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This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
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A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is used to determine the amount of urea nitrogen, or waste product, in your blood.[1] 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
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![Step 1 Have your doctor check for serious illnesses.]()
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]- 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.
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![Step 2 Tell your doctor about any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.]()
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] 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]
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![Step 3 See if your medication may be increasing your BUN levels.]()
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]- Your doctor may change your medication or alter the dosage to help lower your BUN levels.
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![Step 1 Drink water and other fluids to stay hydrated.]()
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] 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]- 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]
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![Step 2 Lower your protein intake.]()
Lower your protein intake. Excessive protein consumption can cause an elevated BUN level.[9] 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]- Focus on adding more fiber, fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats into your diet.
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![Step 3 Do not overtrain.]()
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] 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.
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![Step 4 Lower your stress level.]()
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] 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] -
![Step 5 Live a balanced, healthy lifestyle.]()
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] 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.
List of Foods and Meal Plan to Help Lower BUN Levels
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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
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Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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