The call came as the hospital marked World Kidney Day, themed “Kidney Health For All: Caring for the People, Protecting the Planet,” an occasion that also coincided with the hospital’s 26th anniversary of kidney transplantation services.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye, Nephrologist and Clinical Director at St. Nicholas Hospital, explained that chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are major contributors to gradual kidney damage. “If left untreated, these conditions can destroy kidney tissue over time and ultimately result in kidney failure,” he noted.
Other factors contributing to kidney disease include obesity, autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease, infections, and acute injuries caused by toxins, blockages, or excessive blood loss. Dr. Bamgboye emphasized that early detection through routine medical tests is crucial to prevent irreversible kidney damage and guide timely interventions.
Preventing kidney failure, he said, involves a combination of managing underlying health conditions and adopting a kidney-friendly lifestyle. Recommended measures include controlling blood pressure, monitoring blood sugar levels, engaging in regular physical activity, reducing salt intake, quitting smoking, and avoiding unnecessary over-the-counter painkillers.
On nutrition, Dr. Bamgboye advised limiting daily sodium intake to less than a teaspoon, consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, staying adequately hydrated without overconsuming fluids, and ensuring consistent physical activity of at least 150 minutes per week. He also stressed the importance of regular kidney function tests, such as blood pressure checks, blood creatinine, and urine albumin tests, especially for those with a family history of kidney disease.
Over its 26 years, St. Nicholas Hospital has successfully conducted 500 kidney transplants. Dr. Bamgboye also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of local herbal remedies such as agbo, which could damage the kidneys.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Adelaja Aderemi, Nephrologist and Consultant Transplantation Physician, warned that prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can strain muscles and increase the risk of kidney complications. He recommended that patients with kidney disease moderate fluid intake and consume small portions of high-quality protein from sources like skinless fish and chicken to prevent malnutrition while protecting kidney function.
The hospital’s observance of World Kidney Day served as a reminder of the growing need for awareness, preventive care, and early detection to reduce the burden of kidney disease in Nigeria.