Health alert: Rising kidney disease rates and essential preventative measures

DDM News

The alarming rise in kidney diseases among young people has raised serious public health concerns worldwide.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) recorded high-profile cases such as that of the daughter of Nigerian Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is currently battling kidney disease, have highlighted the severity of the issue.

The situation has drawn attention to the urgent need for individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles and preventative measures.

Recently, news broke that a Nigerian actor lost his life due to kidney disease, emphasizing the fatal consequences of neglecting kidney health.

Furthermore, Hon. Teko Lake, Nigeria’s Minister of Public Works, is currently on life support due to kidney complications, underscoring the importance of paying attention to kidney health.

In light of these developments, healthcare professionals from the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba medical communities in the United States have come together to raise awareness and offer guidance on how individuals can safeguard their kidneys and prevent disease.

Dr. Okyere, who is leading this initiative, has shared valuable insights on how kidney disease can be prevented, stressing that prevention is often the key to a healthy life.

According to medical experts, kidney disease is not a condition that only affects the elderly or those with pre-existing health issues.

It has increasingly been affecting younger individuals, often as a result of lifestyle choices that put a strain on the kidneys.

Understanding the root causes of kidney disease and taking preventive steps can significantly reduce the risk of kidney failure and other associated health complications.

Top 6 Causes of Kidney Disease

1. Delaying Urination: One of the most common habits that can damage kidney function is holding in urine for too long.

This practice can harm the bladder, and when the urine backs up into the kidneys, it can lead to severe infections and conditions like nephritis or even uremia.

Medical professionals recommend responding to nature’s call as soon as possible to avoid long-term kidney damage (American Kidney Fund, 2020).

2. Excessive Salt Intake: Consuming excessive amounts of salt is a major contributor to kidney problems.

High salt intake leads to increased blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys over time.

Experts suggest that individuals should aim to consume no more than 5.8 grams of salt per day to keep kidney health intact (National Kidney Foundation, 2021).

3. Too Much Meat Consumption: While protein is essential for the body, consuming large quantities of meat can lead to kidney strain.

The process of protein digestion produces ammonia, a harmful toxin that the kidneys must filter out.

High meat intake can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to long-term damage.

Reducing meat consumption can help preserve kidney function (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2021).

4. High Caffeine Intake: Many popular soft drinks and sodas contain high amounts of caffeine, which can increase blood pressure.

Caffeine’s impact on blood pressure can directly affect the kidneys, leading to kidney complications.

Medical professionals advise reducing the consumption of caffeinated beverages to protect kidney health (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

5. Inadequate Water Intake: Hydration is crucial for the proper functioning of the kidneys.

When the body is not adequately hydrated, toxins accumulate in the bloodstream because there isn’t enough fluid to help flush them out through the kidneys.

Drinking more than 10 glasses of water daily is essential for kidney health.

The color of your urine can serve as an indicator of hydration—darker urine signals dehydration, while lighter urine is a sign of proper hydration (American Urological Association, 2021).

6. Delayed Treatment of Health Issues: Promptly addressing health concerns is essential for overall well-being, including kidney health.

Many individuals neglect regular health checkups or delay treatment when issues arise.

This can exacerbate health problems and lead to kidney disease.

It is vital to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms of kidney problems appear to prevent further damage (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2020).

Dangerous Medications to Avoid

In addition to lifestyle factors, certain medications can contribute to kidney damage and should be avoided.

These include:

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Actified

Coldarin

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Nimulid

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These medications contain Phenyl Propanol-Amide (PPA), which has been linked to strokes and kidney damage.

Many of these drugs are banned in the United States due to their dangerous side effects.

It is crucial to be cautious when taking over-the-counter medications and consult a healthcare provider before using any of them (FDA, 2020).

Health Tips to Protect Your Kidneys

To maintain kidney health and prevent disease, there are several lifestyle habits and health tips to follow:

1. Answer Calls with the Left Ear: Research suggests that using the left ear for phone calls may reduce exposure to harmful radiation, potentially protecting overall health (University of Texas, 2018).

2. Avoid Taking Medicine with Cold Water: Cold water can slow down the digestion of medications, possibly making them less effective. It’s recommended to take medications with warm water for better absorption 

3. Limit Heavy Meals After 5 p.m.: Eating large meals late in the evening can burden the digestive system, potentially leading to digestive issues and affecting kidney function. It’s advised to keep dinner light and early in the evening (Cleveland Clinic, 2020).

4. Drink More Water in the Morning: Starting the day with a glass of water helps hydrate the body and jump-start kidney function. Reducing water intake in the evening helps prevent overnight kidney stress (National Kidney Foundation, 2021).

5. Optimal Sleeping Hours: The best time for rest is from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. during which the body undergoes critical repair processes, including those that support kidney health (Sleep Foundation, 2021).

6. Don’t Lie Down Immediately After Meals or Medicine: Lying down too soon after eating or taking medication can disrupt digestion and hinder kidney function. It’s important to give the body time to process food and medicine before lying down (WebMD, 2020).

7. Avoid Using Your Phone When Battery is Low: When your phone’s battery is low, the radiation emitted is stronger. It’s advisable not to answer calls when the battery is close to being completely drained (World Health Organization, 2011).

Cancer Warning: The Hidden Dangers of Recharge Cards

A new health alert has surfaced regarding the potential cancer risk associated with silver nitrate oxide, which is found on the coating of recharge cards.

This compound can cause skin cancer if it comes into contact with the skin, particularly when scratched with nails.

It’s recommended to avoid using your nails when scratching off the coating on recharge cards to minimize exposure to this harmful substance (National Cancer Institute, 2020).

Conclusion

Kidney disease is a growing concern, and it is essential to take proactive measures to protect kidney health.

By following the tips outlined above, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of kidney disease and other associated health issues.

Furthermore, avoiding certain medications and being mindful of lifestyle choices such as hydration, salt intake, and proper urination habits can make a big difference in preventing kidney damage.

The message is clear: safeguarding kidney health should be a priority for everyone.

By staying informed and adopting healthier habits, we can protect our kidneys and overall health.

Share this vital information with friends and loved ones to help raise awareness about kidney disease and its prevention.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and with the right lifestyle choices, kidney disease can be avoided or managed effectively.

Let’s prioritize health and work together to make a difference.

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