How to Reduce Protein in Urine

Protein in the urine, also known as proteinuria, can signify various health conditions, including kidney disease. To address high protein levels in urine, it’s essential to understand the underlying cause and how to treat it effectively. This article covers what high protein levels mean, potential causes, and 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 blood in urine, proteinuria, 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 proteins and nutrients in circulation. When the kidneys are damaged or not functioning correctly, proteins that should remain in the blood may leak into the urine. This condition is called proteinuria, and it’s detected when abnormal protein levels appear in a urine test.

Normal urine typically contains little to no protein. High protein levels in urine could indicate temporary issues like dehydration or more severe problems, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney damage.

Types of Proteinuria

Proteinuria comes in different types, 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.

Causes of Protein in Urine

High protein levels in urine can result from several conditions, ranging from temporary health issues to chronic diseases. Some common causes include:

• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Inflammation
• Glomerulonephritis (Acute kidney inflammation)
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus can damage the kidneys.

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 certain conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, are at a higher risk of developing CKD.

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: Collecting urine over a whole day to assess how much protein is being lost.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test: A blood test to evaluate how well the kidneys filter blood.
• Imaging Tests: An ultrasound or CT scan may be ordered to check for structural issues in the kidneys or urinary tract.
• Kidney Biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is removed to examine for signs of damage or disease.

If red blood cells are also present in the urine, it may suggest issues like a urinary tract infection or more severe kidney disease, which require further investigation.

How Can Protein in Urine Be Reduced?

Reducing protein levels in urine depends on addressing the underlying condition causing proteinuria. Here are common treatments:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary Adjustments: A diet low in sodium, protein, and 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.

2. Medication

• Blood Pressure Medication: ACE inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are commonly prescribed to control high blood pressure, a leading cause of proteinuria.
• Diabetes Management: Controlling blood sugar levels with medication or insulin therapy can prevent further kidney damage in diabetic patients.

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.

Board-Certified Urologists You Can Trust

At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified urologists are experts in diagnosing and treating kidney-related conditions, including proteinuria and blood in urine. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including urine tests and kidney biopsies, we are committed to identifying the root cause of your symptoms and providing the most effective treatment.

Whether you are dealing with early signs of kidney disease or more severe kidney function concerns, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Take Control of Your Kidney Health Today

If you’re concerned about protein in your urine or experiencing other symptoms like blood in urine, don’t wait to seek help. The team at Urology of Greater Atlanta is here to provide expert care. We offer services in multiple locations throughout Georgia, including Stockbridge, and are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of urological conditions.

Contact us today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about how we can help manage your kidney health and improve your overall well-being.