How To Remove Excess Protein From The Body
You can take several steps to remove excess protein from the body. Experts suggest making a few lifestyle changes that can reduce the strain on your kidneys, including:2
- Reduce the amount of protein you eat.
- Reduce the amount of salt you eat, which may lower blood pressure.
- Increase the amount of fiber you eat, which may lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Regularly check your blood sugar.
- If you smoke or use other tobacco products, take steps to quit.
- Avoid certain medications, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Drinking water can be helpful if dehydration is the cause of your proteinuria. However, water won’t prevent protein in your urine from other causes.
Protein In Urine While Pregnant
Protein in your urine during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that occurs during pregnancy and involves physical symptoms such as high blood pressure and proteinuria. If you have a history of preeclampsia or suspect you have protein in your urine, you should speak to your doctor immediately. They will tell you the best way to manage your health during your pregnancy. Proteinuria related to pregnancy usually goes away after the baby is born2.
Test Strips For Protein In Your Urine
Protein in the urine doesn’t always cause symptoms, so testing is the only way to conclusively diagnose proteinuria. At-home urine protein test strips can detect changes in protein levels and also detect nephrotic range proteinuria, which is indicated by greater than or equal to 3 g/L of protein in the urine. On a urine protein dipstick, it is semi-quantitatively indicated by three or more plus signs (e.g., +++). The reagent pad on test strips for protein in urine produces a light green color for trace or level 1 protein and a dark green color when excess protein is detected. A 24-hour urine collection is recommended to ascertain the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. The urine protein to creatinine ratio should also be considered a diagnostic marker for nephrotic syndrome. You can use the results from home testing to talk to your doctor and develop a long-term plan to safeguard your health.
