Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs, roughly human fist size. Kidneys are located below the rib cage. The main function of the kidney is filtration, it filters our blood and produces urine. Other than this, it also performs several other functions.

Kidney functions

• Removes wastes out of blood – Each kidney contains millions of nephrons to filter out blood. The nephrons remove wastes from the blood, and filtered blood goes back into our bodies. This waste is then removed from the body in the form of urine.
• Electrolyte balance – Our kidneys are responsible for maintaining electrolyte levels balanced. Any damage to the kidney also hampers the electrolyte balance.
• Controls blood pressure
• Production of erythropoietin
• Convert calcifediol to its active form (calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D)
• Water balance
• Control acid-base equilibrium (pH)

Signs and symptoms of unhealthy kidneys

• We hardly see any symptoms in the early stage of renal disease but the body may show warning signs.
• One may feel tired, and weak, and find it difficult to concentrate.
• Renal insufficiency may lead to toxin build-up and fluid retention in our body, which may cause dry and itchy skin.
• Increase urination
• The color of urine changes, a protein discharge in the urine may cause foamy urine.
• Unhealthy kidneys may cause sodium retention leading to swelling in the feet and ankles.
• Puffiness around the eyes is an early sign of a protein leak in the urine.
• Impaired kidney function leads to electrolyte imbalance which causes frequent muscle cramping in our body.

Taking care of your kidney

• Maintain your weight under check.
• Do some kind of physical exercise, and be physically fit.
• Stay protective against metabolic disorders like diabetes and hypertension to prevent any unnecessary burden on the kidneys.
• Healthy diet - Diet low in sodium and processed foods reduces the risk of kidney damage.
• Overuse or misuse of OTC NSAIDs or analgesics can harm your kidney. Avoid overconsumption of the same.
• Avoid sugar – Since Diabetes is the main causative factor of many of the prominent renal diseases, one should avoid overconsumption of sugar. Moderation is the key to a healthy body. 
• Limit smoking and alcohol exposure as they put extra pressure on the kidneys and increase blood pressure.