High levels of urea can occur for a number of reasons. These are excessive alcohol consumption, the use of diuretics, diabetes, lead poisoning, kidney disease, cancer, pregnancy toxicosis or purine intake - all these factors can cause blood urea to be elevated. Many drugs, including aspirin, caffeine, theophylline, or phenothiazides, can also cause elevated levels.
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Causes of increased urea in the blood
A high level of urea indicates an increased nitrogen content in the blood due to the fact that the kidneys do not filter waste, as they should, and, therefore, the body receives a high dose of toxins in the form of a high urea content.
An increase in urea means the following:
- congestive heart failure or an episode of a recent heart attack;
- severe dehydration, shock;
- bleeding in the digestive tract;
- high level of protein;
- urinary obstruction;
- some kidney disease;
- renal failure.
Blood urea is measured using a biochemical blood test. As a rule, 2.2 - 7.3 mmol / L is considered a normal level and any value higher or lower means that there is a certain anomaly in the body, and it must be studied accordingly.On the other hand, normal ranges also tend to change, depending on the age and research method used by the laboratory.
Symptoms
Urea testing is indicated for people who experience signs and symptoms of kidney disease.
These symptoms may include:
- frequent urination
- discolored urine (bloody, dark, or foamy);
- pain in the joints, bones, back;
- muscle cramps;
- fatigue;
- trouble sleeping;
- poor appetite;
- tumors (especially in the limbs);
- itching
Urea blood biochemistry is also often prescribed as a regular checkup, while in the hospital, during or after treatment of diseases such as diabetes.
This method shows figures for high or low urea, but does not identify the cause of the anomaly.
When you need a urea test
A blood test for urea is a good indicator of what condition the kidneys and liver are in and how well.
The liver synthesizes ammonia and, after the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, produces nitrogen. Nitrogen, together with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, forms uric acid, which is a chemical waste. The resulting urea from the liver travels to the kidneys through the bloodstream. Healthy kidneys filter urea and remove other waste products from the blood. Filtered waste leaves the body through urine. Therefore, if failures occur along this path, it is obvious that these organs are not working properly.
The range of normal blood urea levels is as follows:
- men: 8 to 20 mg / dl;
- women: 6 to 20 mg / dl;
- children: 5 - 18 mg / dl.
You may need a urea or creatinine test in the following cases:
- disorientation;
- fatigue and slowness;
- pale skin;
- dry mouth
- increased thirst;
- decreased urine output;
- fast heart rate;
- swelling and loss of consciousness.
Pathology is reversible if measures are taken immediately without any delay and in the absence of factors of permanent damage to the kidneys.
Treatment of elevated blood urea
By and large, a high level of urea means that kidney function is impaired. You need to talk with your doctor about a possible cause for you and what factors can make your kidneys worse. The patient’s treatment management plan includes determining the exact cause of the increased urea level and ensuring that this condition is properly managed. Kidney disease needs to be constantly monitored, and regular monitoring is very important.
A common method for treating kidney problems is dialysis. This is an important medical procedure that is used when your kidneys cannot independently remove waste from the body. But you can supplement these procedures with various means and lifestyle changes to lower creatinine and urea levels.
What causes high creatinine?
Creatinine is a chemical waste generated during muscle function. Its increase is affected by the consumption of a large amount of protein or liver pathology.
Creatinine levels may also temporarily increase from increased exercise or when using certain medications, such as sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or chemotherapeutic drugs (such as sports supplements). Other causes include conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease.
Your bloodstream transfers creatinine to the kidneys, where it is excreted through the urine. But if your kidneys are not working properly, your blood creatinine level rises. This can lead to uremia, a life-threatening disorder.
How to lower creatinine and urea
For optimal performance, our body needs pure blood. The best way to lower your creatinine level is to cure the root cause of its growth - most often it’s kidney disease.
Exclude Strength Exercises
Exercise is usually a good thing, but overdoing it can lead to an increase in creatinine levels. Since creatinine is produced through muscle metabolism, excessive use of muscle groups through strenuous activity can increase it.
One study shows that intense exercise increases creatinine levels as a response to an increase in muscle failure, at least temporarily.
Talk with your doctor about how much and what kind of exercise you should do. Try to choose walking instead of running, or do yoga instead of lifting weight.
Do Not Take Creatine Supplements
Creatine is a natural compound produced in the liver. It is transported to the muscles to be used for energy. Unused creatine is converted to creatinine, a waste product.
In addition to its natural form, creatine is also available as a dietary supplement. Some athletes use these supplements to improve athletic performance. Like natural creatine, supplements containing this substance produce creatinine.
Anyone who wants to lower their creatinine levels should not take creatine supplements. There is limited research on creatine supplements and their overall safety.
Reduce Protein Intake
Studies show that consuming large amounts of protein can increase creatinine levels, at least temporarily. Cooked red meat, in particular, can affect creatinine.
People with diets high in red meat or other sources of protein, including dairy products, may have higher levels of creatinine than people who eat less of these foods. If you eat a lot of red meat, switch to vegetable dishes. Try exchanging beef for vegetable pies, stews, or lentil soup.
Eat more fiber
Fiber can be found in many foods, including:
- fruits
- vegetables
- whole grains
- legumes
More research is needed to determine the effect of dietary fiber on creatinine levels. But one study showed a significant decrease in creatinine levels in people with chronic kidney disease who increased their fiber intake.
Drink more fluids
Dehydration can increase creatinine and urea. Fluid intake can also be a problem for some people with kidney problems. Talk with your doctor about how much water and other fluids you should drink daily, and when to drink them.
Try Chitosan Supplements
Chitosan is a dietary supplement primarily used by people hoping to lose weight or lower cholesterol. There are some studies suggesting that chitosan may also be effective in lowering creatinine levels in people with kidney failure.
Before using chitosan or any other dietary supplement, talk with your doctor to advise on the method of administration and the required dosage.
Take kidney herbs
Many herbs are natural diuretics and may help some people lower their creatinine and urea levels:
- birch buds
- lingonberry
- sage
- nettle
- chamomile
- cinnamon
- ginseng
- dandelion root
In China, people use sage to treat kidney failure. And a review of several studies has shown that sage can have a beneficial effect. But we should not forget that this is a hallucinogen, so you should use it very carefully.
However, even ordinary herbs can interfere with medication. It is important to discuss the use of herbs, including herbal teas, with your doctor.
How to get tested for urea and creatinine
To take a blood test for urea and creatinine, you need to donate blood for an analysis called biochemical. This type of analysis is taken, as a rule, from a vein on the internal elbow.Take a referral from your doctor, or contact a paid clinic.
It should be borne in mind that when you turn to medical centers yourself, you must indicate which analysis you need, since blood biochemistry includes many indicators.
After blood sampling, the material is sent to the laboratory, where it is subsequently subjected to thorough study. Having isolated serum from the blood, laboratory assistants determine the amount of urea and creatinine in it at the rate of mmol / liter or milligram / deciliter of blood.
