13/08/2026
HOW CAN WE PREVENT KIDNEY FAILURE??
Kidney disease is becoming a serious health concern in Nigeria.
According to the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, about 1 in 10 Nigerians is currently living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
That is roughly 24 million people.
And here is the frightening part: kidney disease can develop silently for years before symptoms become obvious.
The good news? Many of the major risk factors can be prevented or controlled.
How can you protect your kidneys?
1️⃣ Control your blood pressure
High blood pressure can gradually damage the kidneys.
Check your BP regularly and take prescribed medication consistently.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, so your blood pressure can be controlled.
2️⃣ Control your blood sugar
Diabetes is a major cause of kidney damage. If you have diabetes, don't neglect your blood sugar and kidney checks.
Your plate matters if you have diabetes. Eat clean and healthy nutritious and balanced meals.
3️⃣ Don't abuse painkillers
Frequent or prolonged use of some painkillers, especially NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, can harm the kidneys.
Use painkillers only when necessary and exactly as prescribed.
4️⃣ Be careful with herbal mixtures and unregulated medications
"Natural" does not automatically mean safe, especially when there is no regulated dosage.
Some substances can damage the kidneys, particularly when used repeatedly or in unknown doses.
5️⃣ Reduce excessive salt intake
Too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure, which in turn puts stress on the kidneys.
6️⃣ Drink adequate water
Stay adequately hydrated, especially in hot weather or when you're losing fluids through vomiting, diarrhoea or heavy sweating.
7️⃣ Maintain a healthy weight and exercise
Obesity increases the risk of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that can eventually damage the kidneys.
8️⃣ Don't ignore recurrent urinary problems
Repeated UTIs, kidney stones and other urinary tract problems should be properly evaluated and treated.
9️⃣ Get your kidneys checked if you're at risk
A simple serum creatinine/eGFR blood test and urine albumin/protein test can help detect kidney disease early.
🔟 Don't wait for symptoms.
By the time someone develops severe swelling, very little urine, persistent vomiting, extreme weakness or other obvious symptoms, kidney disease may already be advanced.
Always go for your routine checks so problems can be detected early and managed on time.
Oftentimes, the body send warning signals we downplay and overlook.
Protect your kidneys before they become damaged.
Your kidneys work silently every day.
Don't wait until you need dialysis before you start taking kidney health seriously.
When was the last time you checked your kidney function?