What's Up Docs? How to look after your kidneys
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Aug 19, 2025 Kate Bramham, a Consultant Nephrologist at King’s College Hospital, breaks down the surprising complexity of our kidneys. She reveals their critical roles beyond filtration in maintaining health and shares alarming stats about kidney dysfunction affecting 10% of people unknowingly. The discussion emphasizes the need for early detection and how lifestyle factors significantly impact kidney health. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own kidney well-being and are inspired to nurture curiosity about their health.
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Why A Nephrologist Chose Kidneys
- Kate stayed in nephrology because she loved helping very sick patients get better after dialysis and follow them long term.
- She found the specialty challenging but rewarding due to dramatic recoveries she could witness.
Kidneys Are The Body's Chemists
- Kidneys act as careful chemists, tightly regulating water, salts, and enzymes for body function.
- Small kidney dysfunction causes wide systemic effects because many processes depend on precise balance.
Huge Blood Flow Through Tiny Filters
- Kidneys receive ~25% of cardiac output and filter blood through tiny sieves to form urine.
- They reclaim sugars, amino acids and salts via energy-consuming pumps to keep useful molecules in circulation.