Kidney Disease in Nigeria: Nigerians Urged to Rethink Excessive Soft Drinks, Energy Drinks, Alcohol and Highly Processed Foods

By City Pulse News

Kidney disease is becoming an increasingly important health concern around the world, and Nigerians are being encouraged to pay greater attention to the everyday habits that can increase their risk of developing kidney problems.

The kidneys are among the body's most important organs. They filter waste products from the blood, help control the amount of fluid in the body, regulate important minerals, contribute to blood-pressure control and perform other functions necessary for normal health.

When the kidneys gradually lose their ability to perform these functions, a person can develop chronic kidney disease. In advanced cases, kidney failure may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

The World Health Organization says chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 674 million people globally, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries. The organisation also identifies diabetes and high blood pressure among important causes of chronic kidney disease.

For Nigeria, the issue deserves particular attention because conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity are present in the population, while researchers have also identified gaps in public knowledge about kidney-disease risk factors.

A population-based study conducted in communities in North-Central Nigeria found chronic kidney disease in about 12 percent of the adults studied, although the researchers cautioned that the sample was not nationally representative. Diabetes, obesity, age and protein or albumin in the urine were among the factors associated with kidney disease in that study.

This means Nigerians should not wait until they develop severe symptoms before thinking about kidney health.

The Food and Drink Choices Nigerians Make Every Day

Modern lifestyles have changed the way many people eat and drink.

Soft drinks are widely available. Energy drinks are heavily marketed. Alcohol is consumed at social gatherings and celebrations. Instant noodles and other packaged foods are convenient for busy workers and students. Processed meats and packaged snacks are also easily available.

None of these products should automatically be described as a direct cause of kidney failure.

However, the concern is what happens when foods and drinks high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats or other ingredients become a large part of a person's regular diet.

The National Kidney Foundation has reported research linking higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The foods examined included sugar-sweetened beverages, instant noodles, processed meats and other highly processed products.

The message, therefore, is not that Nigerians must become afraid of every packaged product.

The message is that fresh and minimally processed foods should have a stronger place in the Nigerian diet, while highly processed foods and sugary drinks should not become everyday staples.

Soft Drinks and the Problem of Excess Sugar

Soft drinks are one of the easiest products to consume without thinking about how much sugar is being taken into the body.

A person may drink one bottle during lunch, another in the evening and perhaps additional sugary drinks during social events.

Over time, excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks can contribute to excess calorie intake and weight gain. Poor dietary patterns can contribute to conditions such as obesity and diabetes, which are important risk factors for kidney disease.

The World Health Organization's Nigeria office has warned about the rising burden of diabetes and noted that lifestyle changes associated with urbanisation include unhealthy diets, sugar-sweetened drinks, lack of physical activity and harmful alcohol use. Diabetes can lead to complications including kidney failure.

For Nigerians concerned about their kidney health, replacing frequent sugary drinks with water is a simple dietary change worth considering.

This does not mean that drinking one soft drink automatically damages the kidneys.

The greater concern is frequent and excessive consumption over time, particularly when combined with other unhealthy lifestyle factors.

Energy Drinks Deserve Attention Too

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular among young people, workers, drivers, students and people who want to remain awake or feel more energetic.

Some contain significant amounts of caffeine and sugar.

The danger is that people may consume several cans without paying attention to the total amount they are taking.

People who already have medical conditions should be particularly careful about what they consume and should discuss concerns with a qualified healthcare professional.

Energy drinks should not be treated as substitutes for proper sleep, balanced meals and adequate hydration.

If someone constantly feels tired, the solution should not automatically be another can of an energy drink.

Persistent tiredness can have many causes and may require medical evaluation.

Alcohol and Kidney Health

Alcohol is another issue Nigerians should take seriously.

Alcohol consumption can affect many parts of the body, and excessive drinking can contribute to dehydration and other health problems.

More importantly, long-term harmful alcohol use can contribute to conditions that affect overall health, including high blood pressure and liver disease.

For people who already have kidney disease or other medical conditions, alcohol intake should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Nigerians should therefore avoid treating heavy drinking as a normal requirement of social life.

Celebrations, parties, weddings, meetings and entertainment should not become excuses for excessive alcohol consumption.

The safest approach for people who drink is to understand that alcohol is not necessary for good health, and excessive consumption carries health risks.

Processed Meat: What Nigerians Should Know

Processed meat is another area that deserves attention.

Examples include meats that have been preserved or altered through methods such as smoking, curing, salting or the addition of preservatives.

Some processed meats can contain substantial amounts of sodium.

Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure is one of the major conditions associated with kidney disease.

The National Kidney Foundation recommends limiting foods that are high in sodium and points to processed meats as an important source that people should watch.

This does not mean Nigerians must completely stop eating meat.

Freshly prepared fish, chicken or other sources of protein can form part of a balanced diet.

The important issue is the type, quantity and frequency of processed meat consumption.

What About Processed Fish?

Fish is an important source of protein and other nutrients for many Nigerian families.

However, the way fish is preserved and prepared matters.

Some commercially processed or heavily salted fish products may contain significant amounts of salt.

People who eat such foods frequently should pay attention to their total sodium intake.

Consumers should also buy fish from safe and hygienic sources and make sure it is properly stored and prepared.

The important distinction is that fish itself should not be portrayed as a kidney-damaging food.

Fresh fish can be part of a healthy diet.

The concern is excessive salt, poor preservation, unhealthy preparation methods and an overall diet dominated by heavily processed foods.

Instant Noodles: Convenience Should Not Become the Whole Diet

Instant noodles are popular because they are cheap, fast and easy to prepare.

For students, workers, bachelors, families and people returning home late from work, noodles can be a convenient meal.

The problem begins when convenience replaces dietary variety.

Many instant noodle products and their seasoning packets can contain substantial amounts of sodium.

Eating them occasionally does not mean a person will develop kidney disease.

However, eating highly processed meals very frequently while consuming few vegetables, fruits, legumes and other minimally processed foods may contribute to a less healthy dietary pattern.

People who eat noodles can reduce the amount of seasoning used and add vegetables, eggs, beans or other nutritious foods where appropriate.

The goal should be balance rather than unnecessary fear.

Tin Tomatoes Are Not Automatically Dangerous

There is also a need to correct misinformation about canned or packaged tomato products.

Tomatoes themselves are nutritious foods and can be part of a healthy diet.

The fact that tomato paste comes in a tin does not automatically mean that it causes kidney disease.

Consumers should instead look at the ingredients and nutrition information where available, particularly sodium and added ingredients.

People with established kidney disease may have specific dietary requirements depending on their stage of disease, medications and laboratory results.

They should follow the advice of their doctor or dietitian rather than applying a general internet rule to every food.

Tea and Other Drinks

Tea is another product that should not be automatically classified as harmful to the kidneys.

Plain tea, depending on the type and how it is prepared, can fit into a balanced diet for many people.

The concern may be the amount of sugar added or the consumption of highly sweetened commercial beverages.

People should also be cautious about herbal mixtures or traditional remedies marketed as treatments for kidney disease.

A study among residents of Lagos State found that indiscriminate use of analgesics and frequent use of traditional remedies were among kidney-disease risk factors examined by researchers.

People should therefore be careful about taking unknown herbal preparations, especially when they have not been medically evaluated.

Natural does not automatically mean safe.

Painkillers Can Also Affect the Kidneys

When discussing kidney health, attention should not focus only on food.

Medication use is also important.

Some medicines can damage the kidneys, particularly when used incorrectly, at excessive doses or in vulnerable people.

The WHO lists certain medicines and toxins among causes of acute kidney injury.

Nigerians should therefore avoid taking medicines simply because a friend, neighbour or social-media personality recommended them.

Painkillers should be used according to appropriate medical or pharmacy advice, particularly when someone has kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or other medical conditions.

High Blood Pressure Is a Major Warning Sign

One of the biggest reasons Nigerians should take kidney health seriously is the relationship between high blood pressure and kidney disease.

The WHO's available Nigeria data put the age-standardised prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 30 to 79 at 36.1 percent in 2019.

High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys.

At the same time, kidney disease can contribute to high blood pressure.

This creates a dangerous cycle.

Unfortunately, many people have hypertension without obvious symptoms.

A person can feel perfectly normal while having blood pressure levels that are damaging their organs.

That is why Nigerians should check their blood pressure regularly rather than waiting until they feel sick.

Diabetes and Kidney Disease

Diabetes is another major concern.

When blood sugar remains high for a long period, it can damage blood vessels and organs, including the kidneys.

The WHO has specifically identified kidney failure as one of the serious complications associated with diabetes.

This is why preventing diabetes, detecting it early and properly managing it are important parts of protecting kidney health.

People with diabetes should follow their healthcare provider's treatment plan and monitor their blood sugar as recommended.

Reducing excessive sugary drinks and maintaining a healthier diet can be part of a broader approach to reducing metabolic risk.

Nigerians Should Drink Enough Water

Adequate hydration is also important.

The amount of water a person needs can vary depending on body size, weather, physical activity, diet and medical conditions.

Nigeria's hot climate means that dehydration can become a problem, particularly for people working outdoors or performing physically demanding jobs.

Severe dehydration can contribute to acute kidney injury.

However, people who already have advanced kidney disease may be instructed by their doctors to control their fluid intake.

Therefore, the popular advice that everyone should drink an identical amount of water every day is not appropriate for every individual.

For healthy people, regular hydration and responding appropriately to thirst are sensible habits.

Nigerians Should Eat More Fresh Foods

One of the simplest messages from the kidney-health discussion is to build meals around a variety of nutritious foods.

Fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and appropriately prepared sources of protein can form part of a balanced diet.

Traditional Nigerian foods can also fit into a healthy diet.

Foods such as beans, vegetables, unprocessed fish, fresh fruits and properly prepared grains can provide important nutrients.

The problem is not that Nigerians eat Nigerian food.

The bigger concern is when diets become dominated by excessive salt, sugar, fried foods, sugary beverages and highly processed products.

Do Not Believe Every Kidney Claim on Social Media

Kidney disease has also become a subject of misinformation online.

People may see claims that one particular food will "clean the kidneys" or that another common food will "destroy the kidneys."

Such claims should be treated carefully.

There is no single food that can magically clean damaged kidneys.

Likewise, most individual foods do not automatically cause kidney failure when eaten as part of a balanced diet.

Kidney disease has many possible causes.

According to the WHO, chronic kidney disease can result from diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, certain inflammatory kidney conditions, genetic conditions, some medicines, toxins and infections, among other causes.

This is why proper medical assessment is more reliable than social-media health advice.

Early Testing Can Save Lives

One of the biggest problems with chronic kidney disease is that it may progress without obvious symptoms.

A person may not realise that kidney function is declining until the condition becomes advanced.

The WHO says simple blood and urine tests can help detect chronic kidney disease. These include measurement of serum creatinine and assessment of albumin in the urine.

Nigerians with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease or other relevant risk factors should speak with a healthcare professional about whether kidney screening is appropriate.

Early detection can allow doctors to identify the cause and take steps to slow progression.

A Message to Nigerian Families

The warning about kidney health should not create unnecessary fear.

Instead, it should encourage Nigerians to make better everyday decisions.

Families can start with simple steps.

Reduce unnecessary sugary drinks.

Do not depend heavily on energy drinks.

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Reduce excessive salt.

Eat highly processed foods less frequently.

Choose fresh foods more often.

Drink water regularly unless a healthcare professional has advised fluid restriction.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Stay physically active.

Check blood pressure.

Check blood sugar when appropriate.

Avoid unnecessary use of medicines and unverified herbal preparations.

And seek medical attention when symptoms or risk factors appear.

These steps can benefit more than the kidneys. They can also help reduce risks associated with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

The Real Message: Moderation, Prevention and Awareness

Nigerians do not need to panic about every packaged food sitting on a supermarket shelf.

A tin of tomatoes is not automatically a kidney killer.

Eating noodles occasionally does not mean someone will develop kidney failure.

Eating fish does not automatically damage the kidneys.

Drinking tea does not automatically cause kidney disease.

The bigger health concern is the overall pattern of consumption and lifestyle.

A diet built around excessive sugar, salt and highly processed foods, combined with physical inactivity, obesity, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, harmful alcohol use and other risk factors, can contribute to poor health.

That is the message Nigerians should take seriously.

Kidney health should become part of everyday health awareness rather than something people think about only after a doctor tells them their kidneys are failing.

Conclusion

Nigeria's kidney-health challenge requires greater public awareness, early detection and healthier lifestyles.

The kidneys work continuously to keep the body functioning properly, yet many people pay little attention to them until serious problems develop.

Nigerians should therefore reconsider excessive consumption of soft drinks, sugary beverages, energy drinks, alcohol, heavily salted foods, processed meats and other ultra-processed products.

At the same time, public health messages must remain accurate.

Not every processed food causes kidney disease, and no single food should be blamed for Nigeria's kidney-health challenges.

The strongest approach is a balanced one: eat more fresh and minimally processed foods, limit excessive sugar and salt, stay appropriately hydrated, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, control blood pressure and blood sugar, avoid unnecessary medicines and seek medical advice when necessary.

Most importantly, Nigerians should not wait for severe symptoms before taking their health seriously.

A simple blood-pressure check, blood-sugar test or kidney-function assessment can provide valuable information.

Protecting the kidneys begins long before kidney failure.

For Nigerian families, prevention, moderation and early medical attention could make an important difference.

Written by: City Pulse News

Health Disclaimer: This article is for general public-health information and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. People with kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension or other medical conditions should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before making major dietary or fluid changes.