Treatment for protein in urine
The therapy of protein in the urine is strongly dependent on the disease underlying this proteinuria. Temporary increased excretion of protein usually does not require therapy, especially if the symptom is due to a cause such as increased physical exertion or pregnancy. However, if proteinuria is caused by a disease, it should be treated.
Urinary tract infections, for example, can cause increased protein in the urine; they are usually caused by bacteria and are therefore best treated with antibiotics. Proteinuria can also be caused by medication, in which case you should consult your doctor and switch to another medication. As an underlying kidney disease for example the nephrotic syndrome is possible.This can be triggered by various diseases of the renal corpuscles (glomeruli).
In addition, the kidney is significantly involved in the body’s water balance, which is why the treatment also includes a restriction of the amount of water you can drink. Diuretics (water tablets) are also part of the treatment, as is blood pressure adjustment with ACE inhibitors and a low-salt diet. If you have protein in your urine, you should eat a diet that puts as little strain as possible on your kidneys.
This requires a low-salt diet. The easiest way to do this is not to consume any ready-made products. Rather, you should prepare your own food in order to be able to control the amount of table salt used.
It is also important to eat a diet low in protein. Protein is mainly found in fish and meat, but can also be absorbed through other animal products such as milk and cheese. In the broadest sense, drinking can also be added to the diet.
In the case of proteinuria, there is usually a drinking limit that should be strictly adhered to in order not to overload the kidneys. A fluid log is often kept, which includes both the amount of fluid you consume and the amount of urine excreted. In order to avoid further challenges for the kidney, it is best to avoid sugary drinks.
Caffeine can also cause the kidney problems by interfering with the regulation of blood pressure and is therefore not recommended. Likewise, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided. The protein content in the urine usually only decreases if the underlying disease that caused the proteinuria is treated.
For this purpose, an antibiotic is often needed for infectious causes. Other diseases are treated with a special diet and drinking restrictions. People who excrete a lot of protein because they simply consume a lot of protein should reduce their protein intake, for example by reducing the consumption of meat. Excretion of protein due to heavy physical exertion can also be contained by reducing this exertion somewhat.
