Issues With Kidney Disease That Affect More Nigerians, Ghanaians Than Other Groups: Steps To Take Care Of The Causes
The Oasis Reporters
March 3, 2025
When the report by Samuel Ajayi, Reader, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and Yemi R. Raji, Associate Professor of Medicine and Consultant Nephrologist, University of Ibadan came out that the current prevalence of kidney disease is 13.7% in Nigeria and 28% among Ghanaians, we sought to know how West Africans can considerable help themselves in the face of the shortage of medical personnel that currently afflicts the entirety of Africa.
Kidney disease, leading to kidney failure, afflicts disproportionately more black people than white people. Thus, there is a huge burden of kidney healthcare costs among black people all over the world.
For instance, in the US, although the black population is only 13% to 14% of the total, black people account for one third of the patients with end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplantation.
Hypertension, diabetes and HIV, which also cause kidney failure, tend to cause more severe kidney damage and rapid deterioration in black people than in white people.
For many decades, researchers wondered why these differences exist. It was only in the last decade and a half that reasons began to emerge. Research found that black people have a genetic variation which emerged to protect the body from a parasitic disease called trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness. This disease was common in the west African region. The gene prompts the immune system to produce a protein that dissolves the membrane of the parasite, destroying it.
Over time, the parasite developed resistance to the gene variant’s effects. Then new variants emerged to restore immunity against the new forms of the parasite. But this came with a drawback: individuals who have the new gene variants (called APOL1 G1 and G2) also have an increased risk of developing kidney disease.
Over the last two decades there has been growing evidence that these variants cause kidney damage in African Americans, even if they don’t have diabetes.
However, until recently this link between the gene and kidney disease had not been confirmed or fully described among people on the African continent – where the genetic variant first evolved.
This was the aim of a study that began over a decade ago in Africa, called Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa), by the Kidney Disease Research Network.
As part of this effort, our recently published study found that having APOL1 G1 or G2 significantly increased the risk of having kidney disease compared to those who do not have the gene variants.
This finding might lead to improvements in screening for risk of kidney disease, reveal more about how kidney disease affects west Africans in particular, and result in treatment opportunities.
What therefore can be done to mitigate or prevent the disease. In the process, we talked to quite a few doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and others.
Here are some of the responses:
Taking care of your kidneys in a tropical environment requires attention to hydration, diet, and overall well-being due to the heat and humidity that can increase the risk of dehydration and kidney strain. Here are some standard best practices to maintain kidney health in such conditions:
1. Hydration
Stay hydrated: In tropical climates, dehydration is a major concern due to increased perspiration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Aim for around 8-10 cups of water daily, but this might need to be more based on your activity level and heat exposure.
Electrolyte balance: In hot climates, electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are lost through sweat. Consider drinking coconut water or an electrolyte-replenishing drink (without added sugars) to maintain a proper electrolyte balance.
Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol: Both can contribute to dehydration, which can affect kidney function, especially in hot weather.
2. Dietary Considerations
Limit salt (sodium): High salt intake can increase blood pressure and place stress on the kidneys. Tropical environments may naturally make you crave salty foods due to sweat loss, but it’s important to moderate salt intake. Opt for fresh herbs and spices for flavoring instead.
Incorporate kidney-friendly foods:
Fruits: Tropical fruits like papaya, watermelon, pineapple, and mango are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and water content, which help with hydration and kidney health.
Vegetables: Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale), tomatoes, and cucumbers are great for kidney health due to their high water content and essential nutrients.
Whole grains and lean protein: Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats, and lean protein from fish or plant-based sources like lentils or beans, provide essential nutrients without overburdening the kidneys.
Limit processed and fatty foods: Fried foods, fast food, and sugary snacks can promote kidney strain and increase the risk of obesity, which can negatively affect kidney health.
Increase antioxidants: Tropical environments often expose us to higher levels of UV radiation, so antioxidant-rich foods (like berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens) help protect kidney cells from oxidative stress..
3. General Kidney Care
Regular physical activity: Engage in moderate, regular exercise to maintain healthy blood pressure and prevent obesity, both of which are key factors for kidney health. Avoid overly strenuous exercise in extreme heat to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
Sun protection:
The intense tropical sun can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Always wear sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially when outdoors for extended periods.
Monitor blood pressure and sugar levels:
High blood pressure and diabetes are leading causes of kidney disease. If you have any of these conditions, manage them carefully through diet, exercise, and, if needed, medication.
Avoid self-medication and overuse of painkillers:
Certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can harm the kidneys over time. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially in the tropical heat.
4. Special Considerations in a Tropical Climate
Be mindful of food safety: Hot and humid conditions can lead to faster bacterial growth in food, which can cause infections that may affect the kidneys. Be cautious with food storage, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and ensuring that food is prepared hygienically.
Wear light, breathable clothing: This helps in reducing sweat accumulation and keeps your body temperature regulated, reducing the strain on your kidneys.
Know the signs of heat stress: Symptoms like extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and confusion can signal heat exhaustion, which affects kidney function. If these symptoms occur, take immediate steps to cool down and rehydrate.
5. Rest and Recovery
Sleep: Adequate sleep is vital for kidney repair and function. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow your kidneys to regenerate.
Take breaks in the shade: In intense tropical heat, try to stay cool and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to prevent heat-related stress on the kidneys.
By following these guidelines, you can help protect your kidneys from stress and promote overall kidney health, especially in a tropical environment.
We thank all the Nigerian born doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, nutritionists and others in Australia, Sweden, Abuja, Ibadan and Lagos for contributing to this report.
By Greg Abolo.
