Health Experts Warn: Everyday Habits Quietly Damaging Kidneys

Medical experts have raised fresh concerns over a growing number of lifestyle habits that may be silently damaging the kidneys, urging the public to adopt healthier routines to prevent long-term complications.

The warning comes amid increasing cases of kidney-related illnesses, many of which are linked to preventable behaviors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep.

According to health professionals, one of the leading contributors to kidney damage is unmanaged high blood pressure. Persistent hypertension places strain on the kidneys’ delicate filtration system, reducing their ability to function effectively. If left untreated, it may also contribute to the formation of kidney stones, which can cause severe pain and other complications.

Dietary choices have also come under scrutiny. Experts note that the rising dependence on processed and ready-made meals—often high in salt and phosphorus—significantly increases the risk of kidney disease over time. They recommend home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients as a healthier alternative.

Sleep patterns, often overlooked, play a critical role in maintaining kidney health. Studies indicate that poor or insufficient sleep disrupts the body’s internal clock, which is closely linked to kidney function. Over time, this disruption may lead to early signs of renal impairment.

Smoking remains another major risk factor. Beyond its well-known impact on lung health, tobacco use has been associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer and reduced blood flow to vital organs, including the kidneys. This reduced circulation can impair their ability to filter waste from the body.

Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption has been identified as harmful. While moderate intake may not pose significant risks, heavy drinking can lead to dehydration and elevated blood pressure—both of which negatively affect kidney performance.

A sedentary lifestyle is also contributing to the problem. Health experts explain that lack of physical activity increases the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders, conditions that are closely tied to kidney disease. Regular exercise, they say, is essential for maintaining overall organ health.

Additionally, nutritionists caution against excessive consumption of animal protein. While protein is necessary for body functions, high intake—particularly from animal sources—can increase acid production in the body. This forces the kidneys to work harder to maintain balance, potentially accelerating their decline over time.

Health authorities emphasize that kidney disease often develops gradually and without obvious symptoms, making prevention and early lifestyle changes crucial. They advise regular medical check-ups, balanced diets, adequate sleep, and physical activity as key measures to safeguard kidney health.

As awareness grows, experts hope that individuals will take proactive steps to reduce their risk and protect one of the body’s most vital organs.

Health Experts Warn: Everyday Habits Quietly Damaging Kidneys

Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Demand Payment of 19 Months’ Allowances

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned total and indefinite strike following renewed commitments from the Federal Government on salary payments, allowances, and welfare-related issues affecting medical professionals across Nigeria.

The decision was reached after an emergency virtual meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday, where members reviewed ongoing negotiations with government institutions. The resolution was contained in a communiqué signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.

According to the association, the suspension followed engagements with key government stakeholders, including the Vice President’s office, the ministries of health, labour, and finance, the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies involved in health sector financing and administration.

NARD noted that there had been renewed assurances from the government regarding the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), which is expected to reflect in April salary payments and beyond. The association also confirmed a reversal of earlier delays in implementation.

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Among its key demands, the association insisted on the immediate payment of all outstanding promotion arrears and salary backlogs, as well as urgent settlement of 19 months’ unpaid professional allowance arrears owed to members across various federal health institutions.

The doctors also called for the expedited release of funds under the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), stating that approval has already been secured and disbursement processes are expected to be completed without further delay.

Another major concern raised by the association is the continued delay in payment of house officers’ salaries, which it described as a recurring issue requiring urgent intervention. NARD urged the authorities to convene an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the matter and ensure timely remuneration of newly qualified doctors.

While the strike has been suspended, the association stressed that its demands remain in force and warned that progress will be closely monitored. It said the situation will be reviewed at its upcoming May Ordinary General Meeting in Kano, where further action could be decided depending on government compliance.

Healthcare analysts note that the suspension offers temporary relief to Nigeria’s already strained health system, which has faced repeated disruptions due to industrial disputes over welfare and funding challenges.

Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Demand Payment of 19 Months’ Allowances

NAFDAC Busts Fake Alcohol Factories in Lagos, Seizes ₦350m Counterfeit Drinks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and dismantled two major illegal production sites involved in the counterfeiting and adulteration of alcoholic beverages in Lagos State, seizing fake drinks valued at about ₦350 million.

Acting on credible intelligence, enforcement operatives carried out coordinated raids at Zamfara Plaza in the Trade Fair Complex and on Lagos Island, where large-scale production and packaging of counterfeit alcoholic beverages were taking place.

At the Trade Fair Complex, officials discovered a fully organised illegal production setup equipped with plastic mixing tanks, improvised filtration systems, empty branded bottles, corks, and packaging materials used to mimic popular alcoholic brands. The facility was allegedly used to manufacture and distribute fake drinks to unsuspecting consumers across Lagos.

A second raid on Lagos Island led to the arrest of a suspect linked to the illegal production and distribution network operating through a retail outlet. Authorities confirmed that all recovered items were seized and evacuated for laboratory analysis and further regulatory action.

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According to NAFDAC, more than 1,800 cartons of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic products were recovered during the operation, marking one of the agency’s significant recent enforcement breakthroughs in Lagos.

The agency warned that consumption of such adulterated alcoholic beverages poses severe public health risks, including poisoning, liver damage, kidney failure, and potentially death. It stressed that many of the products are produced under unhygienic and unsafe conditions without regulatory approval.

NAFDAC reiterated that the crackdown is part of a sustained nationwide campaign against food and drug counterfeiting, aimed at protecting public health and sanitising the supply chain for consumable goods in Nigeria.

The agency also warned producers, distributors, and retailers involved in such illegal activities to desist immediately, stating that offenders will face prosecution under existing food and drug safety laws.

Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages, verify product authenticity, and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free line 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).

NAFDAC Busts Fake Alcohol Factories in Lagos, Seizes ₦350m Counterfeit Drinks