A senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Rebecca K. Steele-Dadzie of the Department of Diabetes, has warned that unhealthy eating habits, including excessive consumption of processed and fatty foods, frequent eating out, and misuse of herbal medicines, are harming kidney function and driving a rise in chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
Speaking on the topic “To Eat or Not to Eat: Dietary Habits and the Courting of Kidney Diseases,” Dr Steele-Dadzie highlighted a growing trend of kidney-related illnesses, including acute kidney injury and kidney stones.
She linked these conditions to poor hydration, unsafe traditional practices, and even excessive Vitamin C intake.
Chronic kidney disease in Ghana: Treatment challenges and prevention tips
According to a report by graphic.com.gh on October 1, 2025, kidney health in Ghana is increasingly threatened by poor hydration, excessive protein intake, and high consumption of salt and sugar.
“Chronic kidney injury is a more sudden kind of loss of kidney function, and usually it’s due to an underlying cause,” she explained.
She stressed that dehydration is a key risk factor in tropical regions, where climate change exacerbates challenges in accessing clean drinking water.
Chronic kidney disease affects 10% globally, 13% in Ghana – Specialist
“In our part of the world, especially in the tropics, climate change makes things more challenging, even as basic as getting enough drinking water. But staying healthy starts with staying hydrated,” Dr Steele-Dadzie noted.
“The kidneys cannot handle concentrated blood if you are not drinking enough water. Eventually, this can lead to acute kidney injury. So, we need to take in sufficient water,” she advised.
Dr Steele-Dadzie urged Ghanaians to adopt healthier diets, reduce reliance on processed foods and herbal concoctions, and prioritise hydration to protect their kidneys and overall well-being.
MRA/MA
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