By Chioma Obinna

As the nation yesterday joined the global community in commemorating World Kidney Day, Nigerians have been urged to prioritise regular kidney checkups to facilitate early detection and treatment of kidney disease.

Speaking at an event organised by Nephrologists at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, to mark the Day in Lagos with the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect early, protect kidney health”, a Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Muyideen Orolu, emphasised the critical need for proactive testing.

Highlighting the often asymptomatic nature of kidney disease, Orolu said: “The reason why the theme for this year is so germane is because a lot of times, kidney disease tends to be asymptomatic. Asymptomatic means there are no symptoms.

“Knowing your kidney means you need to actively find out about the state of your kidneys. Are your kidneys okay? So you need to find out. And the way to find out is by testing, because if we detect kidney diseases on time, then we can.”

He stressed that assuming a healthy body equates to healthy kidneys is a dangerous misconception. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preventing the progression of the disease to irreversible stages.

Beyond testing, Orolu stressed the importance of managing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

He advised Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.

To enhance public awareness and access to kidney health services, Orolu called for increased collaboration between the government and the private sector.

He urged both entities to invest in initiatives that promote regular checkups and educate the public on kidney disease prevention.
Orolu called for continuous collaboration between the government and private sector to raise more awareness on kidney disease and regular check up.

Ololu said people should also give the same level of attention they give to other parts of the body.

Also speaking, another Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Nmadu Danladi said that to avoid kidney disease, people should avoid certain foods and lifestyles, such as eating red meat and reducing salt intake, which in the long run causes hypertension and leads to kidney damage, but rather eat more fruits and vegetables and white meat and try to stay away from trouble.

Danladi advised women to check their kidney function before getting pregnant, as the state of the kidney determines, to a large extent, the outcome of the pregnancy.

“Generally, try to limit red meat intake. So, generally, I know it’s Ramadan, and everybody wants to eat meat now, but try to limit your intake of red meat.

“Instead, things like fish. The other thing is the amount of salt in your food. You need to reduce it. We take too much salt, and a lot of times, this promotes hypertension and kidney damage as well.

“Generally, you want to take fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water and mind your business. It will take your kidneys a long way. Specifically for women, you must look after your kidneys, especially around pregnancy. When women are about to get pregnant or planning to get pregnant, it’s important to know your kidney function because there is information out there that if your kidneys are not working well, the chances of having poor outcomes in pregnancy are higher”.