Kidneys and liver: functions

In short: Kidneys filter blood and regulate fluid balance, while the liver breaks down toxins and performs central metabolic functions. Both organs are essential for detoxifying the body.

In more detail: The kidneys produce urine from filtered blood plasma, while the liver processes almost all nutrients absorbed by the intestine.

In detail

• Kidney filtration: Millions of tiny filtering units (nephrons) clean the blood of waste products and excess water.
• Blood pressure regulation: Kidneys directly influence blood pressure via hormones such as renin.
• Liver detoxification: The liver converts alcohol, medications, and the body’s own breakdown products into excretable substances.
• Nutrient processing: The liver stores glycogen, produces bile, and regulates fat metabolism.
• Regenerative ability: The liver can partially regenerate itself after damage, which is less pronounced in the kidneys.
• Risk factors: Excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medications can permanently damage both organs.
• Dialysis: In kidney failure, a dialysis machine artificially takes over blood cleaning (herz-und-kreislauf, verdauungssystem-vom-mund-bis-zum-darm).