INTERVIEW: Eating processed foods, poor exercise fuel kidney disease — Expert

By Mosunmola Ayobami

With kidney disease becoming increasingly prevalent, a General Practice Specialty Doctor working in the United Kingdom, Dr. Femi Aiyemowa, has identified unhealthy lifestyles, including poor diet and inadequate physical activity, as major factors contributing to the trend.

In this exclusive interview with Western Post, Aiyemowa speaks on the functions of the kidneys, risk factors, symptoms, prevention and management of kidney disease, as well as the health implications of kidney donation and the dangers of commercial organ trading.

Interviewer: How important are the kidneys to the human body?

Aiyemowa: The kidneys are among the most important organs in the body. They act as natural filters, removing waste products and excess water from the blood to produce urine. They also help control blood pressure, maintain the right balance of salts and minerals, support healthy bones and stimulate the production of red blood cells.

When the kidneys fail, harmful waste products and excess fluid can build up in the body. Without appropriate treatment, severe kidney failure can be life-threatening. In simple terms, you can think of the kidneys as the body’s cleaning and balancing system.

Interviewer: Kidney disease seems to be increasingly prevalent. What could be responsible?

Aiyemowa: Several factors may be responsible. One of the key factors is a change in lifestyle, particularly poor diet, including the consumption of highly processed foods, which some people regard as a form of enjoyment, and inadequate physical activity.

These lifestyle changes have contributed to the increasing prevalence of high blood pressure and diabetes, which are major concerns. Many Nigerians also live with these conditions for years without knowing because they do not regularly check their blood pressure or blood sugar levels.

Another problem is late presentation. Many people do not go to the hospital until kidney disease has become advanced because early kidney disease may produce no obvious symptoms.

Interviewer: What are some of the symptoms of kidney disease?

Aiyemowa: Early kidney disease can be silent. As it progresses, symptoms may include swelling of the feet, face or area around the eyes; passing less urine or urinating unusually frequently; foamy or bloody urine; persistent tiredness and weakness; loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting; persistent itching; shortness of breath; and difficulty controlling blood pressure.

However, these symptoms are not specific to kidney disease. Simple blood and urine tests can help detect kidney problems early.

Interviewer: Who is most vulnerable to kidney problems?

Aiyemowa: People at higher risk include those with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart disease or a family history of kidney disease. Older people are also at increased risk.

Others include people who frequently use painkillers without medical advice, those exposed to potentially harmful herbal preparations, people with recurrent urinary tract infections or kidney stones, and individuals who have previously suffered severe dehydration or acute kidney injury.

Pregnant women with complications such as severe high blood pressure also require appropriate monitoring.

Interviewer: How can kidney disease be prevented?

Aiyemowa: Some kidney diseases can be delayed or prevented. The most important steps are to drink adequate amounts of clean water, check and control blood pressure, monitor and control blood sugar if diabetic, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

People should also avoid smoking, unnecessary or prolonged use of painkillers, and unregulated herbal mixtures and supplements. Infections should be treated promptly, while people at risk should have periodic kidney function and urine tests.

Prevention is particularly important because treatment of advanced kidney failure, including dialysis and transplantation, can be extremely expensive.

Interviewer: How best can kidney disease be managed?

Aiyemowa: The best management depends on the cause and stage of the disease. Early diagnosis is crucial. Blood pressure and diabetes must be well controlled, while medicines that can damage the kidneys should be avoided.

A doctor may recommend changes to diet, salt and fluid intake, as well as medications. Patients with significant kidney disease should undergo regular monitoring by appropriate health care professionals.

In advanced kidney failure, treatment may include dialysis or kidney transplantation. The earlier kidney disease is detected, the greater the chance of slowing or preventing its progression.

Interviewer: There are concerns about the rising incidence of kidney sales. How well can a person survive with a single kidney if the other is sold?

Aiyemowa: A healthy person can often live a normal life with one kidney. However, this does not mean that anyone who appears healthy is suitable to donate a kidney. Potential donors are carefully selected following thorough medical assessments, not just for compatibility.

Selling a kidney should not be regarded as a simple business transaction or a solution to financial hardship. A person requires a comprehensive medical assessment before kidney donation, and removing a kidney involves surgical and potential long-term health considerations.

Illegal or commercial organ transactions can expose people to exploitation, unsafe surgery, infections and inadequate long-term medical follow-up. Kidney donation should only take place through properly regulated transplant programmes, with informed consent and appropriate medical and legal safeguards.

Interviewer: What lifestyle should Nigerians embrace to reduce their risk of kidney problems?

Aiyemowa: Nigerians should adopt a lifestyle of regular health checks rather than waiting until they become seriously ill. Know your blood pressure and blood sugar levels and, where appropriate, check your kidney function.

Stay hydrated, eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce excessive salt and highly processed foods, maintain a healthy weight and remain physically active. Avoid self-medication, particularly the frequent use of painkillers and unverified herbal preparations.

Your kidneys can suffer quietly for years before giving you a warning. Do not wait for swollen legs, weakness or kidney failure before taking action. Check your blood pressure, control your blood sugar, avoid harmful self-medication and undergo regular medical screening.

When it comes to kidney disease, early detection can save your kidneys, your money and your life. Your body is not for sale. Love yourself.