We want to provide you with the information you need to help you better cope with the disease, and so you can take an active role in your own care. When you understand more about your kidneys, the disease and your options for treatment, you may have a better chance of improving your quality of life with CKD.

YOUR KIDNEYS ARE VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH

Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs behind your rib cage on either side of your spine. You have two kidneys, although you only need one to survive. Each kidney is roughly the size of your fist and it plays several important roles within your body:

• They remove waste from your blood. In fact, they filter roughly 200 liters of blood every day.
• They regulate and control your blood pressure. They manage how much fluid remains inside your body.
• They keep your bones healthy.
• They regulate certain chemicals in your body.