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Albumin is an extremely important protein in your blood. It helps keep your blood within your blood vessels and also transports hormones, enzymes, and important nutrients around your body. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source However, albumin is not something that most healthy people need to worry about. It is usually something that people on dialysis, with liver disease, or who are in advanced age may have to worry about. You will need to limit potassium and phosphorus if you are on dialysis while also eating more protein to increase your albumin levels. In addition to eating protein in every meal, meet with a dietitian to ensure you’re meeting all of your nutritional needs.
Steps
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Include protein in every meal. Eating high-quality protein is important to your nutrition in general, and vital to keeping albumin levels up. As a rule of thumb, make sure you have at least one high-protein serving in every meal. Lean beef, pork, and eggs are all good options, as are fish, chicken, and turkey. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- In a 3 ounce (85 gram) single-serving portion, a lean beef burger contains 21 grams of protein, chicken breast contains 26 grams, cooked cod or salmon contains 19-22 grams, and ground pork contains 22 grams. [3] X Research source
- If you prefer not to eat meat, getting enough protein can be especially challenging. For advice about choosing the protein sources that will be best for you, talk to a dietitian.
- Be sure to eat dialysis-friendly proteins if you are on dialysis. These include lean beef, lean turkey, chicken, pork chops, eggs, fish, meat substitutes, tofu, and protein powders. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Keep your meals balanced. While you may need to focus on eating more protein, you still need to eat fruits, vegetables, and starches like bread, pasta, and rice. [5] X Research source For example, add grated hard-boiled eggs or tuna to sauces for pasta or rice dishes, or include shredded chicken or diced meat in soups and stews.Advertisement
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Eat breakfast every day. Breakfast is an especially important meal, in part because it kick-starts your metabolism for the day. [6] X Research source You are also more likely to have a strong appetite when you first wake up. Try including nutritious foods like peanut butter, cheese, or eggs into your morning meal. [7] X Research source
- A large egg contains about 12.5 grams of protein. [8] X Research source It’s also important to consider egg whites, which are a great source of albumin. [9] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source Three egg whites contain around 11 grams of protein. [10] X Research source
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Get more protein if you accidentally miss a meal. It’s very important to avoid skipping meals. Strive to eat small frequent meals to maintain your energy levels. However, if you do miss a meal by accident, make sure to eat a larger portion of protein at your next meal. [11] X Research source
- Eating smaller meals may also be helpful if you have a hard time eating regular sized portions.
- A great between-meal or bedtime snack is cottage cheese. Try it with some fruit, or put it on some toast with peanut butter. [12] X Research source Cottage cheese is healthier than many other dairy products, as it is lower in potassium and phosphorus, which may pose a risk to those on dialysis with low albumin. [13] X Research source
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Make high-protein smoothies. Smoothies are a quick, easy, and delicious way to get some extra protein. It’s best to use a liquid that is not high in phosphorus, so avoid cow’s milk. Almond milk or rice milk work well. Greek yogurt, pasteurized egg products, or protein powder add the protein. [14] X Research source Blend together with whatever fruit you favor.
- Ask a dietitian about what type of protein addition or supplement will be best for you. Both powdered and liquid forms are available.
- Note that a cup of Greek yogurt contains over 20 grams of protein. Smoothies made with Greek yogurt are especially good with granola blended in as well.
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Tell your dietitian about the food you enjoy. One of the best ways to help your dietitian recommend changes in your diet is by describing what you usually eat. This will give them information they can use to advise changes, including specific additions you need to make to improve your diet. [15] X Research source
- Your dietitian will be able to recommend specific additions to your diet, as well as ways of eating foods you like in a healthier way.
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Talk to your dietitian about meat substitutes. One important topic to discuss with a dietitian is any eating preferences you have. For instance, if you don’t eat meat, other forms of protein become especially important. [16] X Research source
- Your dietitian will help you identify high quality non-meat proteins. When selecting meat substitutes such as soy-based foods, be sure to choose options that are not too high in potassium, sodium, or phosphorus.
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Consider nutritional drinks and protein bars. While specific nutritional drinks for those undergoing dialysis can be helpful, only rely on these as a significant component of your diet under the guidance of a dietitian. Meanwhile, protein bars can be helpful meal replacements, but should not make up the majority of your diet. [17] X Research source
- If you are on dialysis and selecting protein bars, choose those that have more than 15 grams of protein but less than 150 mg phosphorus and under 200 mg of both potassium and sodium.
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Ask your dietitian about other nutritional supplements. Depending on your overall health and nutrition, you may need to take nutritional supplements. The need to do so, as well as the type of supplement you should take, will vary depending on your diet and health. As such, follow the guidance of your dietitian in particular. [18] X Research source
- Simply ask something like, “Is there any specific nutritional supplement I should be taking considering my current nutritional levels?”
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Be honest with your dietitian. Many of the questions your dietitian will ask you are meant to help them identify potential barriers that may be preventing you from getting adequate nutrition. More to the point, your dietitian will recommend different courses of action based on the specific reasons you may not be getting enough protein. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Develop a food plan together. Maintaining a healthy diet requires a bit of planning, especially if you are receiving dialysis treatment or have other health complications. Even a very simple food plan can help you ensure you’re eating enough of what you need. [20] X Research source
- Aside from specific hints about what and how to eat, ask for advice regarding how to maintain healthier dietary behavior.
- At a minimum, develop and maintain a food plan to help make sure you eat protein with every meal.
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Boost caloric intake with fats and sugars. With the guidance of a dietitian, you may need to increase your caloric intake to help your body use the extra protein you’re eating. Your dietitian might even recommend using more butter while cooking, or putting more dressing on your salads. [21] X Research source
- Many dairy products, including milk, contain too much potassium and phosphorus for those on dialysis who have low albumin. As such, these are not recommended sources of fats.
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See a dentist regularly. Inflammation is medically connected with low albumin. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Infections in your gums can be especially problematic. Ensure you’re not losing albumin through a mouth infection by visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
- Note that dietary changes may be insufficient to raise your albumin levels if you have an oral infection such as periodontitis and are receiving dialysis.
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Recognize signs of low albumin. Especially if you have health complications such as kidney disease that puts you at risk of low albumin, it’s important to recognize signs and symptoms that your levels have dropped. These include persistent swelling, tiredness, feelings of weakness, prolonged infections, jaundice, and trouble breathing. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Bring these symptoms to the attention of your medical team.
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Avoid skipping dialysis treatments. If you are receiving dialysis treatments, it’s important to keep your treatment schedule. [24] X Research source This is partly because failing to do so may hinder your ability to maintain healthy albumin levels.
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Eat when you’re hungry. If you tend not to eat a lot, it’s especially important that you make sure to get at least one full meal every day, in addition to any smaller meals you regularly eat. If there is a certain part of the day where your appetite is stronger, such as the morning, make sure to eat a full meal at that time everyday. [25] X Research source
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Stick with it. Changes to your albumin levels won’t happen overnight. In fact, it will likely take at least three weeks for your albumin levels to rise, as proteins build up slowly in your blood. Stick to any plans you’ve developed with your dietitian, however, and your efforts will start to pay off. [26] X Research source
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Foods to Eat and Avoid to Increase Albumin
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhich foods are high in albumin?Claudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Claudia specializes in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss. She works at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences center, and has been working there since 2015. Before her current role, she worked as a Clinical Nutrition Manager at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she completed her 1200 hour dietetic internship. She received a BS in Nutrition Sciences from Southeast Missouri State University.Eating protein-rich foods will ensure that your albumin stays at normal levels. Foods such as eggs and meat are good sources of protein.
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QuestionWhy would a patient be on albumin?Claudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Claudia specializes in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss. She works at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences center, and has been working there since 2015. Before her current role, she worked as a Clinical Nutrition Manager at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she completed her 1200 hour dietetic internship. She received a BS in Nutrition Sciences from Southeast Missouri State University.If your albumin is low, you may require protein supplements. Talk to your doctor and registered dietitian before taking anything.
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QuestionWhat happens to the body when there is low albumin?Claudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Claudia specializes in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss. She works at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences center, and has been working there since 2015. Before her current role, she worked as a Clinical Nutrition Manager at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she completed her 1200 hour dietetic internship. She received a BS in Nutrition Sciences from Southeast Missouri State University.Some signs and symptoms include: swelling, tiredness, feelings of weakness, prolonged infections, slow-healing wounds, and whiteness in your nails. Tell your doctor if you notice these issues.
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References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22390-albumin-blood-test
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22529-hypoalbuminemia
- ↑ https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/eat-healthy/nutrition-basics/protein/meat-poultry-and-fish
- ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/hemodialysis/eating-nutrition
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/breakfast_turns_on_your_metabolism_burning_more_calories
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
- ↑ https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/748967/nutrients
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/egg-albumen
- ↑ https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172183/nutrients
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/48362Pdiet.pdf
- ↑ https://www.kidneyfund.org/article/dietitians-guide-protein-people-dialysis
- ↑ https://www.kidneyfund.org/living-kidney-disease/healthy-eating-activity/kidney-friendly-eating-plan
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/vegetarian-diet-and-ckd
- ↑ https://www.kidneyfund.org/article/dietitians-guide-protein-people-dialysis
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11172448
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7379941/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22529-hypoalbuminemia#symptoms-and-causes
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/missing-dialysis-treatment-dangerous-your-health
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
- ↑ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%203904%20Albumin.pdf
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Albumin is an important protein in your blood that helps repair body tissue and assists in clotting. If you’re on dialysis or have liver disease, you may need some extra help to increase your levels. The best way to increase your albumin levels is to eat a serving of protein at every meal. Lean beef, pork, fish, chicken, and eggs are all good sources of protein. It’s also important to eat regularly to keep your energy levels up, so make sure to eat at least 3 meals a day and snack in-between. When you have trouble eating a full-size meal, eat a protein bar or a nutritional drink to fuel your body until your next meal. If you aren't able to raise your albumin levels on your own, talk to your doctor or dietician for help. To learn how to prevent mouth infections associated with low albumin levels, read more from our Nutrition co-author.
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