How to Reduce Protein in Urine

Protein in the urine, also known as proteinuria, can be a warning sign of different health conditions, including chronic kidney disease. To address high protein levels in urine, it’s important to understand the underlying cause, how much protein is present, and the most effective treatment options.

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, with board-certified urologists across multiple locations in Georgia, we diagnose and treat conditions related to kidney function, such as protein in the urine, blood in urine, kidney stones, and more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

What is a High Protein Level in Urine?

The kidneys filter waste products from the blood while keeping essential specific proteins and nutrients in circulation. When the tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) in the kidneys are damaged or not functioning correctly, protein leakage occurs, and proteins that should remain in the blood may spill into the urine.

This condition, known as proteinuria, is often detected during a urine test or dipstick test. Urinalysis examines urine samples for abnormalities, including protein crystals, white blood cells, and red blood cells, which can signal issues with kidney health.

Normal urine typically contains little to no protein. However, high protein levels in urine could indicate temporary proteinuria caused by dehydration or intense exercise, or more serious concerns such as chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, or acute kidney inflammation.

Types of Proteinuria

Proteinuria can be categorized depending on the cause:

• Glomerular proteinuria: A result of damage to the glomeruli, the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that filter blood.
• Tubular proteinuria: Caused by issues in the kidney’s tubules, which reabsorb substances from the urine.
• Overflow proteinuria: When excess proteins in the plasma overwhelm the kidneys’ capacity to reabsorb them.
• Postrenal proteinuria: Occurs when protein is added to the urine after it leaves the kidneys.
• Albuminuria: Refers to the presence of albumin, a type of protein, in the urine. Albuminuria is often linked to early-stage kidney disease and can be a warning sign of declining kidney function.
• Orthostatic proteinuria: Protein appears in the urine when standing but disappears when lying down.
• Transient proteinuria: A temporary form often caused by intense exercise, fever, or stress.

Causes of Protein in Urine

High urine protein levels may result from:

• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure or the need to control blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Acute kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis)
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus, which can cause long-term kidney damage
• Cardiovascular disease or congestive heart failure

Does Proteinuria Mean I Have Chronic Kidney Disease?

Proteinuria is a common symptom of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in its early stages when there may be no other noticeable symptoms. However, proteinuria alone doesn’t confirm CKD, and further tests are needed to determine the extent of kidney damage and kidney function.

If left untreated, CKD can progress and lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of advanced kidney damage include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent urination
• Swollen hands and feet
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry, itchy skin

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease are at a higher risk of developing CKD and should regularly monitor their kidney health with their healthcare provider.

Diagnosis of Proteinuria

Proteinuria is typically diagnosed through a urine test, which measures the level of protein in the urine. A common method is the dipstick test, where a plastic strip coated with chemicals is dipped into a urine sample. The strip changes color if protein levels are elevated.

Additional diagnostic procedures may include:

• 24-Hour Urine Collection: Measures how much protein is lost throughout the day.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test: A blood test that evaluates kidney function.
• Creatinine Clearance Test: Measures how efficiently the kidneys filter waste.
• Urine Protein Electrophoresis: Identifies the type of proteins in urine.
• Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasound or CT scans of the urinary tract.
• Kidney Biopsy: A small tissue sample used to confirm the cause of protein leakage or nephrotic syndrome.

If red blood cells or white blood cells are present along with protein, it may indicate a urinary tract infection, acute kidney inflammation, or other serious conditions requiring a tailored treatment plan.

How to Reduce Protein in Urine

Reducing protein in urine depends on the root cause. Common approaches include:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary Adjustments: Lowering protein intake, reducing salt intake, and managing blood sugar may help if kidney disease or high blood pressure is the cause.
• Weight Management: Losing weight can alleviate stress on the kidneys, especially in individuals with obesity-related kidney issues.
• Healthy Kidney Habits: Staying hydrated can help prevent temporary proteinuria.

2. Medication

• Blood Pressure Medication: ACE inhibitors or ARBs are prescribed to control blood pressure, a major factor in managing proteinuria.
• Diabetes Management: Keeping blood sugar stable helps prevent proteinuria and further kidney damage.

3. Dialysis

For severe kidney damage or kidney failure, dialysis may be required to manage proteinuria and remove waste from the blood.

By managing the underlying causes of protein in urine, whether it’s through lifestyle changes or blood pressure medication, you can reduce the risk of long-term kidney damage.

Take Control of Your Kidney Health Today

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified urologists specialize in proteinuria treatment and conditions affecting kidney function. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including urine protein electrophoresis, imaging tests, and kidney biopsies, to create an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Whether you’re experiencing protein leakage, blood in urine, or early signs of nephrotic syndrome, our team is here to help you prevent kidney damage and support your overall health.

If you’re worried about protein in urine or symptoms like blood in urine, don’t delay seeking medical help. Our specialists are ready to assist with diagnosing and managing proteinuria, whether it’s caused by kidney stones, heart disease, or another underlying issue.

Schedule an appointment today at one of our Georgia locations and take the first step toward better kidney health and overall well-being.