Nephrologists have warned against uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure, saying they can lead to kidney failure, if not properly treated. Others include obesity, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, infections, and severe acute injury from toxins, blockages, or sudden, severe blood loss among others.

Clinical Director at St. Nicholas Hospital Island Lagos Dr. Ebun Bamgboye, said preventing kidney failure involves managing underlying health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding habits that damage kidney tissue.

Key actions include controlling blood pressure, monitoring blood sugar, staying active, reducing salt intake, quitting smoking, and avoiding over-the-counter painkillers or self medications.

He noted these during World Kidney Day 2026 and 26th anniversary transplantation of the hospital, entitled kidney health for all, caring for the people, protecting the planet.

In key prevention strategies

manage diabetes and blood pressure, he said these are the leading causes of kidney failure. Keep blood pressure at target levels, manage sugar levels, and get regular medical tests for early detection andtreatment.

In terms of dietary adjustments, he said people should reduce salt/ sodium intake to less than one teaspoon daily to manage blood pressure. As it is advised that people consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Stay hydrated as drinking enough water helps kidneys to remove waste, but avoid excessive, unnecessary fluid consumption.

Bamgboye explained that people should limit pain relief medications such as over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen for long-term use, as they can cause kidney damage.

In terms of physical exercise and weight controls, he said to maintain a healthy weight through at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week to improve blood pressure and overall health.

He advised that people should quit smoking as smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and can worsen existing damage.

In regular check-ups, he advised people to get regular kidney function tests blood pressure, blood-creatinine tests, and urine albumin tests to detect issues early, especially if you have a family history of kidney disease.

Bamgboye started the St. Nicholas Hospital has been doing kidney transformation for the past 26 years adding that the has successfully carried out 500 cases of kidney transplantation. He said abusing local herbs such as agbo and other related herbs could predispose one to kidney failure therefore people should avoid abusing local herbs.

Nephrologist and Consultant Transplantation Physician, Dr. Adelaja Aderemi said that working under the heavy sunshine could also predispose one to kidney failure because working under the sun will affect one’s mousles and when the muscles are affected it can lead to kidney failure.

“I would advise people to avoid working under heavy sunshine to stay healthy when it comes to kidney health”.

He said those who have already developed kidney failure should avoid taking too much water because it will affect their urinary tissue. “Rather they should take water in moderation to enable them to survive”.

He said: “I always advise my patients to take a little of protein such as fish and chicken removing the skin because these kind of foods would help them to be free from malnutrition”

The Guardian)

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