The blood should continue to include the proteins that support the development of bone and muscle. But is it also a good thing if the protein is in the urine? What if it happens during the time of Ketosis? Many people have these questions in mind with no clear-cut answer. 

That’s why I have decided to write everything about Protein in Urine during Ketosis. 

Proteinuria (protein in urine) is characterized by elevated urine protein levels. Protein in the urine is very unhealthy. This is a symptom of renal disease and is often common in people on the keto diet. When a person has excessive protein in their urine, their kidneys are not filtering blood. 

Want more information? This article looks at the causes, signs, and treatments of Proteinuria. Let’s begin!

Can Protein In Urine During Ketosis Happen?

I often get this question, does the keto diet cause protein in urine? Keto doesn’t include carbohydrates; that’s why it includes high-protein animal-like eggs, pork, and cheese. These are the foods that cause protein in the urine. So, the answer is yes keto diet can cause protein in the urine. 

You can go for a test to determine if you have Proteinuria or not. Suppose protein in urine is in a small amount; it can be treated and less hazardous. But if the protein in urine is high amount, it can cause kidney stones.

So, can keto cause high protein in the urine or just a small quantity? You may excrete high protein in urine if you are on the keto diet.

The ketogenic diet may also lessen the quantity of citrate your body releases into the urine. Reduced levels of citrate can also be a major cause of the formulation of kidney stones. It can bind to calcium and prevent the production of kidney stones. The same can happen if you don’t eat a regulated portion control diet. So, try to follow a balanced Keto and portion control diet to live healthily. 

How Does Protein Get Into The Urine?

If the kidneys aren’t filtering blood properly, it may cause the protein to enter in urine. The kidneys’ glomeruli are responsible for filtering waste materials and cell debris from the blood.

Glomeruli of the kidney do not allow larger protein molecules to pass into the urine. Smaller proteins that evade the glomeruli are recaptured and retained in the body by tubules. Tubules are long, thin, hollow tubes found in the kidneys.

However, proteins can enter the urine if the glomeruli or tubules of the kidney are destroyed. If there is a problem with the reabsorption process of the proteins, it can cause Proteinuria.

What Causes Proteinuria?

Proteinuria is frequently brought on by transient or largely non-malignant (benign) medical problems. Keto is one cause; there might be reasons for Protein in urine to happen.

Here is some protein in urine causes listed below:

Dehydration

Proteinuria may develop briefly due to dehydration. The body cannot supply the kidneys with the required nutrients if fluids are lost. The kidneys’ ability to reabsorb protein is hampered as a result.

Dehydration may result in –

● weariness from dark urine

● severe thirst and a headache

Through vomiting, diarrhea, and profuse perspiration, a person might lose fluid. They could become dehydrated if they don’t drink enough water, which is eight glasses each day.

Hypertension

Kidney blood arteries may be fragile in people with high blood pressure. This may prevent the kidneys from correctly reabsorbing protein.

A normal examination may reveal someone’s elevated blood pressure before they are aware of it. As time passes, high blood pressure can develop. Until it gets worse, it might not show any signs.

Diabetes is a condition that affects the hormone insulin and causes elevated blood sugar levels. The pancreas lost its ability to produce enough insulin in people with type 1 diabetes. For diabetic patients, the pancreas does produce insulin, but the body has trouble using it effectively.

High blood sugar levels might make the kidneys work too hard to filter the blood. Protein may seep into the urine as a result of this injury. Diabetes can cause a variety of symptoms, including- 

● Frequent urination

● Hunger and thirst

● Exhaustion

● Blurred vision

In this situation, take care of your meals and drinks. Don’t eat high-calorie foods and drinks that are sugary and caffeinated.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the small blood capillaries of the kidneys. It can lead to nephrotic syndrome and the introduction of protein into the urine.

Among the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome are the following:

● The feet and legs become swollen

● Increased cholesterol and high blood pressure

Some types of glomerulonephritis are brought on by immune system changes. Although the reason is frequently unknown, it may also run in families. Someone can experience this once in isolation before developing a chronic form years later.

Long-Term Kidney Disease

Chronic renal disease (CRD) is another name for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Kidney function is gradually declining. Proteinuria results from the kidneys’ inability to properly filter the blood. In the early stages of CKD, there are frequently no symptoms, but a person may experience:

● weariness, difficulties concentrating, loss of appetite and issues with sleep

● Kidney failure could eventually result from CKD, which develops gradually.

CKD can be brought on by other kidney conditions such as glomerulonephritis and recurrent kidney infections.

UTI

People often search, can UTI cause protein in urine? Proteinuria can result from a urine infection (UTI), but typically there are other symptoms as well. Proteinuria can also be caused by congestive heart failure and eclampsia in pregnancy.

Protein in your urine could be a sign that you have renal disease. Therefore, if there is a high risk of kidney disease, doctors request a urine protein test. Kidney illness is more likely to affect you if you have: a renal illness family history.

Other ailments and disorders that could affect the kidneys and cause Proteinuria include:

● Immune conditions, including Goodpasture’s syndrome and lupus

● Acute kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis)

● Plasma cell cancer (multiple myeloma)

● Red blood cells are destroyed during intravascular hemolysis. This also causes hemoglobin to be released into the bloodstream.

● A cardiovascular condition

● Poisoning

● Trauma

● Renal cancer

● Enlarged heart disease

● The majority of serious disorders can also cause Proteinuria.

Now, let’s see what symptoms you face if different causes lead to Proteinuria. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Protein In Urine?

A person with Proteinuria frequently has no symptoms in the beginning. However, signs of advanced Proteinuria can include – 

● increased urination

● breathing difficulty

● Tiredness

● Vomiting and nauseous

● swelling of the face, stomach, ankles, or feet

● Having no appetite

● Nighttime muscle cramps

● eye puffiness, particularly in the morning

● frothy or foamy urine

These chronic renal disease symptoms are also present. Anyone who experiences these signs should consult a doctor very away. Especially if they include frothy urine and swelling, consult the doctor immediately.

Now, the question is, how to reduce protein in urine? Let’s find out.

How Is Proteinuria Treated?

The underlying disease that led to Proteinuria must be treated. Different therapies are needed for each illness.

If you have kidney disease, treatment may involve medication, dietary modifications, weight loss, and exercise. Patients with Proteinuria due to diabetes, hypertension, or both may need blood pressure medication. 

Those with diabetes and Proteinuria may need to manage their blood sugar levels before treating Proteinuria. It is because the high sugar levels can worsen the symptoms of Proteinuria. Diabetes patients may be sent to a nephrologist and undergo glomerular filtration rate (GFR) tests annually.

Moreover, pregnant women who have preeclampsia need to be closely monitored. The condition usually goes away when the baby is born, but it is harmful during pregnancy. 

Even if Proteinuria isn’t followed by diabetes, diabetic medication may be given to prevent kidney damage. Every six months, urine and blood pressure should be examined to rule out kidney disease. Treatment might not be required for people who have minor or transient Proteinuria.

FAQs

Does Ketosis affect urine?

According to Masson, while your body is in Ketosis, your kidneys produce more fluid and electrolytes. You may urinate more frequently than usual as keto affects your bladder.

Does Ketosis hurt kidneys?

Ketogenic diets, which are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, may make metabolic acidosis worse. The most critical analysis suggests that higher-protein ketogenic (keto) diets may hasten renal failure. In people with kidney illness, it could also lead to additional health problems.

Should I worry about trace protein in urine?

If you have trace protein in your urine, you don’t have to worry about it. But trace protein in your urine could be a sign that you have renal disease. If you have initial symptoms of kidney disease, your doctor might suggest a urine test.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, protein in the urine is an underlying medical condition called Proteinuria. It demonstrates that the kidneys are not properly filtering the blood. 

Following random keto diets can be the reason for high protein in urine during Ketosis. Dehydration and autoimmune diseases are some other causes of Proteinuria. 

Different treatment procedures are followed to get rid of this condition. If you are careful with your diet and lifestyle, then you can cure it immediately. If you don’t, then more troubles await!

That’s all for today. Until next time!