Doctor holding urine sample cup for Kidney-Patient

5 Ways to Lower Protein in the Urine with IgAN

Table of Contents

Doctor holding urine sample cup for Kidney-Patient

Introduction

IgA Nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney disorder where the immune system causes inflammation in the kidneys, leading to protein leakage in the urine (proteinuria). Over time, persistent proteinuria can contribute to kidney damage. While there is no cure for IgA nephropathy, several strategies can help lower protein levels in the urine and protect kidney function. This article outlines five ways to reduce proteinuria for individuals managing IgA Nephropathy.

1. Taking Medications as Prescribed

Medications are a key component in managing proteinuria in IgA nephropathy. Whether you are stable or have a flare of IgAN, taking medications as prescribed by your doctor is the best way to help reduce the protein in your urine. Certain medications reduce protein in the urine by controlling blood pressure; newer medications are working in other areas to target protein in the urine. 

It is important to know your medication needs can change over time. Your IgAN may be very stable at times, and taking your medicine as your doctor prescribes is one of the best ways to prevent long-term kidney damage. 

2. Maintain Blood Pressure Control

High blood pressure causes kidney damage and is a side effect of IgA Nephropathy. Keeping blood pressure in check is crucial to slowing kidney damage.

  • Target Blood Pressure Range: Most guidelines recommend a blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg for individuals with kidney disease. Please know your doctor may give you a specific target range. (CITATION)
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Reduce salt intake, engage in regular physical activity, and manage stress to help keep blood pressure under control. These changes need to be maintained to be successful and doable. Having a mindset of daily movement, taking time for yourself, and consistently eating a healthy diet can lead to lower blood pressure. (CITATION)
  • Keep a blood pressure log: Your medicine needs can change over time. Keeping a blood pressure log so that your doctor can make accurate adjustments (up and down) to your medicine is a proactive way to prevent kidney damage. 

3. Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Eating Pattern

Diet plays a significant role in managing IgA nephropathy and reducing proteinuria. Consistently (but not necessarily perfectly) following a healthy diet can help protect your kidneys and lessen your protein leakage into urine. 

  • Reduce Sodium: Excessive salt can worsen blood pressure and fluid retention. Aim for a low-sodium diet (less than 2,300 mg per day). (CITATION)
  • Limit Protein Intake: Too much dietary protein can strain the kidneys and increase protein leakage into the urine. How much protein depends on your kidney function stage of kidney function. The source of protein also affects how hard the kidneys work and the potential for protein in the urine. Plant proteins have been shown to be easier on the kidneys than animal protein sources. (CITATION) Consult a dietitian to determine an appropriate protein intake based on your kidney function.
  • Increase Antioxidants: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish like salmon or flaxseeds) can help reduce inflammation and protect kidney function. Fruits and vegetables also contain pre-biotics, which can help make a healthy gut. A healthy gut is important in IgAN because IgAN flairs can start in the GI tract. (CITATION)
  • Gluten-Free Diet: If you have celiac disease, refraining from eating gluten is essential to controlling it. There is a higher proportion of people with IgAN who also have celiac disease compared to the general population. (CITATION)

4. Regular Monitoring and Lifestyle Modifications

Frequent monitoring of kidney function, urine protein levels, and overall health is essential for effectively managing IgA nephropathy. When IgAN stable it can become easy to have other priorities than your health. 

  • Routine Tests: Regular urine tests and blood work help track kidney function and proteinuria levels.
  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking accelerates kidney damage and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Exercise: Moderate exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, control blood pressure, and improve overall kidney function. Long durations of intense exercise can increase protein leakage, but exercise is healthy for people with IgAN. Generally, most doctors approve of their patients staying healthy by incorporating exercise into their daily lives. If you participate in long-duration intense exercise, make sure to have it approved by your doctor. 
  • Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen kidney function and increase blood pressure.

5. Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes and IgA Nephropathy are not linked. However, diabetes is highly prevalent around the world, and many people can have diabetes and IgAN. Also, certain transplant medications can make controlling blood sugar harder. If you have blood sugar issues, controlling blood sugar is crucial to preventing kidney damage and reducing protein in the urine. 

There are three key factors to maintaining blood sugar levels:

  • Monitor Blood Glucose: Keep blood sugar levels within the recommended range to prevent further kidney stress.
  • Medications: If needed, your doctor will prescribe you medicine to help manage blood glucose levels.
  • Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet, exercise, and weight management can also support blood sugar control and improve kidney health.

Conclusion

While there is no cure for IgA nephropathy, following these strategies can help manage proteinuria and protect kidney function. Medications, blood pressure control, a kidney-friendly diet, blood sugar management, and lifestyle adjustments are vital in lowering protein levels in the urine. Consult with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that best suits your needs and helps maintain kidney health.  Join us at the IgAN Foundation for continued support in your kidney journey. 

References

  1. American Heart Association. (n.d.). Understanding blood pressure readings. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
  2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). What are the risks of sitting too much? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005
  3. American Heart Association. (n.d.). How potassium can help control high blood pressure. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Sodium and potassium. CDC. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/salt/sodium-potassium-health/index.html
  5. American Heart Association. (n.d.). Stress and heart health. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health
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