Urinary System
Kidneys
The two bean-shaped kidneys filter your entire blood supply many times a day, removing waste and extra fluid as urine while keeping salts, minerals and blood pressure balanced.
~180 L
Blood filtered daily
~1 million
Nephrons per kidney
1–2 L
Urine produced daily
Where are the kidneys located?
Against the back wall of the abdomen, one on each side of the spine, just below the rib cage.
What do the kidneys do?
- Filter waste and toxins from blood
- Balance water, salt and potassium
- Help control blood pressure
- Make hormones for red blood cell production
- Activate vitamin D for strong bones
Key parts of the kidneys
Nephrons
Tiny filtering units that make urine.
Renal cortex
The outer layer where filtering begins.
Renal medulla
The inner region that concentrates urine.
Ureters
Tubes that carry urine to the bladder.
How to keep your kidneys healthy
- Drink enough water throughout the day
- Limit salt and highly processed foods
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar in range
- Avoid overusing over-the-counter painkillers
- Ask about kidney tests if you have diabetes or hypertension
Holistic approach
Holistic Ways to Support Your Kidneys
Gentle everyday practices plus three traditional herbs, with honest notes on evidence and safety.
Blood pressure monitoring
Gentle regular activity
Smoking cessation
Hydration guided by clinician
Herbs & tinctures
At a glance
- Organ: Kidneys
- Body system: Urinary System
- Blood filtered daily: ~180 L
- Nephrons per kidney: ~1 million
Did you know?
You can live a healthy life with just one working kidney.
7-Day Kidneys Meal Plan
A week of simple meals built around lower sodium for general wellness; kidney disease needs individualization, with 21 easy recipes and a grocery list.
Educational note: This page is for general anatomy education and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Talk to a healthcare professional about any concerns.
Shop by organ
Kidneys Health Products
Hand-picked products to support your kidneys.
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Natural Factors CranRich Super Strength Cranberry Concentrate 180 Capsules
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