Many people are unfamiliar with blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Metabolized protein creates this waste byproduct when ammonia is produced in the liver during protein breakdown. This ammonia contains nitrogen, which then combines with carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the body. The resulting substance, urea, is carried from the liver to the kidneys via the bloodstream.
When your kidneys are healthy, they filter the byproduct out of the body every time you urinate. If your BUN levels are high, the kidneys are likely not functioning correctly. A high BUN level may also indicate a cardiovascular problem that must be addressed. At times, a high BUN level may be temporary and can be easily corrected with dietary changes. If this doesn’t work, you may wish to know how to lower bun levels naturally.
The First Step
Once you discover your BUN level is high, the first step is to visit a doctor and determine the underlying cause. Many doctors order this test as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel and are already aware of the issue. However, suppose a medical professional other than your usual physician detects a high BUN level. In that case, it is best to see the primary care physician so they can determine what is going on and take action to restore normal fund levels before additional health problems arise.
Everyone should drink plenty of fluids every day to stay hydrated. When the body lacks adequate water and electrolyte balance, the BUN level may rise. People who take diuretics, those with persistent diarrhea, those who sweat excessively, and individuals who do not drink enough water throughout the day may struggle with dehydration. If a person becomes severely dehydrated, they may end up in the hospital to receive IV fluids. Mild dehydration can be corrected at home by boosting fluid intake. Everyone should talk with their doctor to determine how much water they should drink each day.
A low-protein diet is beneficial for individuals with high BUN levels. The kidneys may not be able to properly filter protein, leading to high levels. People often think they are eating healthy, but they are actually consuming high-protein foods. Adding more nuts, grains, and fruit to the diet can help lower BUN levels.
High blood pressure can also contribute to elevated BUN levels. High blood pressure and excessive stress have both been linked to rising BUN levels. Individuals who have chronic high blood pressure may need medication to stabilize it. Blood pressure changes often accompany stress, so a person might need to seek counseling or learn relaxation exercises to lower blood pressure and BUN levels. Their physician can make recommendations on how to bring these numbers down.
When to See Emergency Medical Treatment
Men and women who frequently urinate and those who notice their extremities are swelling should see their doctor immediately. These are signs that the kidneys are not functioning properly, and immediate action is needed to prevent further decline. Corticosteroids and other medications may also increase BUN levels, so speak to your doctor if you are taking these medications to learn how to keep levels stable. A person who struggles with prolonged dehydration may suffer extreme physical consequences. They might have violent seizures, fall into a coma, or die. If a person has consistently high BUN levels, they may need dialysis to filter toxins from the blood.
Dietary Changes
Anyone with a high BUN level should increase their intake of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain few purines, so the body produces less urea. Furthermore, they help the body detoxify while improving metabolic balance. Every person should be able to find fruits and vegetables they love that will help lower their BUN levels. Apples, blueberries, and cherries are three good examples of fruits a person can eat to naturally lower BUN levels.
Increase vegetable intake to support kidney health and optimize your BUN levels. Spinach, bell peppers, and cucumbers are excellent choices because they all support kidney health. A person might also want to eat zucchini and celery to lower their BUN levels.
Protein is an important part of every person’s diet, but individuals must manage their protein intake when trying to reduce their blood urea nitrogen levels. It will help with this process. Skinless poultry, egg whites, and low-fat dairy are all excellent choices when a person needs to maintain their protein levels while reducing their BUN levels. Today, many people are switching to plant-based proteins to obtain the nutrients they need without overloading the body with purines. Add lentils, chickpeas, and tofu to the diet to ensure adequate protein intake while lowering BUN levels.
Don’t overlook whole grains and legumes when altering the diet. These food groups contain complex carbohydrates, essential micronutrients, and dietary fiber that every person needs. Whole grain options include brown rice, oats, and quinoa. When choosing legumes, look for lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and peas.
Dairy and dairy alternatives can help improve kidney function. Avoid traditional full-fat dairy products, as they can raise BUN levels. Choose low-fat dairy options and plant-based alternatives to reduce saturated fat intake while ensuring the body has the proteins it needs to thrive. Replace regular yogurt with Greek yogurt and full-fat cottage cheese with low-fat options. Move to skim milk. Dairy alternatives, such as almond or soy milk, also benefit the kidneys by reducing blood urea nitrogen levels.
Altering your diet is one way to manage blood urea nitrogen levels. Work with your doctor to determine other ways to bring these levels down without medication. However, some people find they still need intervention even when making these dietary changes. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to ensure BUN levels decrease and remain stable at a healthy level. Exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction are also essential to excellent overall health, so take a holistic approach to lowering BUN levels and see good results. Once these levels are under control, you will look and feel better, have more energy, and be ready to take on anything life throws your way.
