BY ZEKINAH ELIZE ESPINA
While fast food is indeed convenient, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) on Monday, Feb. 19, warned that a significant increase in kidney disease cases was attributed to the rapid expansion of fast-food chains across the country.
NKTI Executive Director Dr. Rosemarie Lequete, in a press conference, said that over 200,000 individuals are currently undergoing dialysis --- with a 17 percent annual increase in dialysis patients attributed to the growing presence of fast-food establishments.
“Nagdadamihan ang ating fast-food [chains]... mas dumarami rin ang pasyenteng nagkakaroon ng kidney disease na nagda-dialysis (As our fast-food chains are increasing in number ... there is also a growing number of patients suffering from kidney disease undergoing dialysis),” Lequete said.
Lequete highlighted that despite the appealing taste of fast food, many are unaware of its lack of nutrition due to ingredients like high salt content and instant flavorings, which the current generation favors.
“Sa ngayon kasi marami tayong mga fast-foods, so masasarap talaga ‘yan kasi talagang maraming asin, niluto sa mantika, deep fried so malutong kaya masarap (We have a lot of fast-food options, they really taste good because they are heavily seasoned with salt, cooked in oil, deep-fried, so they're crispy and delicious),” Lequete said.
However, Lequete emphasized that as these establishments [fast-food chains] multiply, so do the instances of dialysis patients.
"Dialysis centers are now popping up left and right, with perhaps around 1,000 dialysis centers all over the country," added Lequete.
Lequete noted that people's lifestyle nowadays is mostly about take-out and delivery. However, she stressed that it is better if people prepare their food --- freshly cooked or cooked at home --- so that it is not too salty and oily.
She noted that this is very important, especially for people who are already suffering from kidney diseases.
“Kapag may sakit sa kidney ang isang tao, ang diet talaga ay more on gulay (When someone has kidney disease, the diet really focuses more on vegetables),” Lequete said.
“Ito ang ating ina-advocate na main source ng protein and carbohydrates, siyempre mayroon din dapat na fish and chicken (This is what we advocate as the main source of protein and carbohydrates, of course, there should also be fish and chicken included),” she added.
Lequete said that for patients with kidney disease, dialysis is just a bridge toward transplantation. However, she noted that only a few patients get transplanted per year --- with 400 patients a year in NKTI.
In the same press conference, NKTI lamented the significant shortage of organ donors and urged potential donors to assist those in need
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