What is one of the main purposes of dialysis?

The primary purpose of dialysis is to filter waste from the blood. This procedure is crucial for individuals whose kidneys are not functioning effectively, either due to chronic kidney disease or acute kidney failure. Kidneys are responsible for removing waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the bloodstream; when they fail to perform these functions, dialysis steps in to perform the necessary filtration.

During dialysis, the blood is circulated through a machine that filters out toxins and waste materials before returning the cleaned blood back to the body. This process helps maintain a balance of essential minerals and chemicals, which is vital for overall health. In contrast, options such as decreasing heart rate, nourishing the body, or enhancing digestion do not align with the primary function of dialysis and serve different purposes within the body's physiological processes.