In this short article, we will answer the question “Will drinking water reduce protein in urine?” and will show you what is proteinuria and the best measures to prevent it.
Will drinking water reduce protein in urine?
No, increasing your water intake won’t cure proteinuria. Even though drinking more water will cause you to urinate more frequently and cause your protein levels to drop, it can’t prevent your kidneys from releasing protein.
Water intake has little effect on protein loss. You can drink water regularly if you do not have oedema (swelling), but the loss of protein will still occur. A nephrologist, dietitian, and endocrinologist should all be consulted.
What could be the cause of urine protein?
The Malpighian glomerulus is formed by tiny blood arteries (the capillaries) that are entangled in Bowman’s capsules, which are found in the smaller section of the kidney.
The glomerular basement membrane, a group of three membranes that make up Bowman’s capsule, functions as a filter, returning larger particles to the body and directing smaller ones to the renal tubule.
Although the renal tubule makes communication with other tubules known as proximal tubules, which absorb water, salt, and other substances that the body may need, some proteins, like albumin, are delivered to the tubule because of their smaller size.
Nevertheless, a tiny amount of albumin enters the urine. 150 mg every 24 hours is the level that is regarded as usual. Microalbuminuria is the term used when this amount is excreted in little amounts, whereas macroalbuminuria is used when it is concerning.
What are some measures I can take to decrease proteinuria?
Proteinuria, or an abundance of the protein albumin in the urine, is a sign of damaged kidneys. This protein is required by your body for a number of processes, and healthy kidneys are able to retain what the body requires and eliminate excess amounts.
Urine that contains an excessive amount of protein indicates compromised kidney filters. Working with a doctor or kidney dietitian to adjust your diet is essential if you want to control kidney disease and its complications.
Soy protein
For kidneys that are impaired, soy protein has many advantages. You may need to reduce the number of animal proteins in your diet because they are high quality yet taxing on the kidneys.
A 2003 study in the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” followed patients on a renal diet that was typically advised to contain 70% animal protein and 30% vegetable protein, followed by a diet composed of 35% soy protein and 30% other plant proteins. This study found that soy proteins may also help reduce proteinuria.
Researchers discovered that including soy in the diet seemed to lessen proteinuria and enhance kidney function in general.
The correct soy products must be chosen, though, many soy-based meat and cheese alternatives might have high sodium content, another component you may need to watch out for in your diet. Carefully read the packages.
Linseed
According to research published in the December 2003 edition, flaxseed meals may lessen proteinuria.
For six months, Dutch researchers fed diabetic rats who were likely to develop kidney disease casein, the protein contained in milk, 20% soy protein, or 20% flaxseed meal. The three groups’ diets were identical in every other way.
The scientists discovered that mice fed flaxseed excreted less protein in their urine when they were fed soy compared to when they were fed the other diets. The glomeruli, or microscopic filters in the kidneys, suffered less harm in the mice in the soy group as well.
Although a study of this kind is insufficient to draw any clear conclusions, you might wish to consult your doctor if you should include this food in your diet given its relative safety.
Decrease of sodium
According to a study that was published in the July 2011 issue of the British Medical Journal, if you have kidney impairment, you frequently need to manage your sodium intake as it can assist reduce proteinuria.
Participants were randomly assigned to follow a low-salt diet along with an inhibitor medicine to treat proteinuria, a low-salt, placebo diet, a regular sodium diet along with the medication, or a placebo with a regular sodium diet.
The most apparent reduction in proteinuria was seen with the low-salt diet. Limiting your salt intake to no more than 1,500 milligrammes per day may provide more health benefits than the recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg for healthy persons.
Regulate blood sugar
If you have proteinuria, it is crucial to keep your blood sugar level stable. High glucose levels over time harm the kidneys. Consult your dietitian about the recommended daily intake of carbohydrates.
Sugar and processed carbs should be kept to a minimum because they both cause blood sugar levels to rise. Emphasize carbohydrates high in fibre, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn can boost blood sugar levels when ingested in excess while being nutrient-rich foods.
Conclusion:
In this short article, we answered the question “Will drinking water reduce protein in urine?” and have shown you what is proteinuria and the best measures to prevent it.