Therefore, it's imperative to address the root cause of elevated BUN levels and make the required lifestyle changes to bring it under control. They could also include foods that increase urine output, such as cucumber, watermelon, and celery, and avoid salty foods that lead to water retention.Įlevated BUN levels are a common issue faced by many individuals, but they could indicate an underlying health problem if left untreated. Therefore, individuals with elevated BUN levels should limit their protein intake to control BUN levels. A high-protein diet can overload the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter the nitrogen. In cases of chronic kidney disease, a low-protein diet, medication, and dialysis treatments may be required to bring BUN levels under control.ĭiet also plays a crucial role in controlling BUN levels. If it's due to an underlying condition, then treating the condition is the next step. If it's due to dehydration, then drinking plenty of water is the first step. What can you do to control your BUN levels?įirst and foremost, you need to address the root cause of the elevated BUN levels. The doctor might recommend other tests to confirm or rule out the condition/suspected problem based on the initial BUN results. While a BUN level above the normal range (7-20mg/dL) is not considered a diagnostic tool, it can be a red flag indicating an underlying condition.

Therefore, BUN levels in the blood reflect how effectively the kidneys are functioning.Įlevated BUN levels could indicate a variety of health issues, ranging from dehydration, heart failure, and liver damage to kidney disease. The nitrogen is then converted into urea by the kidneys, which is excreted from the body through urine. The BUN test is a routine blood test that measures the amount of nitrogen present in your blood as a result of the breakdown of protein by the liver. This is a common issue faced by many individuals which could signal an underlying health problem. If you've ever had a routine blood test, chances are that you might have come across reports of your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels being elevated.

Bun above normal range