What does protein in my urine mean?
Protein in urine can be an early sign of kidney trouble, or completely harmless. Healthy kidney filters hold protein back. Fever, hard exercise, dehydration and standing all day each spill protein temporarily.
The move after one positive dipstick is a repeat, ideally a morning sample, and if persistent, a lab ratio that quantifies it plus blood pressure, sugar and eGFR checks, since diabetes and hypertension are the usual authors.
Caught early, protein leak is very treatable and kidney decline largely preventable, which is exactly why this small finding earns real follow-through. Frothy urine plus swelling skips the line.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, kidney disease tests and diagnosis
See a doctor promptly if
- Passing much less urine than usual, or none at all
- A sharp fall in eGFR over days to weeks rather than years
- Visible blood in the urine, or heavy frothy urine with swollen ankles and face
- Breathlessness with swelling and a known low eGFR
- An eGFR below 30 that you have not yet discussed with a doctor
- New confusion, vomiting or a very low urine output during an illness
See your own numbers2 min, free, nothing to installProtein in grams for your weight, and a week built round what you already eat.
The diets, compared honestlyMediterranean, fasting, keto and plants, each with who it actually fits
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
Not magic, just convenient
Useful when your plan calls for more protein than your meals reach, especially for older adults protecting muscle. Whey or a plant blend both work; unflavored mixes into anything.
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