They're right behind you. Small and seemingly insignificant, the kidneys are two vital major organs located on both sides of the spine down near the small of the back. These bean-shaped organs help filter wastes from the blood and balance levels of minerals, water and salt.

Blood waste is carried out of the body as urine. Healthy kidneys also secrete a hormone that helps to control blood pressure; use Vitamin D to maintain bone health; guide in production of red blood cells; and maintain the balance of phosphorus, potassium and sodium. The kidneys cycle every 30 minutes, filtering blood in the body.

Kidney disease sufferers don't excrete bodily waste completely, and dangerous levels of waste, electrolytes and fluid can accumulate.

Unfortunately, kidney disease isn’t really noticeable until it reaches a somewhat advanced stage. That’s when dialysis may be needed to help filter the waste from the body.

More than 25 million American adults have kidney disease, and many don't even know it. It is one of the leading causes of doctor visits and hospitalizations for both men and women, with more than $85 billion being spent to treat kidney problems annually. Kidney disease is the ninth-leading cause of death.

Seven Steps to Kidney Health

To keep these vital organs in top shape, follow this advice:

1)    Lose weight – We’ve all heard it before, but maintaining a healthy weight is definitely key to avoiding a host of diseases that attack the body’s major organs.