Download Article
Download Article
A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is used to determine the amount of urea nitrogen, or waste product, in your blood. [1] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source High BUN levels can be a sign that your kidneys aren't functioning properly, or they could indicate a serious illness, injury, dehydration, or excessive protein intake. Check with your doctor to rule out serious issues. Make changes to your lifestyle to ensure regular BUN levels such as regulating your protein intake and exercise, staying hydrated, and reducing stress. BUN levels can be lowered by dealing with the health issues that raise them.
Steps
-
Have your doctor check for serious illnesses. High BUN levels generally signify that your kidneys are not functioning properly. This could be due to kidney disease or failure, or other serious health problems like congestive heart failure, a recent heart attack, severe burns, stress, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Visit your doctor for a physical examination and additional laboratory tests to rule out any serious health problems. [2] X Research source
- Your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment for any illnesses you may have, which will in turn help to lower your BUN levels.
- Thyroid problems and fever can also cause heightened BUN levels.
-
Tell your doctor about any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding can raise BUN levels, and it may be the result of a serious condition like gastric cancer or erosions. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Your doctor can perform an endoscopy to confirm the bleeding and treat the problem with medication or surgery. Tell your doctor if you have seen any possible signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as blood in your stool or vomit.
- Other symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding include abdominal cramps, weakness or feeling tired, dizziness or faintness, black or tarry stool, bright red blood in vomit, or dark or bright blood in stool. [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
Advertisement -
See if your medication may be increasing your BUN levels. Some prescription drugs may raise your BUN levels as a side effect. Chloramphenicol and streptomycin, which are used to treat bacterial infections, are 2 notable examples. So are diuretics, which can cause dehydration and therefore a rise in BUN levels. Ask your doctor if any of your current or recent medications may have caused the increase. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Your doctor may change your medication or alter the dosage to help lower your BUN levels.
Advertisement
-
Drink water and other fluids to stay hydrated. Dehydration is one of the most probable causes of high BUN levels, but is also the most preventable. [6] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Drink water and other fluids regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. Sports drinks and coconut water are excellent beverage choices because their sugar content helps your body absorb and use water. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Try to drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men or 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
-
Lower your protein intake. Excessive protein consumption can cause an elevated BUN level. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source This issue may arise if you take protein supplements for weight building or switch to a high-protein weight loss diet. Aim to consume no more than .8 grams (0.028 oz) of protein per 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of your body weight, per day. [10] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- Focus on adding more fiber, fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats into your diet.
-
Do not overtrain. Symptoms caused by excessive exercise include sleep difficulties, a lowered libido, persistent soreness, and mood changes. Overtraining can also cause elevated BUN levels, particularly if you are not eating enough food to compensate. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Reduce your training program if your recovery time after exercise lasts more than a day, or if you experience other unpleasant symptoms.
- The amount of time and type of exercise that it takes to reach a point of soreness or exhaustion varies from person to person.
-
Lower your stress level. Stress can be a big contributor to increased BUN levels since it raises your blood pressure, which puts additional strain on your kidneys. [12] X Research source Try to reduce your stress levels by doing breathing exercises , practicing mindful meditation , and working out . If you are dealing with difficult psychological issues, consider talking to a counselor or therapist to conquer your stress. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
-
Live a balanced, healthy lifestyle. The best way to keep your BUN levels down is to work on being healthy in all areas of life. Eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately every day, and use meditation or yoga to stay calm and positive. [14] X Research source It's also important that you visit your doctor for regular check-ups to ensure there aren't any health issues you need to address.
Advertisement
List of Foods and Meal Plan to Help Lower BUN Levels
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17684-blood-urea-nitrogen-bun-test
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/understanding-your-lab-values
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4481445/
- ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastrointestinal-bleeding/symptoms-causes
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-urea-nitrogen/about/pac-20384821
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=urea_nitrogen_serum
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-water
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17684-blood-urea-nitrogen-bun-test
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-protein-do-you-need-every-day-201506188096
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7072633/
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/Stress_and_your_Kidneys
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress
- ↑ https://www.kidney.org/content/stressed-10-ways-protect-your-kidneys
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 195,631 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I am more informed about kidneys and everything else surrounding this subject. Thank you!"
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I am more informed about kidneys and everything else surrounding this subject. Thank you!"
"Answered my questions. Gave me info I was looking for to lower my BUN score. Thank you!"
