How to Lower Microalbumin Levels

Albumin is produced in the liver and stays in the bloodstream after being filtered through the kidneys. A high albumin level in urine may signal kidney damage, increasing the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease. The condition of excessive albumin in the blood is called microalbuminuria. Microalbumin levels between 30-300 mg/dL are a red flag, indicating that the kidneys are unable to filter protein properly. However, you can reduce microalbumin levels by making lifestyle changes and receiving proper treatment.

Focus on a diet low in carbohydrates, protein, and sugar. Damaged kidneys no longer have the capacity to process protein as usual, so you need to give the kidneys time to rest by reducing the intake of protein. You should eat foods with slow-absorbing carbohydrates (that don’t cause a spike in glucose), low protein, fat, salt, and sugar. Some healthy options include:

• Slow-absorbing carbohydrate foods: oatmeal, beans, brown rice, pasta, lentils, carrots, sweet potatoes, and asparagus
• Low-protein foods: bread and cereals, pasta, lettuce, celery, sprouts, cucumbers, parsley, tofu, fish, and lean meats
• Low-salt and low-fat foods: avoid fried foods (use olive oil if necessary) and steer clear of salt. Avoid canned foods like soups, vegetables, and canned pasta sauces.
• Low-sugar foods: eggs, kidney beans, tofu, walnuts, fresh cheese, olives, spinach, beets, asparagus, barley
  • Additionally, don’t overeat; instead, eat multiple smaller meals. This will prevent the kidneys from being overwhelmed and strained when filtering waste.

Avoid Alcohol Consumption. Abnormal microalbumin test results indicate poor kidney function. Damaged kidneys can no longer effectively filter ethanol in alcohol, leading to an increased and prolonged microalbumin level. To prevent this, reduce alcohol intake and replace it with water, tea, or sugar-free fruit juices.

• If you want to enjoy a drink at a party, it is best to limit yourself to a glass of red wine and avoid consuming any other alcohol.

Quit Smoking. It's best to gradually quit smoking instead of stopping abruptly. You may experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those when quitting alcohol suddenly. However difficult it may be, it is crucial to control both habits.

• Long-term smokers have an increased risk of high blood pressure (smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, forcing the heart to work harder, which increases the burden on the kidneys). Nicotine in cigarettes can raise blood pressure by 10mmHg. If you smoke all day, your blood pressure will remain elevated.

Lower Blood Pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can be a factor contributing to elevated albumin levels. Normal blood pressure ranges from below 120/80 (mmHg) to 130/80. A blood pressure reading of 140 (mmHg) or higher is considered high. To lower blood pressure, avoid foods high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

• If your blood pressure is consistently high, consult your doctor about medication to manage it.
• Regular exercise (3-4 times a week for 30 minutes) can significantly reduce blood pressure. It is also important to maintain an ideal weight and avoid being overweight or obese. Be sure to monitor your blood pressure at medical facilities to ensure you’re on the right track.

Drink Plenty of Water. Drinking 8-12 glasses of water each day can help flush out some albumin from your urine. Increase your water intake if you sweat a lot and exercise frequently. This will prevent dehydration; the more dehydrated you become, the higher your albumin levels will rise.

• Foods high in salt and fat not only contribute to high blood pressure but also dehydrate the body. For these two reasons, it is best to avoid foods high in salt and fat.

Pay Attention to Your Blood Sugar Levels. It's important to reduce sugar-laden foods to manage blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes and obesity, while also keeping an eye on your microalbumin levels. A normal fasting blood sugar level ranges from 70 to 100 mg/dL. If your fasting blood sugar level is between 100 and 125 mg/dL, you may be pre-diabetic.

• If you have diabetes, your albumin levels will increase because uncontrolled blood sugar damages kidney function. 180 mg/dL is the average glucose threshold for the kidneys of diabetic patients two hours after eating. This explains why high levels of albumin and glucose in the body affect kidney function and cause more kidney damage.
• This will also help you control your weight. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which in turn affects your weight.

Measure Albumin Levels. You need to check and monitor your microalbumin levels. This will inform you if your lifestyle is beneficial for your liver and kidneys. A microalbumin test measures the amount of albumin in urine. Kidney damage can be significantly reduced if detected early. Consult with your doctor about the next steps for management.

• To measure albumin levels, your doctor will conduct a random urine test or a timed urine collection. For a random test, you will provide a urine sample in the clinic as usual. For the second type of test, you will collect urine at a specific date and time for testing.

Understand the Test Results. After the urine sample is properly collected, a technician will analyze and interpret the results. Microalbumin test results are calculated based on the amount of protein leakage in milligrams over a 24-hour period. The results may be interpreted as follows:

• Under 30 mg is considered normal
• 30 to 300 mg indicates early signs of kidney disease
• Above 300 mg suggests that kidney disease has progressed further
  • You should discuss your test results with your doctor for timely treatment and management. If your microalbumin level is higher than normal, your doctor may suggest retesting to ensure accuracy.

Consider ACE Inhibitors. These medications work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This helps dilate blood vessels, reducing pressure on the blood vessels and the blood flow – essentially lowering blood pressure. ACE inhibitors have been shown to reduce protein leakage in urine, such as microalbumin, thereby lowering microalbumin levels.

• Common ACE inhibitors include Captopril, Perindopril, Ramipril, Enalapril, and Lisinopril. Your doctor will determine which one is most suitable for you.

Consult with Your Doctor About Statin Medications. Statins help lower cholesterol in the body by inhibiting the action of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme necessary for cholesterol production in the liver. Lower cholesterol levels also mean that the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys function more efficiently.

• Common statin drugs include Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin, Lovastatin, Pitavastatin, Pravastatin, Rosuvastatin, and Simvastatin.

Use Insulin If Necessary. Insulin is a hormone that helps transport glucose in the blood into cells to provide energy for the body. If there is a deficiency of insulin, glucose will remain in the bloodstream instead of being transported into cells. A daily insulin injection, as prescribed by your doctor, is necessary to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

• This method is only for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. If insulin is functioning normally, insulin injections will not help lower microalbumin levels.