6Urinary System and Hormone Production
The urinary system is responsible for producing some important hormones. These include:
– Erythropoietin or EPO: helps with the production of red blood cells. This hormone is released when the oxygen levels in the body are low. It travels to the red bone marrow through the blood and signals the hematopoietic cells to produce more red blood cells.
– Calcitriol: This is an active form of vitamin D produced from precursor molecules. It works with the parathyroid hormone to increase the calcium iron level in the blood.
– Renin: This is actually an enzyme that begins the renin-angiotensin system, which raises blood pressure and blood volume in response to dehydration, blood loss, or low blood pressure. [9]
How to Keep Urinary System Healthy
Many conditions might affect the urinary system, such as urinary tract infections, STIs, kidney stones, bladder prolapse, urination issues, urinary tract obstruction, or interstitial cystitis. You can reduce the risk and keep these organs healthy by:
– Following a healthy diet: High in calcium and low in sodium.
– Drinking a lot of water: To flush out the body and prevent UTIs or kidney stones.
– Emptying the bladder after sex to clear out bacteria and prevent UTIs.
– Practicing safe sex.
– Doing pelvic floor exercises. [10]
