3. Frothy or Foamy Urine: The Visual Cue
A distinct symptom of elevated protein levels is frothy or foamy urine. Now, we’re not talking about the occasional bubble here and there; we mean noticeable froth, similar to the head on a pint of beer.
So what’s the science behind this? Urine typically foams due to the speed and manner in which it hits the toilet water.
However, if your urine is consistently frothy, it’s likely that it contains an unusually high level of protein. Proteins change the surface tension of urine, leading to increased bubbles and froth.
The severity of the foam can also be an indicator of the level of proteinuria. More foam generally implies more protein.
But, similar to other symptoms, frothy urine is not a stand-alone diagnostic measure. It’s often accompanied by other signs like frequent urination or a strong urge to pee, which could also indicate other health issues. (3)
