Urea is a waste product that is produced by the liver when proteins are broken down. It is transported to the kidneys and then excreted in urine. The amount of urea in your body can be affected by your diet.

In this article, we will look at what urea is, how it is produced, and how your diet can impact its levels.

What is Urea?

Urea is a chemical compound that is made of nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. It is a waste product that is formed when protein is broken down in the liver.

When urea is produced, it is transported to the kidneys, where it is filtered out of the blood and excreted in the urine.

The normal range of urea in the blood is between 7 and 20 mg/dL. Urea levels may increase due to dehydration, kidney problems, or liver disease.

How is Urea Produced?

When we eat protein, it is broken down into amino acids in our digestive system. Amino acids are then transported to the liver, where they are used for energy or to make other proteins that the body needs.

The excess amino acids are then converted into urea and sent to the kidneys for excretion. The liver produces about 90% of the urea in the body, while the remaining 10% is produced in other body tissues.

How Does Diet Affect Urea Levels?

The amount of urea in the body can be affected by the amount of protein in your diet. When you eat protein, your body breaks it down into amino acids, which are then used to build new proteins and other molecules in the body.

The excess amino acids are then converted into urea. If you consume more protein than your body needs, the excess amino acids will be broken down into urea, which can lead to an increase in urea levels in the blood.

A diet that is high in protein can also lead to dehydration, which can increase urea levels in the body. When your body is dehydrated, the kidneys will try to conserve water by producing less urine.

This means that urea, which is normally excreted in the urine, will build up in the blood.

How Can You Control Urea Levels in Your Body?

If you have elevated urea levels in your blood, there are several things you can do to help lower them:.

1. Reduce Your Protein Intake

If you consume large amount of protein in your diet, try reducing your intake to help lower your urea levels. The American Dietetic Association recommends 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

This means that a person who weighs 70 kilograms (154 pounds) should eat about 56 grams of protein per day. You can get protein from sources such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your body hydrated and reduce urea levels. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day. You can also drink other fluids such as herbal tea, coconut water, and fruit juices to keep your body hydrated.

3. Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can cause dehydration and increase urea levels in the body. Try to avoid or limit your alcohol consumption to help keep your urea levels within a normal range.

4. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help improve kidney function and reduce urea levels in the body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. This can include activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, urea is a waste product that is produced by the liver when proteins are broken down. The amount of urea in the body can be affected by your diet, particularly the amount of protein you consume.

If you have elevated urea levels in your blood, you can take steps to reduce them by reducing your protein intake, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and exercising regularly.