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Is intermittent fasting hard on kidneys?

In 2021, researchers published the findings of a groundbreaking study looking into the effects of intermittent diet on type 2 diabetes care. They concluded that a fasting-like diet might help reduce the amount of albumin in the urine, which could have a positive effect on the kidneys.

medicalnewstoday.com - Intermittent fasting may slow diabetic kidney disease, study finds

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This study was the first to look at how intermittent fasting may affect the kidneys in people living with type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the study in more detail. Intermittent fasting is a dieting pattern that includes extended periods during which a person consumes no calories. Proponents of the diet state that it can aid weight loss and influence a person’s metabolism. They concluded that a fasting-like diet might help reduce the amount of albumin in the urine, which could have a positive effect on the kidneys. In 2021, researchers published the findings of a groundbreaking study looking into the effects of intermittent diet on type 2 diabetes care. In the 2021 study, researchers looked at the effects of intermittent fasting on people living with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. Their specific goals were to assess whether intermittent fasting could reduce albuminuria and determine whether the reduction had significant effects on the person’s overall health. Albuminuria refers to higher-than-usual levels of albumin in the urine. The liver produces this protein, which circulates in the bloodstream and helps transport various substances, such as hormones. In people with a good health status, the protein primarily stays in the blood, with only a small amount exiting in the urine. A high output of albumin can point to issues with the kidneys, such as early stage kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation defines multiple categories of albuminuria based on the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Moderately increased levels, known as microalbuminuria, are those with ratios of 30–300 milligrams of albumin per gram of creatinine (mg/g). Doctors consider ratios of more than 300 mg/g to be severely increased levels, known as macroalbuminuria. By looking at the effects of an intermittent fasting diet on albuminuria, the researchers hoped to determine the diet’s potential role in managing diabetes.

The study results

The researchers found that the participants who followed a fasting-mimicking diet saw a reduction in their albuminuria levels and an increase in glycemic control and blood pressure control. They also noted that the diet helped improve insulin resistance test results. Although the diet seemed to have positive effects and produce minimal side effects, the study authors note some limitations to its potential as a treatment. Firstly, in follow-up testing, the intermittent fasting diet had neither lasting effects on a person’s albumin levels in the urine nor other positive effects once the person returned to a more routine diet. This could mean that a person would need to continue the diet for extended periods to maintain consistent results. Secondly, the participants combined their diet with intensive diabetes management. In other words, the diet is not a replacement for current diabetes therapies, but it might effectively complement existing treatments. The researchers believe that an intermittent fasting diet may have a positive effect on albuminuria levels, glycemic control, blood pressure, and insulin resistance when people incorporate it alongside intensive diabetes care. However, more research is necessary to support these results and confirm the safety and effectiveness of this approach.

What does this mean for people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease?

If the findings of this study hold up to peer review and future studies assert similar findings, it seems that people living with type 2 diabetes may benefit from following an intermittent fasting diet. However, the diet alone may not be enough to help a person living with type 2 diabetes manage the condition. Also, it is likely that a person will need to continue on the intermittent fasting diet in the long term to see results.

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What causes protein in urine?

Strenuous exercise, dehydration, diet, stress, pregnancy, and other conditions can cause a temporary rise in urine protein levels. Your provider may recommend other urinalysis tests to see whether you continue to have a high level of protein in your urine over time.

medlineplus.gov - Protein in Urine: MedlinePlus Medical Test

What is a Protein in Urine Test?

A protein in urine test measures protein is in your urine (pee). Normally, you have very little protein in your urine. A large amount of protein in urine (proteinuria) may mean that you have a problem with your kidneys. Kidneys are organs that filter extra water and wastes out of your blood to make urine. Proteins are large molecules that are essential for your body to work properly. Protein is found in all parts of your body, including your blood. When your kidneys clean waste from your blood, tiny filters prevent the large protein molecules from leaving your body through urine. If there is a problem with your kidneys, protein can leak into your urine. High levels of protein in your urine over a period of time may be the first sign that kidney disease or another condition has damaged the filters in your kidneys. A protein in urine test can help you find kidney damage early so you can make changes to protect your kidneys. Other names: urine protein, 24-hour urine protein; urine total protein; ratio; reagent strip urinalysis

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