The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The purpose of the kidneys is to filter wastes and excess fluids and chemicals from the body and eliminate them through the urine. In chronic kidney disease, the filtering process is compromised, allowing toxins to accumulate in the body. If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can result in permanent kidney failure and the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation in order to sustain life.
