What the Kidney Does
What are the kidneys and how do they help to maintain good health?
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They are located near the middle of your back, just below the rib cage. Your kidneys are a filtering system. They remove waste and fluid from your body in the form of urine.
They also perform other important jobs:
• Regulate your body water and other chemicals in your blood such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium
• Remove drugs and toxins introduced into your body
• Release hormones into your blood to help your body regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells, and promote strong bones