In light of the increasing rate of drug abuse in the country, especially among the youth, experts have warned that Nigeria may face a surge in cases of kidney failure and chronic kidney disease in the near future unless the issue of drug abuse is urgently addressed.
The experts issued this warning during their presentations at a recent webinar organised by Synlab Nigeria. The theme of the webinar was “Maintaining Functional Kidneys for a Healthier Life.”
Speaking at the event, award-winning medical doctor, Dr Damian Avar, popularly known as “Sabi Doctor”, highlighted drug abuse, alcoholism, and smoking as major risk factors for kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. He described this as a concerning trend, particularly among young people in Nigeria.
Avar stressed the importance of the kidneys as vital organs, without which human survival becomes difficult unless a person is placed on dialysis or undergoes a kidney transplant. He urged Nigerians to prioritise the health of their kidneys, noting that no effort or sacrifice is too great for maintaining a healthy, functional kidney.
While it is possible for an individual to survive with one kidney, provided it is healthy and functional, Avar emphasised that everyone requires a healthy kidney to maintain overall well-being. He advised individuals to adopt a healthy diet, stressing that a nutritious dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease.
“What you eat has a direct impact on your kidney health. If you are obese, that is a risk factor for kidney disease,” Avar explained. He further noted that processed meat, processed foods, alcohol, sodas, energy drinks, canned foods, and fish high in mercury can all increase the risk of kidney disease.
The doctor also advised those aiming for healthy kidneys to stay hydrated, stating that urine should be light yellow in colour if one is properly hydrated, unless certain medications are altering its colour. He recommended that men drink three to four litres of water daily, while women should consume two to three litres, but emphasised that water intake should be spread throughout the day.
According to the revered physician, kidney disease prevention can be approached on three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. These measures include proper hydration, adequate sleep and rest, avoiding alcohol, limiting salt intake, avoiding sodas and energy drinks, managing stress, and controlling obesity, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
At the secondary and tertiary prevention levels, Avar emphasised the importance of early detection, regular screening, reducing the burden of disease, and preventing progression and complications. He also warned against the use of bleaching creams and holding urine for too long. More critically, he urged Nigerians, especially young people, to avoid drug abuse, which he described as becoming endemic across the country, warning that drug abuse predisposes individuals to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
Adding his insights during the webinar, Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, Dr Aderemi Adelaja, explained that many people may lose up to 90 per cent of their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms of kidney failure, emphasising that the best way to detect kidney failure is through testing.
Adelaja noted that kidney problems affect over 850 million people globally and that maintaining healthy, functional kidneys is essential for overall well-being. He pointed out that kidney failure was the sixth fastest-growing cause of death between 2010 and 2017 and is projected to become the fifth fastest cause of death by 2040.
He warned that alcohol, drugs, and smoking are significant risk factors for kidney failure and chronic kidney disease, advising Nigerians to abstain from these habits to protect their kidney health.
Adelaja also explained that there are two types of kidney failure: acute and chronic. He noted that new therapeutic interventions now offer prevention and delay of these conditions.
The nephrologist explained that Africans are more prone to kidney disease due to factors such as poverty, ignorance, and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, among others.
He classified the causes of kidney failure into non-modifiable and modifiable factors. Non-modifiable factors include race, ethnicity, genetics, gender, and age, while modifiable factors include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
To slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, Adelaja called for strict blood pressure control, a low-protein diet, lifestyle adjustments, and the management of diabetes, cholesterol, and lipid levels.
“The golden rule to reduce the risk of kidney failure and chronic kidney disease is to stay fit and active, monitor blood sugar levels, keep blood pressure in check, avoid smoking, refrain from regular use of over-the-counter pills, eat a healthy diet, and reduce salt and processed food intake,” Adelaja advised.
