temperature and blood composition €“ and control many of the body's normal functions. Healthy kidneys:

• Make urine to remove waste products, drugs and their metabolites (the product that remains after a drug is broken down)
• Control blood pressure
• Produce red blood cells and control the rate of their production
• Regulate calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone balance to keep bones healthy
• Maintain fluid balance
• Control the body's chemical balance
• Maintain metabolic acid-base balance in the body
• Help keep the heart healthy.

Maintaining kidney health is not only important in preventing acute kidney injury but also in balancing many other bodily functions and preventing possible complications arising from the disruption of these functions.