What does foamy urine warn about?

Foamy urine after going to the toilet is a phenomenon that should not be taken lightly, as this can be the first sign of kidney damage.

Only about a third of people with foamy urine actually have protein in their urine. Protein is an important indicator of kidney function problems, according to The Times of India .

Foamy urine is caused not only by protein, but also by amino acids, bile salts, and other natural compounds in urine, according to the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology .

Understanding the cause helps patients and doctors distinguish between harmless foam and signs of kidney damage, thereby detecting early and treating promptly.

Foamy urine after going to the toilet is a phenomenon that should not be taken lightly.

Illustration: AI

Warning signs of kidney disease

Foamy urine does not directly damage the kidneys, but may reflect disorders that weaken this organ.

When protein appears continuously in the urine, called proteinuria, it indicates that the glomeruli are damaged. Over time, the protein leakage causes the kidneys to lose function and leads to chronic kidney disease.

Certain medical conditions such as glomerulonephritis or inherited renal tubular disorders can cause protein or amino acids to leak into the urine.

When the kidney's filter membrane is damaged, large protein molecules such as albumin will overflow into the urine, creating foam.

Impact of proteinuria

Proteinuria is not only a warning sign, but also makes kidney damage progress faster.

As proteins leak out of the blood, they trigger inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys, further weakening their filtering function.

Proteinuria also causes many other consequences such as swelling in the legs or around the eyes, malnutrition, dyslipidemia and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

When foamy urine appears along with other symptoms such as swelling of the legs, ankles or around the eyes, unexplained fatigue, dark urine, frequent urination or high blood pressure, the patient should see a doctor soon. These are signs that the kidneys may have been affected.

Causes other than kidney disease

Not all cases of foamy urine are due to kidney disease. Some natural substances in urine can also cause foam.

Proteins and amino acids act as natural foaming agents, while phospholipids produced from cell breakdown can cause foaming in the presence of mild infection or minor bleeding.

Bile salts in liver and gallbladder diseases or due to the use of drugs and functional foods also cause similar phenomena.

In addition, fatty acids and other small compounds in concentrated urine also create bubbles, especially when the body is dehydrated or has metabolic disorders.

Understanding these causes helps patients avoid unnecessary worry when there is no actual kidney damage.

How to prevent and protect the kidneys

Prevention of foamy urine mainly focuses on treating the root cause. Drinking enough water, about 1,500-2,000 ml per day depending on your physical condition, helps reduce the concentration of urine and limit foaming.

People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or relatives with kidney disease should have their kidney function checked regularly.

A balanced diet, limiting excessive protein consumption when recommended by a doctor and avoiding the abuse of drugs that are harmful to the liver and kidneys are important factors in protecting these organs.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nuoc-tieu-co-bot-canh-bao-dieu-gi-18525110310591723.htm