Need some clarity...

[Notsurewhattodo]

I have an ongoing kidney related issue, in which I’m hoping to gain some clarity on from the forum. For approximately 1.5 years I’ve had an “up and down” GFR, ranging from 48 at its lowest to a 79 at its most recent highest. However, its never remained below 60 for 3 or more months and therefore I’ve not been diagnosed with CKD. I’m a 42 year old male, with a history of heavy working out/bodybuilding and continuous supplement use (non-steroid).

My problem is that over the past several months, my urine has been very bubbly in appearance. Now from everything I’ve read, this is “not normal” and typically means protein leak thru urine. Question now becomes, if my blood work is mostly “normal” ie gfr, bun, creatinine etc and uranalysis/ultrasound both come back clear... WHY WOULD MY URINE STILL BE BUBBLY? Frustrated... Please help!?

Thank you!! 🙏🏽😊

[Bassetmommer]

Hi Notsure,

If your labs look great; go with that. This whole thing about bubbly urine is something that happens naturally. What matters is how much protein is in the urine and not just bubbles. There could be something in the water causing it.

This is a bigger problem: "with a history of heavy working out/bodybuilding and continuous supplement use (non-steroid)." That can cause the urine to change and leak protein and creatinine. If you are concerned, call you doctor and tell them what you are taking and doing.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Bubbly urine is a symptom of diabetes, which may or may not be what the problem is but for piece of mind have it checked out. It could be as simple as the chemical cleaner used in the toilet.

My understanding is that a gfr of 60 or lower for 3 months or more indicates kidney disease regardless of age. Source, National Kidney foundation US.

I would also look carefully at what supplements you are using, unless you know for sure the exact content don't use it.

Alternatively stop taking supplements for 3 months and get retested. That will tell you if the supplements are influencing your tests or symptoms.

As you work out make sure you keep hydrated as this will effect your gfr readings.

Cheers

[Notsurewhattodo in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for your reply Cheyne13. I guess I shouldve been more specific in my post. ALL bloods came back normal on Aug 8th of this year, including my glucose levels at 99. Absolutely nothing indicates high blood pressure or diabetes.... Also, my urine bubbles all the time, regardless of toilet type or location. The only time it “lessened” some, was when I went Vegan for a few months. Since returning to eating meat again, my urine has changed back to being bubbly again. Also, I havent taken ANY supplements since May and therefore it doesnt seem to impact my urine. Frustrating.... Thanks again

[Hidden in reply to Notsurewhattodo]

Dehydration, pregnancy and protein are the likely causes of bubbly/ frothy urine. I guess pregnancy is out! Which leaves dehydration and protein. Both can be exasperated with intensive body building because you eat more and need more fluid to replace what you have just depleted. This plays directly into the hands of impaired kidneys even if not diagnosed as CKD. They can be impaired without being CKD.

See a dietitian and get your intake sorted. Vegans typically get less protein which is likely why the bubbles stop on your vegan diet.

From what you have said it is something YOU are doing to YOURSELF and need to get it sorted, because it is a warning message from your body. It is obvious from multiple posts less red meat helps the kidneys. Extrapolate that out an, more red meat hinders kidneys.

I also have the bubble problem, but for very different reasons. I just think of it being my bubbly nature overflowing! SORRY couldn't resist that and it doesn't help me either, but for me it is the lessor of all the evils I have going on.

Frustrating as it may be, unless you keep pursuing medical and dietitian help your only alternative is to forgo meat.

Good luck.

[shawn68]

Hi....I have bubbly pee most of the time at least for the last couple of years...

I have no protein in pee but when you read on the internet it says kidney issue.

My GFR ranges between 65 and 75 with no other symptoms.

I saw a nephrologist who said my readings are because a I am lean and fairly muscular for my age....I am 51.

I find that hard to believe and the bubbly pee really concerns me but I have to just try and ignore it.

Shawn.

[Oldearkie_83]

You may have just answered your own question: First off, see your PCP for a complete blood workup and go from there. If I try to guess, I'm practicing medicine without a license. A license is required for all businesses, retail, real estate, etc. When you see your PCP, take a complete list of those supplements. I try to keep a close watch on my urine pH on a daily basis and keep it regulated with sodium bicarbonate tablets, swallowed whole , twice a day (morning and evening). You use the word "if". Be as "sure" as you can with a regular blood workup, which will vary from time to time. What are you doing to your body with the heavy working out, and all those supplements, that may produce unwanted ramifications in later years? Are you overdoing it beyond healthy maintenance? You are eating red meat, which you have proved to produce those bubbles you don't like and you still do it?

[RickHow]

There must be 1000 posts on this forum concerning bubbles in Urine. It may sound silly to you but there is a huge difference between bubbles versus foam in urine. Foam is generally and indicator of protein, bubbles are not. Here is a wonderful link that describes the difference. It details what causes foam versus bubbles. A key indicator is after you flush. Foam in urine will not generally completely flush and some will remain when you are finished. Bubbles will disappear upon flushing. nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-t...

I have had this condition for years. My urine has no abnormal protein. There are far too many that jump to the conclusion that bubbles must be either protein or diabetes. Your own testing has proven this has not been the case. Mine started absolutely out of nowhere. I wondered if it was even something new, or just something I never noticed before. I mentioned it to my father one day. He told me he has had that for as many years as he can remember. Likely his entire life. He died in his sleep at just shy of 93 years old. So many things influence it we could not write them all. I would bet you notice you have more bubbles in the morning hours and it decreases during the day (hydration plays a big part). Supplements and medications are a HUGE influence. I always have had bubbles. Recently I was given a new med for a non CKD condition (Zometa). The amount of bubbles almost doubled! Force of urination is a big influence. Water condition. The thing is rely on your blood and urine testing. If all is well, then all is well.

If you like to experiment try these "games". Urinate into a container without any water in it? Bubbles or foam or clear? Another is to see if you notice a difference in amount of bubbles when you urinate sitting, versus standing (more standing, indicates they are caused by force of urination).

While this is not a common subject of conversation between guys, talk to a close friend or two and see if they report any bubbles. I bet they do.

[shawn68 in reply to RickHow]

Hi RickHow.....mine is foamy and do not have diabetes or any other symptoms other than the GFR of 65.....I think everyone is different maybe because when I go to the doctor they test my urine for protein and it's clearof protein but still foamy.......but when I look on the internet there is no other explanation for foamy pee other than CKD.

I m just trying not to check it now so I can try and ignore it.

[Oldearkie_83 in reply to shawn68]

Give your PCP a chance. He may recommend a Urologist. Give him a chance too. when we self diagnose, we can scare ourselves. My problems was because my urine pH was acidic, which I got back in line with sodium bicarbonate tablets, twice a day. Ask your doctor about that.

[shawn68 in reply to Oldearkie_83]

Thanks for the advice Oldearkie_83.

[WYOAnne]

I guess the point of these posts is that many people have bubbles in their pee, and do not have CKD. Protein in your urine should be your main concern. If you work out, that could be one of your problems. It puts stress on your kidneys. As long as you have been tested to rule out diabetes.....