Protein is key to the growth and repair of tissues, maintenance of muscles and several important bodily processes. Normal kidneys remove waste products from the blood and keep the majority of the proteins. If you have more protein in your urine than is normal, then it might mean that your kidneys are not filtering the blood out the way they should.
Knowing how to reduce protein in urine is a crucial part of the process in reaching informed decisions when it comes to kidney health. MediLux Ayurveda provides kidney wellness details and online consultation services for people in the USA and UK who are interested in finding unique health care solutions.
What Does Protein in Urine Mean?
Protein in urine, called proteinuria, is when too much protein excretes through the urine. It can sometimes show up for a short period of time after heavy exercise, during a fever or due to dehydration. But, if protein keeps appearing in the urine, it may be linked to kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues.
A health care professional may be able to determine the cause by using a urine test, urine blood tests, urinalysis, and a blood test that checks kidney function through a test called an albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Persistent proteinuria may occur in some patients without any signs of kidney damage and is important to assess in the early stages.
How to Reduce Protein in Urine
The first step in reducing protein in urine is to pinpoint and treat the cause of it. Below are some of the steps that may be taken to help maintain kidney health if applicable to a person's medical situation.
Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can affect the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys and cause protein to be lost in the urine. This risk can be controlled with regular blood pressure checks, a healthy diet, exercise, and prescribed medications.
If you have hypertension and kidney disease, follow your medical provider's advice on what your blood pressure should be and what drugs you should take.
Keep Blood Sugar Under Control
Over time, diabetes can cause the kidneys to become damaged, and may lead to the presence of protein in the urine. Blood glucose monitoring, a proper meal plan, frequent check ups and medication as prescribed can help minimize the risk of additional kidney damage.
Diabetics should talk to their Healthcare Team about monitoring kidney function and urine albumin testing.
Follow a Balanced Diet
A properly balanced diet can help maintain the health of your kidneys. Many people will benefit from a meal that contains adequate amounts of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and good protein sources.
Too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure and fluid retention. Cutting back on highly processed food and reading food labels will help curb sodium intake.
Protein requirements vary from person to person. Those with chronic kidney disease should steer clear of diets that are too high in protein; and should seek advice from a registered dietitian or a health care provider before significantly altering protein consumption.
Maintain Appropriate Hydration
Increasing water intake to support normal body functions is a necessary but not sufficient treatment to help lower protein in the urine. Fluid requirements vary amongst individuals, depending on kidney function, activity, climate and other medical conditions.
Those advised to limit fluid should stick to their prescribed fluid limits and not simply go over them without medical advice.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, contributing to poor kidney health. Good exercise routines and healthy eating can control these risk factors.
Select exercise activities that match your fitness level and see your health care provider before starting a new exercise program when you have major health issues.
Use Medicines Responsibly
Some drugs may impact kidney function especially if not taken properly or for prolonged periods of time. Some individuals with kidney disease may be at risk when taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen.
Never discontinue drugs as prescribed. If protein has been found in your urine, have a qualified health care worker check your medicines, such as over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
Be Careful With Herbal Remedies
Others meditate on the Ayurvedic methods for their well-being. Herbal products do not, however, have to be thought to diminish proteinuria or to fix kidney harm. Some supplements can have ingredients that can impact kidney function or interact with prescription drugs.
If an herbal remedy is recommended, consult with a knowledgeable medical practitioner before embarking on the treatment, especially if kidney disease is suspected or already diagnosed.
What Are the Symptoms of Proteinuria?
Sometimes proteinuria is not accompanied by any symptoms. If there is a substantial amount of protein loss, it could be accompanied by one or more of the following conditions:
- Urine that has a frothy appearance or stays frothy for an extended period of time.
- Eyelids, feet, ankles, or legs that swell.
- Changes in urination.
- Rapid or unexplained gain or loss of body weight, which can be due to fluid retention.
If the urine has foam, this does not necessarily indicate proteinuria. Urine test will be required to see if there is too much protein. If symptoms last, or if swelling occurs, get immediate medical attention. Sudden, extensive decrease in urine output, chest pain or extreme difficulty breathing must be assessed urgently.
Why is Early Testing Important?
Protein in the urine that lasts for a long time can be a sign of a kidney problem that would be helped by early evaluation. Additional urine tests, blood creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) testing, blood pressure measurements and assessment of diabetes may be recommended by a healthcare professional.
Treatment is dependent on cause. Medical care is necessary, and lifestyle and dietary changes can complement it but should not be a replacement.
Explore Kidney Wellness Resources With MediLux Ayurveda
MediLux Ayurveda shares information on kidney health, Ayurvedic wellness and online consultation to the people of USA and UK. Those interested in How to Reduce Protein in Urine can visit the site and ask for customized health information.
Taking steps to keep your kidneys healthy begins with gaining a grasp on what the test results mean, finding out what factors may be increasing your risk, and speaking with knowledgeable health care providers about your options. It is advisable to always check any ayurvedic or herbal treatment for safety and to only supplement a proper medical treatment and not replace it.
Request an Online Consultation: Visit MediLux Ayurveda and complete the online form to get a consultation. Learn about the services and support available and make a decision to help your kidneys.