Kidney Failure: Expert Calls For Moderation In Food Consumption

A health expert, Dr Jackson Ogbonna, Sunday, called on Nigerians to moderate their general consumption to reduce their vulnerability to kidney-related complications.

Dr Ogbonna, a researcher at the University of Nigeria, said the increasing cases of kidney ailments among the old and the young nowadays are worrisome. According to him, the best way to tackle the surge is prevention.

Ogbonna, a pharmacologist, said kidney treatment is expensive. “I have read and watched a lot about the increasing cases of kidney problems. It is of a big concern to us. Dialysis is very expensive. What I have to say as a drug expert is that we must moderate whatever we eat. Many people eat and drink as if their lives will end tomorrow. Moderation is emphasised in all the Holy books. Health experts have advised against excessive alcohol. And what is the outcome: many people drink too much of alcohol. Some switch brands as if their lives are dependent on getting high.”

He also said consumption of meat and food should be moderated. “Many people are talking about genetically-modified foods. Others talk about our poultry today that are forced to mature out of proportion. Some chickens are being administered antibiotics by non-experts. We apply all sorts of manure to make our plants do well. These are realities. Nature provided kidney to check these excesses, but when we, the consumers, outstretch these organs, they will collapse.”

He urged humans to emulate lower animals by obeying nature. “These lower animals eat natural things. They eat and drink when they need it. But our own, we eat when anything is available. It is a risky habit. Humans also eat late at night. We have abstained from bitter things, like bitter leaves, that help cleanse our systems. We must return to nature, or be ready for kidney calamities. Even the young are not left out. They are exposed to dangers of kidney failures by what we give them as food.”

He also attributed the scourge to drug abuse. He said, “Many people drink painkillers without consulting experts. Some drugs are not compatible. But still they are mixed across counters and sold out. These put pressures on both kidneys and livers. If you are sick, consult experts.”

He called for concerted efforts of experts, as well as private, government and religious agencies to combat the scourge.