The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. They play a crucial role in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted as urine. Each kidney contains about a million tiny filtering units called nephrons that help maintain the body's balance of electrolytes and regulate blood pressure. In addition to waste removal, the kidneys produce important hormones, such as erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells, and renin, which helps control blood pressure. Maintaining healthy kidneys is essential for overall health, as they also help regulate the body's acid-base balance.