Cause of foamy urine?

[Whitetail66]

Does anyone know what exactly causes foamy urine? All I can find so far is that it can be a sign of kidney disease. Well, I already know that, but am wondering if it has been pinpointed to a certain cause, like too much phosphorous, or potassium, etc., or is it just a general symptom of CKD?

[Hidden]

You might be spilling too much protein in your urine. Do you know what your daily intake of protein is? Your PCP or nephrologist could help you as well as a urologist

[Whitetail66 in reply to Hidden]

I have been keeping my protein to around 50 grams/day. I see my new nephrologist on the 10th, so I will add that question to the list I am making.

[Hidden in reply to Whitetail66]

Sounds like a good plan. Another suggestion I was given was to use a calendar or notepaper and make a daily record of what you're eating and let the doctor look it over. While it's more than likely excessive protein it could also be something else that is contributing to the foam. Just a thought.

[Whitetail66 in reply to Hidden]

I will do. I was never really good at keeping records, but it looks like I will become good at it.

[Hidden in reply to Whitetail66]

Both my nephrologist and PCP asked to see copies of my meal plan and from time to time they ask to see it again to understand a lab number that may be of normal. I keep a printable calendar of my meals and run a copy for the doctor. They usually make a temporary change in my plan to check the numbers a second time. It's become a simple task and I don't have an issue with that. If it's not a food-related issue that gives them a different path to follow

[rabbit01]

The foam is caused by protein leaking through the kidneys into the urine. The root cause is not that you are eating too much protein, it is that there is damage to the kidney cell walls so that the protein molecules in the blood slip through the damage into the urine.

[Whitetail66 in reply to rabbit01]

It's not a constant thing, but my protein intake is generally the same (48-52 grams). Makes me wonder why it's foamy sometimes, but not other times.

[Hidden in reply to Whitetail66]

My daily protein limit is about 8oz. Both my nephrologist and RD told me that an alternative to the traditional 3 meals a day, I could go to 5 or 6 smaller meals a day. It was a possible way to help my kidneys process protein without spilling. I tried it for a couple of weeks but I felt tired all the time and couldn't complete my entire exercise regimen

I had to follow that for about 10 days this past October after my surgery. It was okay then as I was not able to do anywhere near my exercise routine anyway, and the extra sleep proved beneficial.

[Whitetail66 in reply to Hidden]

Before I lost enough kidney function to feel chronically fatigued, I did some intermittent fasting, and found that I had more energy when I did it. Once I get dialed in to what I can/should eat, I will get back on that horse. The way I see it, is that the less time my kidneys are working, the more time they have to rest, and hopefully get some function back.

Yesterday was not a good day for me, meal wise. Graduation brunch for my niece, and I went out for my son's 17th birthday last night. Had a beer and some shrimp hibachi. I knew that I would pay for it today, and I could feel a major difference in muscle aches/cramping last night/this morning. I'm still figuring out what I can and can't eat, but getting a good handle on it. I need to figure out where my 'balance' is (pertaining to numbers), and what food gets me there. Then it's a matter of willpower and mindset (and accepting the fact that most of the food/drinks I used to consume, are off limits except for the rare occasion. I LOVED milk!!! It was my favorite drink of all beverages. I wish I could give up soda and drink milk. That would be so easy, but it's not to be. Maybe on a day where I fast for the entire day, I will take that opportunity to have a glass of milk, with a slice of french toast. I'm going to go cry now...

[Zazzel in reply to Whitetail66]

I noticed you wrote about intermittent fasting. That might be something to discuss with your doctor. From everything I’ve read, intermittent fasting is not recommended for those with CKD. Apparently kidneys like consistency. There have been some studies done regarding fasting during Ramadan. Here is one, you might want to review ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Of course, as always, depends on your stage and personal health, but just thought I’d pass that along especially since others may wonder about fasting whose kidneys are in worse situations and for whom it might not be beneficial 😀😀😀

[Zazzel]

Although foamy urine can be caused from protein spill, it can also be caused by other reasons. My husband has had bubbles for the past 30 years and has no sign of kidney issues. His doctors don’t know why nor seem concerned. I started having bubbles after eating more plant based. I have no trace of protein now as I get regular checkups and do urine dip stick checks, but it’s not protein. Ive heard from other groups that it can indicate inflammation. My doctors have no explanation. Ive been logging my foods and I’m finding some patterns with certain foods coinciding with bubbles, but they are not high protein foods. I’m still in the process of analyzing it to see if there is any commonality among the timing, foods and nutrients in the foods that might be the reason for it. It’s interesting to me so I’m not one to just let it go as I’m aiming to be as healthy as possible. I’ll report back if I find anything interesting.

[Whitetail66 in reply to Zazzel]

I wish my situation weren't caused by CKD, but unfortunately, that's why my urine is foamy. I would give anything to not have chronic kidney disease, and be able to eat what I used to eat before this happened.

[Zazzel in reply to Whitetail66]

Me too. I actually have CKD as well (IGAN). What I didn't do a good job of explaining above is that yes, the foam can and may be caused by protein and Rabbit explained that really well, but although you have CKD, it may not be caused by protein leaks and might be caused by something else. My bubbles were originally caused by protein, but the protein leak has been stopped by using Lisinopril and reducing my protein intake. However, I started having bubbles in the last few months again, but it isn't a protein leak. In any case, you will be tested soon when you go to see your nephrologist so you can see if the foamy urine is caused by protein leaking or something else. And, if it is, they can help you with that by possibly putting you on a low dose ACE inhibitor. Best wishes for a good visit!

[Whitetail66 in reply to Zazzel]

Actually, I just got a renal function panel and urinalysis reflex culture done for my upcoming nephrologist appointment. Is it the urine test that shows protein leaking? Everything was negative on the urine test (Protein Qualitative Urine, Glucose, Ketone, etc.) Still new to what all the tests/numbers are all about. My sister is a veterinarian, and is able to shed some light on what they all mean as the tests they do are very similar, but she hasn't looked at these yet. I will get clarification when I go to the doctor, if not before then. Thanks for the info.

[Zazzel in reply to Whitetail66]

on my test it is called Protein, Urine, Random, Normalized