1) The kidneys are two organs located in your midsection on either side of your spine in the middle of your back, just above the waist. They clean your blood, keep the balance of salt and minerals in your blood, and help control blood pressure.

2) When your kidneys are damaged, waste products and fluid can build up in your body, causing swelling in your ankles, vomiting, weakness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath.

3) A well balanced diet gives you the right amounts of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals each day.

4) Eating a healthy diet, staying physically active and taking all your medicines as prescribed are all important parts to keeping you healthy and feeling well.

5) People with kidney disease may need to control the amount of protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium in their diet.