Our Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each one about the size of a fist, located just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. They regulate blood pressure, signal your body to make red blood cells, and help regulate growth in children. Healthy kidneys filter about 113 to 142 litres of blood to produce about one to just under 2 litres of urine, composed of waste products, drugs, and toxins everyday.

Kidney disease is the general term for damage that reduces function of the kidney. It is estimated that kidney disease affects 1 in 10 people globally.

You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your kidneys are beginning to fail: Itching, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, not feeling hungry, swelling in your feet and ankles, too much urine (pee) or not enough urine, trouble catching your breath or trouble sleeping.

If your kidneys stop working suddenly (acute kidney failure), you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: abdominal (belly) pain, back pain, diarrhea, fever, nosebleeds, rash, or vomiting.

Having one or more of any of the symptoms above may be a sign of serious kidney problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor right away.