Under normal circumstances, urine typically contains 150 mg of protein. Anything over this number is diagnosed as proteinuria, which is an unusually high amount of protein in the urine. It develops when the kidneys fail to function properly, causing proteins to leak into the urine instead of getting reabsorbed in the body. Although it is a relatively common issue, letting it remain untreated could increase one’s risk of cardiovascular or kidney disease.

Natural remedies for proteinuria
A consultation with a licensed healthcare professional can help one learn how to reduce protein in urine. The professional may recommend certain lifestyle changes to naturally lower urine protein levels, relieve symptoms, and improve the overall quality of life.

1. Reduce protein intake
High-protein, low-carbohydrate meal plans are often associated with a healthier life. While this may be a great way to improve muscle mass when working out, it may also lead to higher protein content in urine.

There is no clear definition of a “high-protein” food regimen, but generally, anything more than 1.68 grams of protein per kilogram of body mass could lead to high protein levels in urine. For comparison, the recommended amount of protein is around 0.8g/kg or a total of around 56g for men and 46g for women. Those eating over the recommended levels may benefit from reducing their protein intake if diagnosed with proteinuria.

That said, protein is a crucial building block in the body, so limiting its intake may give rise to other complications, such as malnutrition. That’s why working with a nutritionist or healthcare provider is important to determine the optimal protein levels for leading a healthy life.

2. Limit salt intake
Salt is a staple when it comes to meals. That being said, too much of it can harm the body. High salt intake has been linked to issues like high blood pressure (hypertension) and kidney damage. This may impact the kidney’s filtration function, which increases protein levels in the urine. The recommended daily salt intake is less than 2.3g, so one should avoid exceeding this limit.

3. Choose fiber-rich food
Fiber, unlike other components of food, cannot be digested by the body. To function as usual, the body needs two fiber types—water-soluble and insoluble. The first dissolves in water and absorbs fluid as it passes through the body, making way for softer stools. Insoluble fiber (also called roughage), on the other hand, adds bulk to the stool, easing its movement through the body. Both of them work together to allow healthy gastrointestinal functioning, prevent constipation and diverticulosis, and regulate blood sugar, protein, and cholesterol levels.

Adding more fiber-rich foods to the daily meal plan may be helpful for those with proteinuria. For men and women under 50, the Food and Nutrition Board recommends consuming 38g and 25g, respectively. Among those over 50, 21g of fiber (for women) and 30g of fiber (for men) is considered ideal. Natural plant-based foods, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and seeds, are rich sources of fiber.

4. Exercise regularly
After intense exercise, one may notice that the protein content in their urine rises significantly due to dehydration or muscle damage. This temporary rise is considered normal, as the body works to restore these levels soon after. On the other hand, low-to-moderate intensity exercise, like jogging, swimming, aerobics, or walking, has been shown to reduce protein levels in the urine. For those with kidney disease, engaging in lower-intensity exercise and moving around could help reduce proteinuria levels significantly.

So, to begin seeing results, one should consider getting at least two hours of exercise or physical activity per week.

5. Check and manage blood sugar
Persistently elevated blood sugar levels can increase the risk of blood vessel damage in the kidneys, eventually leading to proteinuria. So, it is crucial to keep an eye on blood glucose levels and manage them. To do that, one may invest in a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which can track blood sugar levels. Alternatively, one could consider getting their blood sugar levels checked regularly at a nearby lab.

On an empty stomach, a blood sugar level between 70 and 99 mg/dL is considered normal. While the results for a random glucose test may vary depending on when one’s last meal was, a score of 200 mg/dL or higher is typically a cause for concern.

Recognizing proteinuria
At the onset, this condition may not show any symptoms. As it worsens, one may notice foamy or bubbly urine, edema or swelling around the body, frequent urination, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms associated with proteinuria are fatigue, loss of appetite, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, and muscle cramps at night.

Proteinuria could develop due to dehydration, inflammation, low blood pressure, fever, intense physical activity, elevated stress levels, or kidney stones. It could also be a result of other serious conditions such as autoimmune disorders, kidney inflammation, cancer, heart failure, and cardiovascular disease.

While preventing proteinuria can be difficult, one can take several steps to manage it better. Healthcare professionals can offer personalized advice and recommend lifestyle changes to help one relieve symptoms and reduce proteinuria naturally.