The kidneys are located in the middle of the back on each side of the spine. They receive about twenty percent of the blood pumped by the heart and play a very important role in the body by removing waste and extra fluid. The functions of the kidneys include:
- Balancing the amount of fluid within the body
- Regulating electrolyte (salt) concentrations
- Helping to keep a steady blood pressure
- Maintaining the body’s acid-base balance (the acidity and alkalinity of your blood)
- Producing hormones that positively affect the bones and blood