How To Maintain Healthy Kidneys — Experts

Prof. Fatai Fehintola, a Consultant Physician at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), encourages Nigerians to maintain healthy kidneys by consistently consuming water and fluids, especially during hot weather.

Fehintola gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan.

He explained that inadequate water in the body could lead to dehydration, causing fatigue and discomfort.

The consultant physician recommends drinking a cup of water (200 to 250 millilitres) every hour, at two-hour intervals, based on an individual’s feelings and environmental conditions.

Fehintola said that hot weather could affect the proper functioning of the body, as people lose water and salt in such circumstances.

He stressed that when water is insufficient, body cells may malfunction, and organs work extra hard to maintain the right water levels.

Fehintola maintained that in hot weather, the kidneys, responsible for filtering waste, continue to regulate the body’s water balance.

He said, “Most people will notice that their urine looks concentrated, close to brown, beyond the usual colour. This is because the kidneys are trying to conserve the remaining water in the body.”

“People might be passing urine less frequently, so to help the normal body functions, one should ensure to replace the water being lost due to heat. Also, taking fruits with high water content, such as watermelon and oranges, can help.”

Dr. Yemi Raji, another Consultant Physician at UI and UCH, Ibadan, also commented on the health impacts of excessive heat, particularly on the elderly.

Raji, a Nephrologist, explained that excessive heat could lead to heat stroke, dehydration, and tiredness, with potential consequences for organs, including the kidneys.

He urged preventive measures, including staying indoors when possible and adopting appropriate cooling systems. Raji also stressed the importance of staying hydrated to reduce the risk of kidney failure.

The nephrologist further advised using face masks when going outdoors to prevent dust and viral infections, especially for individuals with allergies, such as asthma.

(NAN)