A Nephrologist Consultant at the Federal Medical Center, Ebute Metta, Dr Nmadu Danladi has advised Nigerians to ensure regular exercises were observed as well as water intake.
This, according to him would aid the proper functionality of the kidney and save guard it against damage.
The experts say “kidneys are silent workers. People often think about the heart or liver, but kidneys are hidden at the back, quietly doing their work. Most only discover a problem when it’s too late. Kidney failure is devastating – emotionally, physically, and financially.”
Danladi highlighted simple lifestyle measure to guide against kidney related issues.
He said, “Drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, exercise regularly, reduce red meat and salt intake, and undergo regular medical checkups.
“Hydration is critical. Men should aim for 2.7 litres daily, women 2.5 litres. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Now that the weather is too hot, it is better to aim at least 3.5 to 4 litres every day.”
Early detection is the key to preventing irreversible damage. “Kidneys are priceless. Prevention is far cheaper and easier than dialysis or transplant. Drink water, rest well, exercise, eat wisely, and check your health. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”
Danladi added, “The truth about kidney disease is that you may not know anything is wrong until the kidney is almost completely damaged. It does not show early signs, which is why many patients present very late.”
“Kidney failure is extremely expensive. It costs not only the patient but also relatives around them in terms of money and time. Roughly speaking, the treatment of kidney disease can cost about N1 million every month,” he said.
He said dialysis alone costs between N40,000 and N50,000 per session in many hospitals, with patients requiring multiple sessions weekly to survive.
However, he noted that the Federal Government’s dialysis subsidy programme has helped to ease the burden on patients at the FMC.
“In our centre, dialysis has been subsidised to about N12, 000 per session. You can imagine the gap the government is bridging by bringing the cost down from about N50,000 to N12,000,” he said.
Lifestyle measures to protect kidneys
“We advise people to drink plenty of water, reduce salt intake, cut down on red meat and increase vegetables in their meals. Ideally, vegetables should make up about half of the plate,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of routine screening.
“The tests are very simple. We conduct a blood test to check creatinine, which is a waste product removed by the kidneys. We also do a urine test and imaging to see how the kidneys look and whether there are blockages,” he said.
According to him, adults without underlying health conditions should check their kidneys at least once a year from the age of 40, while people with hypertension, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease should begin screening earlier.
Also speaking, Consultant Nephrologist at FMC, Dr. Muyideen Orolu, described kidney disease as a silent condition that often progresses without warning signs.
“Most patients do not have symptoms until the kidneys have already failed. That is why awareness and early screening are extremely important,” he said.
Orolu emphasised the need for early detection as true way to salvage the nation’s health.
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