Urea is a residue from the breakdown of proteins that is found in the blood and that is closely related to our diet. Generally, the kidneys filter urea from the blood, but when they function correctly, the filtered amount of this residue may be lower and its levels increase in our body.
It is considered that the normal values of urea normal blood level of urea should be between 22 and 46 mg / dl. An increase in it can cause digestive discomfort, with nausea and vomiting, and even alterations in the level of consciousness if they are excessively high. At FastlyHealwe tell you the origin of this problem and how to maintain normal urea values .
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Causes of high blood urea
As we have mentioned, the kidneys are responsible for maintaining adequate levels of urea in the blood, eliminating this residue through the urine. However, certain factors can cause this process to not be carried out correctly. Some of the causes of high urea are:
- Diets with excess protein.
- Kidney diseases.
- Heart failure.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Kidney blockages.
- Hypovolaemia (decreased circulating blood volume due to bleeding, dehydration or burns).
- Starvation (extreme malnutrition).
- Drink little water.
- Excess of exercise.
Despite being less common, urea levels can also be lower than appropriate, which is a problem in the same way as when levels are high. In this case, the causes that can cause low blood urea are the following:
- Low protein diet.
- Liver failure
- Pregnancy.
- Excess hydration.
- Malnutrition
Symptoms of high blood urea
In the presence of high levels of urea in the blood , the following symptoms may occur:
- Asthenia.
- Pallor.
- Weightloss.
- Tachycardia.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea.
- Dehydration
- Hypotension
- Pain in the kidneys
It is important to note that, if the situation worsens, uremia can occur, a kind of poisoning in the internal organs due to excess urea . When this occurs, symptoms may worsen, leading to a sudden headache, severe vomiting, grogginess, seizures, dizziness, seizures, and high fever.
How to maintain normal blood urea values?
As we mentioned at the beginning, diet has a lot to do with this condition. However, it will be essential that a doctor examine the results of the blood test to find the cause and apply the appropriate treatment.
One of the most important aspects to avoid this problem is to stay sufficiently hydrated; Water is one of the best allies, since it helps purify the body of all the toxins it does not need and, therefore, to eliminate urea and protein metabolism residues.
On the other hand, it will be necessary to avoid consuming foods very rich in protein , such as cheeses, sausages, red meat, tuna, cod, hake, pine nuts or soybeans, among others. In addition, it must be taken into account that in the event of kidney damage, the amount of minerals that are ingested must be controlled, especially sodium, potassium and phosphorus. As always, a balanced and healthy diet will be the best ally to improve our health.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Normal values of urea , we recommend that you enter our Kidneys and urinary system category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.