How to stop kidneys from leaking protein?

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a pathological condition of glomeruli with increased permeability to plasma proteins and is characterised by proteinuria, hypo-albuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, and edema. It is called the early sign of kidney disease. Kidneys-the filtering organs of the human body, remove toxins from the body, regulate blood pressure, manage solutes, etc. These are amongst the few roles managed by kidneys. Although not limited to, the kidney's function is to maintain a balance of the components of blood. We have a predefined range of each of the constituents of the urine. The difference in urine constituents creates an alarming signal. Proteinuria is found in every age, irrespective of gender and race. Treatment strategies for Proteinuria in conventional medicine might include ACE inhibitors, corticosteroid therapy, and other immunosuppressive agents. These corticosteroids and immunosuppressants carry significant side effects. Many patients also show significant relapse when the steroids are tapered off or stopped. They might remain in remission for several weeks after discontinuation of treatment but may relapse frequently.

Urine also contains a defined amount of protein. If there is an excess of protein in urine than desired, the condition is called “Proteinuria”. It is the state of presence of an excess amount of proteins in the urine that are indicative of damage to the kidneys. The chronic diseases, affecting the functioning of kidneys after some time, may land you in a stage of kidney failure.
 
Causes of excess protein loss in urine

As we all know, the kidneys are the filtering organ; glomeruli and nephrons are responsible for sieving waste. There are more than one million nephrons present in a single kidney that filters the waste present in the blood. When these filters get damaged due to one reason or other, kidneys are not able to function properly. Proteinuria can be due to several health conditions that create damage to the filters of the kidneys. The following could be the reasons for renal insufficiency:

• Antibiotics/over-the-counter (OTC) drugs usage more than the prescribed time

• Blood cancer - multiple myeloma

• Cardiovascular disease

• Dehydration

• Fever

• High stress

• Immune disorders such as lupus

• Inflammation, as in Pyelonephritis and Glomerulonephritis affects the output of the kidney

• Intense activity

• Kidney cancer

• Kidney stones

• Low blood pressure

• Others-UTIs (urinary tract infections), the insufficient flow of blood to the kidneys, dehydration, etc.

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) hampering rena filters

• Preeclampsia affecting pregnant women

• Protein buildup in your organs (amyloidosis)

• Taking aspirin every day

• Toxins and heavy metals exposure

• Very low temperatures

What are the different types of Proteinuria?

If your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, proteinuria may occur to you too. The different types of proteinuria are:
 
•  Glomerular proteinuria

•  Overflow proteinuria

•  Post-renal proteinuria

• Tubular proteinuria

Proteinuria may occur because of some temporary conditions, such as dehydration. However, it might indicate something serious like kidney damage.

Read Also : What is the best treatment for Proteinuria?

How will you know that your kidneys are leaking proteins?

 Proteins are the building blocks of humans. Normally, kidneys filter out the excess protein left from the digestion and metabolism process in the form of waste as urine. But when kidneys do not function properly, this leakage of proteins exceeds the desired amount, and there would be excess loss of protein from your body. Proteins (albumin and globulin) are the main constituents of plasma. Albumin is filtered more easily than globulin; thus, we find albumin as the major type of protein present in urine. The initial stage of proteinuria or kidneys leaking proteins in urine might not relate to any signs or symptoms of kidney damage. This disease can be confirmed with the help of a urine  test and a blood test.  

Kidneys leaking proteins or proteinuria can be assessed by recognizing the symptoms too. Following are the signs and symptoms indicating proteinuria:  

• Blood in urine: Traces of blood in urine can be identified as a severe symptom of Proteinuria.

• Blurred vision: Spots or flashing lights are the visionary changes noticed in front of the eyes.        

• Change in colour of urine: Another symptom of proteinuria is a change in the colour of urine from yellow to dark yellow. •        

• Change in urine output: The urine output differs from normal, is another common symptom of kidney disease.         

• Difficulties sleeping

• Dry, itchy skin

• Foamy urine: This is the main symptom which indicates protein leakage in urine.

• Frequent urination

• Lethargy/General body weakness: Our activities need muscles, which in turn are dependent on proteins for work. Due to excessive loss of proteins, the body will feel exhausted and lethargic.        

• Nausea or vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are the common symptoms observed in all kidney-related disorders.

• Oedema of limbs: Swelling of limbs occurs due to fluid retention in the body.

• Poor appetite: Unwillingness to consume food.

• Prolonged Headaches  

• Puffy eyes: The eyelids become puffy or swollen.

• Shortness of breath

 Diagnosis of Proteins in Urine

The condition of leaking proteins can be diagnosed through a urine test. These tests measure the amount of protein in your urine.

• Dip test: A simple qualitative test to check for the presence of proteins.

• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This test evaluates the filtration rate of your kidneys.

• Imaging tests. A USG or CT scan may be used to take a detailed analysis of the kidneys and urinary tract.

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How to stop your kidneys from leaking proteins?-A help from Ayurveda

Proteins in the urine can be a sign of serious health problems. To reduce protein leakage in urine, one should tackle the root cause of the problem. It is a type of kidney disease that is reversible with the use of lifestyle changes and with ayurvedic treatment for proteinuria.

Research has shown that Ayurvedic treatment for proteinuria has provided  exceptional results. It has been providing effective treatment for various kidney diseases for ages. It helps in restoration of the overall health of kidneys. Ayurvedic medicines for proteinuria use natural and herbal preparations to overcome this problem. Along with ayurvedic medicines for proteinuria, the treatment for proteinuria follows a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

According to the ancient texts of Ayurveda, Prameha consists of two sub-words. i.e. ‘Pra’ and  ‘Meha' where “pra” means “passing of urine in excess in terms of frequency and quantity” and “meha” means “to excrete”. This disease is allied to “sandrameha” (a subtype of prameha). There are many types of kaphaja Prameha. Here, the urine becomes concentrated or dense. The main causes related to it are hereditary factors (Sahaja nidana) and (apathyanimitaja)- intake of diet that increases Kaphaja dosha. Clinical features of prameha, as per Ayurveda, are prabhutmutrata (increase in the frequency and quantity of urine) and avilmutrata (turbid urine).

Improper lifestyle leading to sthula (obesity), bahuasi (over-eater), lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, excessive sleep during the day and excessive consumption of alcohol.

Lifestyle management to stop your kidneys from leaking proteins

Herbs, condiments and spices like cardamom, coriander, Dandelion root, fenugreek, Gokshuradi Guggul, Gudmar  Kaasni, Musta, Punarnava, Shirish, and Triphala, etc. are used in ayurvedic medicines for proteinuria to promote kidney function. These herbs can assure complete alleviation of the problem in your life.

You might not need any treatment if you have temporary or mild proteinuria. But if your proteinuria lasts a little longer, then you must treat the underlying conditions.

Proteinuria, a kidney disorder, can be managed by adopting a healthy life-style. By following some preventive measures and proteinuria ayurvedic treatment, you can reverse proteinuria and prevent yourself from kidney damage. These routine measures help you locate what you should eat or avoid to keep your kidneys healthy. 

These tips include the following:       

• A regular steam bath may help in obese diabetics, which can be a cause to other kidney problems.        

• Say no to preserved foods. Salt is the most common preservative; it is strictly prohibited for kidney patients.       

• Addition of ginger, garlic, and onion to your meals may help to facilitate toxins elimination.

• Diabetes, if left untreated, in the advanced stage will affect kidney health. Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet will help in controlling diabetes and thus kidney health.

•  Consume magnesium-rich food- millet, wheat, barley, strawberry, carrots, etc. Patients with proteinuria also suffer hypomagnesaemia so it is advised to include magnesium rich foods.        

• Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. These foods always help in keeping your system clean and healthy.        

Also Read : All you need to know about PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease)! - Kidney And Ayurveda

• Pranayama /breathing exercises have shown results in improving overall health. Walking, swimming, running or yoga is also beneficial so add exercise to your daily routine.

• Keep blood pressure normal.   

• High Potassium can be damaging to your kidneys. It has been shown in various studies that soaking increases the loss of potassium from foods. Therefore it is advised to soak vegetables for 20 minutes before using.      

• In case of Proteinuria, protein-rich foods are recommended as the loss is high and should be compensated.

• Udvartan or regular dry massage has been shown to be beneficial for kidney patients.

• Restrict table salt in your diet. Sodium present in table salt can further deteriorate your kidney health.