With rising cases of kidney failure globally, a neurologist, Dr Theophilus Umezuidike, has warned Nigerians against the consumption of too much salt and refined carbohydrates. In an interview with our correspondent, Umezuidike also warned Nigerians against frequent consumption of fast food, saying instead that they should eat more homemade foods.

 

“Many factors have been identified as causes of the increase in kidney diseases. The number one factor is the fact that we have more diagnostic facilities available, compared to 20 years ago. So we are able to diagnose kidney problems a bit earlier.

 

“We also have more trained specialists today compared to 20 years ago. Again, lifestyle changes people are adopting is making them prone to kidney disease. “People are consuming more salt, more refined carbohydrates and this is putting them at the risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure in developed countries. In Nigeria, it is about the most common cause of kidney failure,” Umezuidike said.

 

The neurologist said people could reduce their salt intake if they consume more homemade foods.

 

According to statistics from the International Society of Nephrology, about 850 million people globally have kidney-related diseases, while chronic kidney disease accounts for at least 2.4 million deaths per year and it is the sixth fastest-growing cause of death.

 

The society further revealed that chronic kidney disease affects approximately 195 million women worldwide, and it is currently the eighth leading cause of death in women with close to 600,000 deaths each year.