Can drinking too much water cause proteinuria?

What is Proteinuria? 

Proteinuria is a severe medical condition that causes a person to lose protein from the blood and can impact their health. Loss of excessive protein while urinating may put a person at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Doctors recognize this condition as Proteinuria. 

As the kidney function decreases, this may cause Large amounts of proteins to spill into the urine. Healthy kidneys allow only fluid and small molecules. Excessive amounts of protein in the urine is a clear indication of kidney damage. 

Human consists of protein and healthy kidneys function in a way that allows only small amounts of protein into the urine. Damage to the glomeruli (filters in kidneys) in some way may cause the release of excessive protein into the urine.

 

Symptoms of Proteinuria 

In the initial stages or in mild cases, signs are usually not noticeable. It is likely to get worse with time, a person suffering from Proteinuria might notice these symptoms-

 

●     Urinating more often

●     Fatigue

●     Loss of appetite

●     Muscle cramps at night

●     Shortness of breath

●     Swelling in hands, feet, belly, and face

●     Stomach upset and constant vomiting

●     Foamy urine 

 

Causes of Proteinuria 

Some common things that can cause Proteinuria are-

 

●     Inflammation

●     Low blood pressure

●     Intense activity

●     Kidney stones

●     High stress

●     Dehydration

●     Very low temperatures

 

Conditions that can damage a person’s kidneys like diabetes and high blood pressure also prompt having too much protein in the urine.

 

Other serious complications that can cause Proteinuria are-

 

●     Immune disorders such as lupus

●     Kidney cancer

●     Heart failure

●     A blood cancer called multiple myeloma

●     Cardiovascular disease

●     Preeclampsia, which affects pregnant women 

Risk factors in Proteinuria

 

Things that make a person more likely to have protein in their urine include:

 

●     Age of over 65 years

●     A family history of kidney disease

●     Obesity 

 

Types of Proteinuria

 

●   Transient proteinuria: This condition may cause some people to have periodic protein in their urine. This kind of situation is likely to arise during pregnancy or after heavy exercise. If the urine lab test shows greater than 150 mg of protein, another test needs to be done to check if it is transient and consult a doctor.

 

●   Persistent proteinuria: It is perhaps the most serious type of proteinuria. If a person has more than one test indicating the presence of high levels of protein in their urine, they should consider seeing their doctor immediately.

 

●   Orthostatic proteinuria: In this condition, some people experience more protein in their urine while standing than while lying down. It is also known as Postural Proteinuria. It is not a condition that is caused by kidney disease.

 

 

Diagnosis of Proteinuria

 

A urine test (urinalysis) determines the amount of protein in a person’s urine. The person is made to submit a sample of their urine. A lab technician will then dip in a stick with chemicals on the end of it. If the stick happens to change its color, it’s a clear sign of excessive protein. The person might need to get more than one test done in order to ascertain for how long the protein is actually present in their urine.

 

In order to double-check, the technician will also look at the urine sample under a microscope. This is to make sure that red and white blood cells, crystals, and bacteria are not present in the urine which hints at possible kidney damage.

 

If the doctor suspects kidney damage, then the person might need to get some other tests done. They are-

 

●   Blood tests: These are conducted in order to check the functioning of the kidneys by measuring certain chemicals.

 

●   Imaging tests: Modern technology allows for CT scans and ultrasounds that can spot kidney stones, tumors, or other elements that may have blocked the kidneys.

 

●   A kidney biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is taken and studied under the microscope.

 

Foods to avoid for people having proteinuria:

 

Since most of the protein is lost through urine during Proteinuria, there is a clear decrease in the body’s overall protein levels. That is why it is advised to consume more protein and limit the following-

 

●     Avoid consuming carbohydrates in excess

●     Do not have saturated fats

●     Avoid having semi-cooked and canned foods

●     Avoid foods that are rich in sodium, potassium, and magnesium

●     Stay away from allopathic medicines and drugs

 

 

Treatment for proteinuria

 

To control proteinuria or its underlying causes, the following treatments can be made use of-

 

●     Diuretics

 

●     Dietician consultation and a healthy meal plan

 

●     Low-protein diet

 

●     Low-sodium diet

 

●     Treatment for any chronic conditions

 

Ayurveda treatment for proteinuria

 

The best approach towards proteinuria is Ayurveda. The Ayurveda treatment for proteinuria is a natural, simple, and most risk-free alternative. It involves simple techniques and ensures the best results in the shortest span of time.

 

Drinking too much water can cause proteinuria. Ayurveda recommends maintaining hydration levels, i.e not too much or too little. It makes use of natural herbs that do not have any complications in them. Unlike other alternatives of treatment, Ayurveda does not have side effects on the body of the patient.

 

It is highly recommended to make use of these simple techniques to gain quick results-

 

●   Lifestyle changes: These may include losing weight, exercising more, and quitting smoking.

●   A special diet: Ayurveda recommends that a kidney-friendly diet low in minerals and protein may help manage kidney problems.