Mild Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Dietary Impact

Mild proteinuria detected in two consecutive tests?

Hello, doctor.

1.
Over a year ago and again last week, I used a urine test strip to check my urine.
The healthcare personnel informed me that there was mild proteinuria, which may be related to my profession as a teacher, involving prolonged standing, holding in urine, and insufficient fluid intake.
For safety reasons, I went to the hospital a few days later for a machine urine test, and at that time, there was no proteinuria detected.
How can this be explained?
2.
Additionally, although proteinuria was not detected, other indices such as uric acid were slightly above the standard values.
The doctor did not inform me of any concerns regarding this.
Is the diagnosis correct? Is there a correlation between the elevated indices and my long-term use of traditional Chinese medicine for body regulation?
3.
I usually eat one egg a day; could this be too much and affect my urine protein levels?

hibis, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/03

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine

1.
To confirm proteinuria, a 24-hour urine collection is required for diagnosis.

2.
Proteinuria can sometimes be physiological, such as from prolonged standing or exercise, and does not require excessive concern.

3.
If uric acid levels exceed the standard values, please adhere to a low-purine diet (e.g., limit intake of legumes, shellfish, and organ meats).

4.
Consuming one egg per day will not cause proteinuria.

Reply Date: 2006/05/03

More Info

Understanding mild proteinuria can be quite complex, especially when considering various factors such as hydration, dietary habits, and underlying health conditions. Let's break down your concerns and provide a comprehensive overview.

1. Intermittent Proteinuria: The fact that you had mild proteinuria detected through a urine dipstick test but not during a subsequent lab test could be attributed to several factors. First, protein levels in urine can fluctuate based on hydration status, physical activity, and even the time of day. For instance, if you were dehydrated or had been standing for long periods before the first test, this could lead to transient proteinuria. This condition is often referred to as "orthostatic proteinuria," which is common in individuals who stand for extended periods. It's reassuring that the follow-up test did not show proteinuria, suggesting that it may have been a temporary situation rather than a chronic issue.

2. Elevated Uric Acid Levels: Regarding your elevated uric acid levels, it's essential to understand that mild elevations can occur for various reasons, including dietary factors, dehydration, and certain medications or herbal supplements. Long-term use of traditional Chinese medicine can indeed influence uric acid levels, depending on the specific herbs used. Some herbs may have diuretic effects or alter metabolic pathways, leading to changes in uric acid metabolism. If your healthcare provider did not express concern about your uric acid levels, it may be because they are only slightly elevated and not indicative of gout or other serious conditions at this time. However, it's always wise to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, especially if you notice symptoms like joint pain or swelling.

3. Dietary Protein Intake: As for your question about consuming one egg daily, this is generally considered a moderate intake and is unlikely to significantly impact protein levels in urine for most healthy individuals. Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein and contain essential nutrients. However, if you have underlying kidney issues or are at risk for kidney disease, it might be prudent to monitor your overall protein intake. The general recommendation for protein intake is about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for healthy adults, but this can vary based on activity level, age, and health status. If you have concerns about your kidney function or protein intake, consulting with a registered dietitian or a nephrologist would be beneficial.

In summary, your mild proteinuria may have been a transient issue related to hydration and physical activity. Elevated uric acid levels warrant monitoring, especially if you are taking herbal supplements. Lastly, consuming one egg daily is typically safe, but overall dietary habits should be considered in the context of your health. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

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