Protein is one of the essential nutrients that the body needs for proper functioning. As such, it is always recommended that every meal includes foods that are rich in protein. This should however, be taken in the recommended dietary quantities because too much protein in blood is can pose a health risk. The type of protein that is found in the blood is known as antibody and it is one of the components of the immune system. The presence of excessive amounts of protein in the blood is referred to as hyperprotinemia. This is usually caused by a number of factors that can be controlled once ascertained through a lab test.
Causes of too much protein in blood
One of the causes of too much protein in blood is multiple myeloma. This is a type of cancer that is leads to the overproduction of antibodies by the plasma cells thereby increasing the overall amount of blood protein. This is then followed by the plasma cells becoming cancerous and later dividing leading to the formation of tumors. The second cause of excessive protein in the blood is known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance that is commonly known as MGUS.
This simply means that there is an increase in the antibodies in the body whose cause is unknown. In this case, it is the M protein that is in circulation where monoclonal refers to the fact that the proteins are a clone of each other. The other cause of high levels of protein in the blood is the presence of chronic inflammations or infections that take too long to heal. As a result, the body is forced to constantly produce antibody proteins to counter the infection. Some of the infections that are associated with high protein levels in the blood include HIV infection and hepatitis C.
The presence of too much protein in blood could also be attributed to high stress levels that are mainly caused by strenuous physical activity or nervousness. Other common causes include seizures that are a result of the overexcitement of the brain cell. Kidney failure as well as the inflammation of body tissues due to the presence of bacteria could also lead to elevated amounts of proteins. There are a number of measures that can be taken towards the prevention of Hyperprotinemia. The first of these is stress management. This ensures controlled production of antibodies that are usually produced due to the presence of toxins which are produced when a person is under stress. Secondly, increased intake of foods that are rich in fiber and vitamin C is also recommended as it improves the functioning of the kidney.
Lastly, maintaining appropriate amounts of protein in the diet is also essential in the prevention of this condition. In conclusion, although proteins play a key role in the functioning of the immune system, excessive amounts of the same in the system can be dangerous. It is therefore important to identify the causes of this condition at the earliest opportunity in order to ensure that early treatment is sought for the underlying cause thereby preventing the deterioration of the entire health system.