Can You Survive With One Kidney?

The human body is amazing; it has backups for many parts – from the kidneys, to the eyes, to the ears, etc.

Our kidneys come in pairs for a reason, but many people often wonder if it is possible for a human to live with just one?

Well, the answer is yes. Many people are doing so right now…..However, it comes with some challenges.

In this post, we will explore how kidneys work. We will look at what happens if it function drops, and we will also discuss how aging affects our kidneys. Finally, we will share tips on how to protect your kidneys and stay healthy. Let’s dive in.

Why Do We Have Two Kidneys Anyway?

First, kidneys filter waste from blood, and that waste is what we release as urine. They also balance fluids and electrolytes in our system and help to control blood pressure. They even make hormones for red blood cells.

So, why two?

Well, it is for redundancy; if one fails, the other takes over. In fact, there are people who are born with just one kidneys and they are living fine. Others lose one to injury or donation and they are doing just fine too. When we lose on of our kidneys, remaining kidney grows bigger, and handles up to 75% more work. This is called compensatory hypertrophy.

But having one kidney requires some serious lifestyle adjustments, because if the single kidney gets damaged, problems are sure to start. For instance, infections or dehydration can hit hard which can lead to waste buildup if untreated. This can lead to uremia – blood poisoning, which in severe cases causes organ failure.

How Do Kidneys Actually Work?

Each kidney has about 1 million nephrons. Nephrons are tiny filters that clean blood 24/7 in our system. Normally, two healthy kidneys produce 1 to 2 liters of urine daily by removing toxins like urea and creatinine from the blood.

However, with one kidney, urine output stays similar; only this time, the nephrons work harder. But if for any reason the function of the nephrons drops below 50%, issues arise. For example, if the body produces below 400 mL of urine per day, waste will pile up, and symptoms like swelling, fatigue, and nausea will appear.

If we want to relate this to numbers, kidney function is normally measured by GFR (glomerular filtration rate). Normal GFR is between 90-120 mL/min. But with one kidney, it drops to 60-90 mL/min which is still okay.

But if this number drops to below 30, dialysis or transplant will be needed.

What Happens If Kidney Function Drops Too Low?

No doubt, losing 75% of kidney function means trouble. It means the body cannot balance salts or acids, blood pressure will start to rise, and Anemia sets in from low erythropoietin.

Moreover, at 90% loss, uremia kicks in. Toxins starts to cause confusion, seizures, or coma, and without help, death follows.

For people with one kidney, small problems magnify easily; which is why they need to watch their lifestyle carefully. A simple UTI can damage the only kidney. Dehydration from heat or illness does the same. So, regular check-ups are key.

In Nigeria, where heat is common, hydration matters more. People with one kidney must eat less salt too and stay hydrated always; this will reduce kidney strain.

How Does Aging Affect Kidney Function?

Aging affects our kidneys badly. By age 40, our kidney function starts to decline. It drops 1% per year after that.

For example, by age 85, most people must have lost 60-70% of their nephrons, and their kidneys must have shrunk by 20-40% halving their blood flow.

This makes older people vulnerable to kidney related problems. Drugs like painkillers and consumption of alcohol also stress the kidneys and cause toxins to clear slower.

With one kidney, aging speeds the risks. A 60-year-old with one kidney might have function like an 80-year-old with two, which is why we always advice such people to monitor their lifestyle closely and do blood tests for creatinine as often as necessary.

Regular exercise, healthy diet, and avoiding smoking are non-negotiable.

Real-Life Examples: Living With One Kidney

Many people thrive with one kidney. Kidney donors prove it every day. They live normal lives as studies show no big lifespan drop.

However, some of them face issues. Issues like high blood pressure or protein in urine can happen. Pregnancy also needs to be watched for women with one kidney.

In sports, athletes like Jonah Lomu (rugby star) had one kidney after transplant and he excelled.

But risks exist.

If the single kidney fails, dialysis or transplant is needed to help clean blood artificially. It is tough and expensive – 3 sessions a week, 4 hours each is no child’s play.

In Nigeria, dialysis costs ₦50,000-₦100,000 per session. Many cannot afford it, which is why prevention is crucial.

Tips to Protect Your Kidneys and Live Well With One

First, drink water – 2-3 liters daily. It helps flush toxins.
Second, eat balanced diets. Limit salt, sugar, processed foods. And add fruits, veggies to your meals.
Third, exercise regularly. Walk 30 minutes a day. It controls weight and pressure.
Fourth, avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen often. They harm kidneys.
Fifth, quit smoking and limit alcohol. They damage blood vessels.
Sixth, check blood pressure and sugar. Diabetes and hypertension are kidney killers.

For one-kidney folks, see a doctor yearly. Tests will help to spot issues early.

When to Worry and Seek Help

If you have one kidney, watch for signs. Swelling in legs? Fatigue? Less urine? See a doctor fast.

In Nigeria, hospitals like LUTH or National Hospital, Abuja offer nephrology. Free screenings sometimes happen.

Remember, your kidneys are vital to your health, it is your duty to protect them.

Final Words

Yes, you can survive with one kidney. The human body is wonderfully designed to adapt. But be aware that kidney function must stay above key levels. Also, remember that aging and lifestyle affect its function too. So, live healthy and protect what you have.

Your kidneys work hard. Do well to return the favor.

Useful Links

References

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Living with one kidney. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/living-with-one-kidney/art-20046354
National Kidney Foundation. (2024). One Kidney. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/onekidney
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Kidneys: Anatomy, Function, Health & Conditions. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21959-kidneys
Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). Kidney disease: A silent problem. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/kidney-disease-a-silent-problem
American Journal of Kidney Diseases. (2021). Outcomes in living kidney donors. https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386(21)00647-1/fulltext