Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the upper middle abdominal cavity just below your rib cage. Their primary function is to detox the blood and filter waste product out through your urine.

They're also responsible for flushing out excess water and retaining water if you're dehydrated among other tasks. The kidneys are a busy couple of little organs, which is why it's important you not do any of these kidney-killing habits:

1. Not peeing enough.

I shouldn't have to tell you this, but when you need to pee, go pee! Don't hold it in. If it remains in your bladder too long, it can begin to foster bacteria which can spread to the kidneys and cause infections that can be permanently damaging. Don't hold in your pee for any length of time. If you have to go, go.

2. Dehydration.

Drink water, people. A vast majority of Americans don't drink enough water. Want to save yourself a lot of grief? Hop on the scale and weigh yourself. I'm 147 pounds, so I should drink 147 ounces of water each and every day. And not all at once, mind you. If you lack sufficient water, your blood becomes concentrated and it hampers your kidneys' ability to function properly.

3. Eating too much salty food.

Salt is important for your body to function, and we get most of what we need naturally through our food. When salt intake is too high, the kidneys have to work harder. This causes water retention, increases the chance of high blood pressure, and increases your risk of kidney disease.