Confirm the cause with a clinician (repeat urine tests, kidney function labs, blood pressure assessment)
Control blood pressure (follow prescribed targets and medications)
Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes (follow treatment plan and glucose targets)
Take prescribed medicines that reduce proteinuria if indicated (e.g., ACE inhibitors or ARBs)
Follow a kidney-friendly diet plan from a clinician/dietitian (often includes lower sodium)
Limit salt intake (avoid high-sodium processed foods)
Reduce dietary protein to a level recommended for kidney disease stage (do not self-restrict aggressively)
Maintain a healthy body weight (as advised)
Avoid NSAIDs unless your clinician says otherwise (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac)
Stop smoking if you smoke
Limit alcohol if advised
Stay hydrated appropriately (follow clinician guidance for your condition)
Treat underlying infections or inflammatory conditions promptly
Review supplements and medications with your clinician (some can affect kidneys)
Avoid strenuous exercise right before urine testing if instructed (can temporarily change results)
Monitor urine protein regularly as advised (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio or protein-to-creatinine ratio)
Seek urgent care if you develop swelling, foamy urine, reduced urination, severe fatigue, shortness of breath, or rapidly worsening symptoms