High creatinine levels are often caused by kidney damage. But high levels may have a number of other causes, including a urinary tract blockage, creatine supplements or some medications.

Vitamins are needed to keep your kidneys functioning at an optimal level. Your kidneys regulate your fluid levels, stabilize your blood pressure, control your red blood cell production, balance your calcium and mineral levels and expel wastes through your urine.

Consisting of oxygen, carbon dioxide and other substances, gas is air that moves through your digestive tract, allowing your body to release enzymes to digest food. While foods affect people differently, limiting or avoiding common dietary gas culprits and emphasizing alternatives can help minimize discomfort.

Medications to avoid with only one kidney include analgesics, antibiotics and contrast media used for radiographic procedures.

Cells are the basic unit of structure and function of life. A balance between fluids and electrolytes is necessary if cells are to survive and function normally. According to "Nursing Standard," approximately 60 percent of the human body is water, and body water contains electrolytes.

Many believe coffee causes conditions such as sleeplessness, high blood pressure and diabetes. Along with these conditions, the Centers for Disease Control reported 4.5 million new cases of kidney disease in 2009 alone, and some researchers wondered if there was a connection with coffee consumption.

Patients whose kidney function has dropped to a mere 20 percent are likely to be facing renal failure soon. At this stage of renal disease, it becomes a life and death matter for patients to take good care of themselves.

Each kidney has about a million nephrons, where urine formation takes place. At any given time, about 20 percent of the blood is going through the kidneys to be filtered so that the body can eliminate waste and maintain hydration, blood pH and proper levels of blood substances.

Excess protein in the kidney is called proteinuria. This is tested in the urine and can also be called albuminuria or urine albumin. Most proteins are too big to pass through the glomeruli, or the kidney filters. When these filters are damaged, the proteins show up in the urine.

Your kidneys help maintain normal blood concentration by removing wastes, excess fluid and electrolytes such as potassium. Potassium, blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, and creatinine blood tests can monitor kidney function in patients diagnosed with kidney disease.

Normally your immune system protects you from disease. But if you have an autoimmune disorder, your body's immune system attacks your healthy organs and tissues thinking that they are invaders. Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disorder that affects your digestive tract.

Kidney and bladder health is a complex and varied area, with many different conditions and their respective treatments. For any medical condition or problem relating to your urinary tract or kidneys, you should consult a doctor for medical advice before trying any home remedies or complementary therapies.