How to care for your kidneys

Fresh fruits and vegetables and beverages such as milk and tea are suitable sources of hydration. [iStockphoto]

For most of us, body organs inspire little awe and wonder. They do their jobs and just keep plugging away until one day, they fail or stop. One such organ is the kidney.

"It is so silent we take it for granted," says Dr Samuel Kariuki Kabinga, a nephrologist (specialises in the kidneys and diseases that affect them). "But when the kidneys fail, the repercussions are profound for the individual owning those kidneys," he says.