Our blood transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body - and also takes away waste products and toxins. The kidneys then filter these waste products out of the blood. It's an essential process - so, if the kidneys become damaged, the results can be serious. In severe cases, these vital organs can even fail completely. Then the only options are dialysis or a donor organ. How can you best protect your kidneys? Kidney disease is on the rise worldwide. In Nigeria, for example, doctors are baffled by the high numbers. In Good Shape reports on different kidney problems, looks at how to prevent them, and outlines some modern treatment methods.