A blood urea nitrogen index (BUN) test is used to determine the amount of urea nitrogen or waste products in the blood. High levels of BUN can be a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly, or they could indicate serious illness, injury, dehydration, or excessive protein intake. Consult your doctor to rule out serious problems. Make lifestyle changes to ensure normal BUN levels, for example by controlling protein intake and exercise, staying hydrated and reducing stress. BUN levels can be lowered by addressing the health problems that cause them to rise.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Rule Out Serious Health Problems
Step 1. Have your doctor check for any serious medical conditions
High levels of BUN typically mean that the kidneys are not functioning properly. This could be due to kidney disease or failure, or other serious health problems such as congestive heart failure, a recent heart attack, severe burns, stress, diabetes, or high blood pressure. See your doctor for a physical assessment and further laboratory tests to rule out serious health problems.
- Your doctor will advise you on the best course of disease, which in turn will help you lower your BUN levels.
- Thyroid problems and fever can also cause BUN levels to rise.
Step 2. Notify your doctor of any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding can increase BUN levels and can be the result of a serious illness such as stomach cancer or gastric erosions. The doctor may perform an endoscopy to check for bleeding and treat the problem with medication or surgery. Report to your doctor if you notice any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as blood in stool or vomit.
Step 3. Check that the medications you are taking are not causing your BUN levels to rise
For some prescription drugs, this increase can be a side effect. Chloramphenicol and streptomycin, used in the treatment of bacterial infections, are two known examples. The same goes for diuretic products, which can cause dehydration and therefore an increase in BUN levels. Ask your doctor if any of the medications you are taking or have recently taken may have caused the increase.
Your doctor may prescribe another drug, or change the dosage
Step 4. Check that you are not pregnant
Pregnancy can sometimes cause increased BUN levels in women. If you think you are pregnant, check with your doctor and rule out other possible reasons for the increase. High levels of BUN in pregnant women are generally not a cause for concern, but your doctor may recommend changing your diet to correct them.
Part 2 of 2: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Drink water and other fluids to stay hydrated
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of high BUN levels, but also the most avoidable. Drink water and other fluids regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated. Coconut water and supplements are a great choice because their sugar content helps the body absorb and use water.
Step 2. Reduce your protein intake
Excessive use of protein can cause an elevated BUN level. This problem can arise if you take protein supplements to gain weight or switch to a high protein diet to lose weight. Aim to consume no more than 0.8g of protein per kg of your body weight each day.
Focus on adding healthy fiber, fruits, vegetables, grains, and fats to your diet
Step 3. Don't overdo the workouts
Symptoms caused by excessive exercise include difficulty sleeping, decreased libido, constant pain, and mood swings. Overtraining can also cause elevated BUN levels, particularly if you don't eat enough food to compensate. Reduce your training schedule if your recovery time after exercise lasts more than a day, or if you have other unpleasant symptoms.
The amount of time and type of exercise it takes to get to the point where you are sore or exhausted varies from person to person
Step 4. Lower your stress level
Stress can be a major factor in increasing BUN levels due to the large amount of cortisol it releases. Try to reduce your stress levels by doing breathing exercises, practicing meditation, and exercising. If you are having complex psychological problems, consider talking to a counselor or psychologist to overcome the stress.
Step 5. Live a healthy and balanced lifestyle
The best way to keep BUN levels down is to strive to be healthy in all areas of life. Stick to a balanced diet, get moderate exercise every day, and use meditation or yoga to stay calm and positive. It is also important to go to the doctor for regular checkups to make sure there are no health issues to address.
