Welcome to Kidneys Made Easy, a special summer blog series from the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Throughout the summer, we’ll break down kidney health topics into simple, easy-to-understand information that can help you better understand your health and the important role your kidneys play in your body.
Most people know they have kidneys, but many aren’t exactly sure what they do.
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located near the middle of your back, just below your rib cage. While they may be small, they perform several important jobs that help keep your body healthy every day.
In fact, 1 in 7 adults has kidney disease, and 90% of people with kidney disease don’t know they have it. That’s why understanding your kidneys is so important.
Here are five important jobs your kidneys perform:
Your kidneys work hard every day, often without you even noticing. That’s one reason kidney disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages.
The good news is that early detection and treatment can help slow or even prevent kidney disease from progressing.
That’s why it’s important to know your risk factors, stay on top of routine healthcare visits, and talk with your healthcare provider about your kidney health.
Next Month in Kidneys Made Easy: What Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
We’ll explain what CKD is, why it develops, and how it is diagnosed.
