How to Lower Protein in Urine: What You Need to Know

Elevated urinary protein levels, known as proteinuria, can be caused by excessive intake of protein-rich foods or may be related to poor kidney function. 

If left untreated, proteinuria can lead to various potentially serious health issues, including kidney damage, metabolic imbalances, and cardiovascular problems.

Discover common symptoms of proteinuria and learn how to naturally lower protein in urine and promote kidney health. 

What is proteinuria?

Proteinuria is characterized by elevated urine protein concentrations, often linked to kidney problems or dietary factors. 

Normal urine contains little to no proteins, as healthy kidneys effectively filter blood and retain essential proteins while allowing waste products to be eliminated. 

When protein levels exceed normal limits, it may indicate kidney dysfunction or excessive intake of protein-rich foods.

Proteinuria is diagnosed by performing a urinary analysis, using a dipstick urine test or 24-hour urine collection, to quantify concentrations of various proteins such as white blood cells, albumin, and globulins.

According to research published in StatPearls, the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) is considered the most accurate and reliable method for detecting proteinuria, with values exceeding 15 mg/mmol indicating elevated urinary protein concentrations.

Transient proteinuria, most commonly associated with dehydration, intense exercise, or fever, typically resolves without medical intervention. 

In contrast, orthostatic proteinuria is characterized by elevated urinary proteins when standing but not when lying down and involves careful management to minimize the risk of long-term kidney damage. 

Persistent proteinuria indicates a more serious underlying condition that may be linked to chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, or diabetic complications. 

This type of proteinuria requires close monitoring and regular blood tests, and it may even necessitate a kidney biopsy to determine the best protein urine treatment. 

Watch the video below to discover common signs of excessive protein intake.

Symptoms of proteinuria 

Many cases of proteinuria go undetected until routine urine sample tests reveal elevated urinary proteins. 

Symptoms of proteinuria can be subtle or non-specific, meaning they can easily be overlooked or attributed to other health issues. In addition, symptoms associated with high urinary protein may differ based on the underlying cause. 

For example, those with proteinuria due to diabetic complications often experience symptoms related to poor blood sugar control, such as increased thirst and frequent urination.

Elevated urinary protein levels linked to poor kidney function can be accompanied by fluid retention, high blood pressure, and unexplained fatigue. 

Proteinuria related to excessive dietary protein intake may exhibit similar symptoms, though they’re typically milder than those associated with kidney disease.

In addition to proteinuria, a high-protein diet may also cause symptoms such as:

• Foamy urine 

• Gout  

• Fluid retention 

• Weakness and malaise

What causes protein in urine?

Poor kidney function is one of the most common causes of proteinuria, as damaged kidneys lose their ability to properly filter waste and retain proteins such as albumin and globulin. 

Research published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology investigated the link between elevated urinary protein and kidney dysfunction and concluded, “Proteinuria is strongly associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease progression in both non-diabetic and diabetic patients.”

Diabetic individuals are at greater risk of kidney issues and proteinuria, as elevated blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This condition, known as diabetic peripheral nephropathy, can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste, allowing proteins to leak into the urine.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that excessive protein intake can cause proteinuria by overwhelming the kidneys' ability to filter and process proteins. 

Under normal conditions, the kidneys efficiently retain essential proteins within the bloodstream. However, when protein intake is too high, the kidneys may struggle to reabsorb proteins, which can trigger or exacerbate proteinuria. 

Consistently high protein consumption can strain the kidneys, potentially worsening existing kidney issues, especially in individuals with diabetes or elevated blood pressure.

How to lower protein in urine

While the most effective way to lower protein in the urine depends on the underlying cause, promoting healthy kidney function and making beneficial dietary and lifestyle changes is crucial.

Here are four steps you can take to help lower protein in urine. 

1. Reduce dietary protein intake 

Proteinuria linked to high protein consumption can typically be managed by adopting a medium- to low-protein diet.

Limiting protein intake to around 45 to 65 grams daily, roughly six ounces of beef, seven eggs, or six ounces of shrimp, can help reduce kidney stress and manage proteinuria. 

2. Follow a low-carb diet 

Individuals with kidney issues and diabetes can help promote healthy renal function by adopting a nutritious low-carb, moderate-protein, and high-fat diet such as Healthy Keto®. 

This dietary approach combines three critical factors that support kidney health: 

• Moderate protein intake

• Avoidance of sugars and processed foods

• Focus on whole foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants 

This has been confirmed in a study published in Diabetes Research & Care, reporting that a well-planned ketogenic diet is safe and effective for diabetic patients with impaired kidney function. 

The authors summarize, ”Carbohydrate-restricted diets may be beneficial in improving moderate kidney dysfunction and in reducing the progression of chronic kidney disease.”

3. Practice intermittent fasting  

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a mealtime schedule that cycles between periods of fasting and time-restricted eating windows. Practicing IF combined with Healthy Keto may significantly benefit those with diabetes, particularly in managing kidney function and proteinuria.

During periods of caloric restriction, insulin and blood glucose levels remain steady, which supports metabolic balance and can enhance blood sugar control. 

This reduces the strain on the kidneys and can help manage and prevent kidney damage linked to poor metabolic health and diabetic complications such as proteinuria.

4. Limit sodium and potassium intake 

Avoiding excessive salt intake is crucial in managing proteinuria as high sodium levels stimulate fluid retention and elevated blood pressure, which can worsen kidney function and may contribute to protein in urine.

In addition, managing potassium intake is critical for those with impaired kidney function. Excessive potassium intake can increase the workload on the kidneys, which, over time, may compromise renal function, increasing the risk of protein leakage into the urine. 

It’s generally recommended that those with kidney issues monitor potassium consumption and limit sodium intake to no more than 2300 mg per day. 

However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to discuss any dietary changes and determine individual sodium and potassium needs, as recommendations may vary based on the severity of kidney disease and other potential health conditions.

When to talk to your doctor

Information related to this specific medical condition should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine suitability based on individual health needs.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention if you notice symptoms such as foamy urine, changes in urinary patterns, swelling, or fatigue. 

In addition, individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and those taking blood pressure medication should undergo regular kidney function tests, as ongoing monitoring is essential to prevent impaired blood sugar control or poorly managed hypertension from straining the kidneys. 

A doctor may perform blood tests to measure the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which indicates how well the kidneys are filtering waste. Additional tests may also check for creatine and red blood cells in the urine, which can indicate underlying kidney issues. 

Timely proteinuria treatment is vital to preserve and restore kidney function and reduce the risk of long-term health complications such as kidney failure and cardiovascular problems. 

Key takeaways

Have you been diagnosed with proteinuria and are wondering how to lower protein in urine? 

Proteinuria linked to a high-protein diet can typically be managed by reducing protein intake. 

Individuals with proteinuria due to kidney dysfunction or diabetes may benefit from a low-carb, moderate-protein diet such as Healthy Keto, combined with intermittent fasting and careful monitoring of potassium and sodium intake.

FAQ

1. How to lower protein in urine naturally?

Some cases of high urinary protein concentrations, or proteinuria, can be managed by following a low-carb, moderate-protein diet such as Healthy Keto® in combination with intermittent fasting. 

In addition, it’s recommended that those with impaired kidney functions limit sodium intake and avoid potassium-rich foods to help reduce strain on the kidneys, which is linked to proteinuria. 

2. Can high protein in urine go away?

Yes, proteinuria related to excessive dietary intake can easily be managed by reducing the consumption of protein-rich foods.

High protein in urine caused by kidney dysfunction may not resolve as easily and often requires a combination of dietary changes and medical interventions to address the underlying causes.

3. Is proteinuria a sign of a kidney problem?

Yes, proteinuria indicates that the kidneys may not be functioning properly. When protein levels in the urine are elevated, it can suggest damage to the kidney’s filtering units, known as glomeruli.

4. What are the risk factors for proteinuria?

Risk factors for proteinuria include diabetes and high blood pressure, which can contribute to kidney damage. Other factors include excessive protein intake, obesity, older age, and certain medications, which may adversely affect kidney function. 

5. Will drinking water reduce protein in urine?

While drinking water increases urine output, which may dilute and lower urinary protein levels, it doesn’t address the underlying cause of proteinuria. 

6. What are the best foods for the kidneys?

Some of the best foods to promote kidney health are nutritious whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

These include organic leafy greens, moderate amounts of grass-fed beef, oily fish, and pasture-raised eggs, along with healthy fats from sources like avocados, olive oil, and coconut oil.

7. How much protein do I need on keto?

It’s generally recommended to consume around 20 percent of your daily caloric needs from protein on keto. Depending on your activity levels, metabolic flexibility, and body composition, this typically translates to around six ounces of protein per meal.  

8. How do I know if I’m consuming too much protein?

Consuming more protein than the body requires can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, lethargy, unexplained mood swings, dehydration, and foamy urine. 

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564390/ 

2. https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12104 

3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7460905/ 

4. https://drc.bmj.com/content/12/2/e004101