How to increase protein in the blood - medicine and folk recipes to protect your health

Author of the article: Marina Dmitrievna

2017.09.23

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Blood analysis

A blood test for total protein is a study aimed at identifying the content of peptide compounds in the blood. Protein substances play an important role in the synthesis, reproduction and maintenance of homeostasis in the human body. Deviation of the normal content of these compounds signals violations on the part of various organs.

Physical overexertion

General information

Those same peptide compounds that contain protein play a transport function in the circulatory system. That is, with their help, micronutrients enter the cells, and waste products are removed from them.

Protein is also an integral part of the formed elements, participating in the synthesis process:

hemoglobin;
red blood cells;
leukocytes;
platelets.

With the help of proteins, energy is also released from the burning of fats and carbohydrates, and accordingly, the nominal body temperature is maintained.

The main types of proteins in human blood plasma:

Albumin is the main plasma protein and plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure and the osmotic movement of blood through the blood vessels. It is also a binder for complex lipid chains and many drugs.
Globulins primarily take on the transport function. It is with their help that vitamins, minerals, and protein combinations (from which muscle tissue is subsequently formed) are distributed throughout the body. Globulins also take part in the functioning of the immune system, transporting leukocytes to sites of infection.
Fibrinogen is a water-soluble protein that ranks third in terms of quantity in the blood. Upon contact with thrombin, it precipitates, forming so-called “fibron threads” - they form the basis of the fibrin polymer, which literally plugs damaged blood vessels in combination with platelets.

Above are only the main variations of proteins included in the blood. But in total there are over 100 varieties, each of which takes on a number of biochemical functions of the body.

Blood tests for suspected cancer: deciphering the norm of deviation

Oncological diseases are the scourge of humanity. Today, oncology ranks second in the list of causes of mortality in the population after cardiovascular diseases. The situation is complicated by the fact that a method for treating malignant tumors has not yet been developed, although the global scientific community is making every effort to solve this problem.

And although a diagnosis of cancer sounds like a death sentence, in some cases it can be successfully treated, especially if the tumor is detected in the early stages. But there is also a stumbling block here: it is often not possible to determine the onset of the disease, since it can be completely asymptomatic.

Symptoms indicating the presence of cancer:

Symptoms largely depend on the location, size and type of tumor and, as mentioned above, may not appear at all if we are talking about the early stages. Therefore, the key point in diagnosing cancer is timely preventive examinations by a specialist.

The following common symptoms will help you suspect the presence of a tumor:

Frequent cough;
Bleeding;
Color and size changes in moles;
Disorders of the excretory system;
Lumps and swelling on the body;
Unexplained weight loss;
Increased fatigue.

Diagnosis of cancer

Modern methods for diagnosing cancer include:

Blood tests as a method for detecting cancer

First of all, it is worth noting that it is not possible to determine the presence of a malignant neoplasm using blood or urine tests, since such a study is nonspecific in relation to neoplasms. But in any case, deviations from the norm indicate the occurrence of a pathological process in the body, which provides a serious reason for further medical examination.

General blood analysis

The general analysis includes the study of all types of blood cells: red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, their quantitative and qualitative composition, determination of the leukocyte formula (percentage of different types of leukocytes) and hematocrit (volume of red blood cells), measurement of hemoglobin level.

Blood sampling for analysis is carried out in the morning strictly on an empty stomach. The day before the analysis, it is recommended to avoid eating fatty and heavy foods, otherwise this may lead to incorrect readings.

For the study, capillary blood is taken, usually from the ring finger, using a sterile disposable needle. In some cases, blood may be taken from a vein.

A general blood test is the most common and frequently prescribed test, so it is not difficult to do - just go to the nearest clinic.

When deciphering a general blood test, the doctor first of all pays attention to indicators such as:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR);
Hemoglobin;
Leukocytes.

ESR norm for men is 1-10 mm/hour, for women – 2-15 mm/hour. Deviation from these indicators indicates an inflammatory process and general intoxication of the body.

If this indicator exceeds 60 mm/hour, it indicates tissue breakdown in the body and, as a consequence, the presence of a malignant neoplasm.

It should be borne in mind that the level of ESR depends on many physiological and pathological factors and is not a direct confirmation of the presence of a cancerous tumor.

Hemoglobin is a complex chemical compound of protein and iron. It is the presence of iron atoms in the blood that causes its red color. The main function is the transfer of oxygen from the respiratory organs to the tissues.

Normal hemoglobin levels are: in women - 120-150 g/l (during pregnancy - 110-155 g/l), in men - 130-160 g/l.

A sharp decrease in hemoglobin to levels of 70-80 g/l, as well as its sharp increase, can occur with various oncological diseases.

Leukocytes , or white blood cells, perform a protective function in the body. They cleanse the blood of dead cells and fight viruses and infections. On average, in the blood of a healthy person, the number of leukocytes does not exceed 4 – 9 x 109/l.

leukocyte count in the blood is not a constant value and can fluctuate throughout the day. For example, this indicator increases slightly after meals, as well as after physical and emotional stress.

A sharp decrease or, on the contrary, an increase in leukocytes, as in the case of hemoglobin, may indicate the development of oncology, in particular, various forms of leukemia.

Blood chemistry

Biochemical analysis allows you to analyze the functioning of internal organs, as well as obtain information about metabolism. The test is taken strictly on an empty stomach, so before visiting the laboratory it is recommended to refrain from eating 8-12 hours, and completely eliminate the consumption of alcoholic beverages two weeks before. About 5 ml of blood for analysis is taken from the patient’s antecubital vein.

Interpretation of biochemical analysis indicators:

C-reactive protein (CRP) - like ESR, indicates an inflammatory process occurring in the body. Norm – 0 – 5 mg/l. Deviation from the norm occurs in autoimmune diseases, fungal, bacterial or viral infections, tuberculosis, meningitis, acute pancreatitis, malignant neoplasms with metastases.

Glucose is the level of “blood sugar”. The norm is 3.33-5.55 mmol/l. Values exceeding the norm indicate the development of diabetes mellitus and malignant neoplasms of the pancreas.

Urea is the end product of protein metabolism in the body and is excreted by the kidneys. The norm is 2.5-8.3 mmol/l. An increase in the indicator indicates deviations in the functioning of the excretory organs.

Creatinine , like urea, is an indicator of kidney function. The norm is 44-106 mmol/l.

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in almost all tissues of the body. The norm is 30-120 U/l. An increase in concentration may indicate tumors in bone tissue.

Enzymes AST (normal - 0-31 U/l in women, 0-41 U/l in men) and ALT (7-41 IU/l). An increase in these indicators is evidence of liver dysfunction.

Proteins (albumin and globulin) play an important role in metabolic processes. Norms: albumin – 35 to 50 g/l, globulin – 2.6-4.6 g/deciliter. Deviation from the norm to a greater or lesser extent indicates pathological processes in the body.

Tumor markers

Tumor markers are specific proteins produced by malignant tumor cells. Normally, humans do not have such proteins or contain them in small quantities. Each organ has its own tumor marker; let’s look at the most frequently identified ones:

Tumor marker CA 12 , normal –

Okomarker CA 15-3 , normal

Tumor marker PSA , norm 0 – 4 ng/ml. Detects prostate cancer.

The tumor marker AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is a marker of liver cancer. Also used in gynecology to determine fetal malformations. The norm for men and non-pregnant women is: 0.5 – 5.5 IU/ml.

Tumor marker Ca 19-9 , normal

Tests for tumor markers are carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach. Blood for analysis is taken from a vein.

Prevention of cancer

Unfortunately, at this point in time it is not possible to completely prevent the development of cancer. But following some preventive rules can reduce the risk of disease to a minimum:

Complete cessation of smoking and alcohol abuse;
Diet;
Sports activities;
Maintaining a daily routine;
Reducing time spent in direct sunlight;
Annual follow-up with a doctor, especially for those at risk.

Source: https://www.rumex.ru/information/analizy_krovi_pri_podozrenii_na_onkologiyu-306

Normal level of total protein in blood

According to accepted standards and directives of the WHO (World Health Organization), the following indicators (grams per liter) are considered the norm for total protein in the blood:

newborns – from 45 to 70;
children under 3 years old – from 51 to 73;
children under 15 years old - from 60 to 81;
from 15 years and older – from 65 to 85;
over 65 years old - from 62 to 81.

Indicators are conditional. Much more important for diagnosis are the indicators of individual proteins, as well as their derivative elements.

Normal values during pregnancy

Low total protein in the blood during pregnancy can provoke the development of many pathologies in the unborn child and therefore requires medication to increase it. It is protein that acts as a “building component”; organs, tissues, neurons, blood, and so on are formed from it.

Accordingly, its deficiency will lead to the fact that the fetus will not be able to fully form. This is especially important in the second and third trimester, when the child’s body is actively gaining weight.

Blood protein levels decrease significantly during pregnancy. This is a normal phenomenon, and indicates that a significant part of it is transported through the placenta to the body of the unborn child.

If for an adult the norm is about 65–85 grams of protein per liter of blood, then during pregnancy this figure drops to 55–65 grams per liter .
Accordingly, a decrease in blood protein levels below 55 is considered a deviation from the norm.

Biochemical research

The purpose of this analysis, carried out annually, is to obtain information about metabolism, the functioning of various internal organs, the balance of vitamins and microelements. A biochemical blood test for oncology is also informative, since changes in certain values allow one to draw conclusions about the presence of cancerous tumors. From the table you can find out what indicators should be normal.

A biochemical blood test can suspect cancer if the following values do not correspond to the norm:

Albumin and total protein. They characterize the total amount of proteins in the blood serum and the content of the main one. The developing tumor actively consumes protein, so this indicator is significantly reduced. If the liver is affected, then even with adequate nutrition there is a deficiency.
Glucose. Cancer of the reproductive (especially female) system, liver, and lungs affects insulin synthesis, inhibiting it. As a result, symptoms of diabetes mellitus appear, which is reflected in a biochemical blood test for cancer (sugar levels increase).
Alkaline phosphatase. It increases primarily with bone tumors or metastases to them. It may also indicate oncology of the gallbladder or liver.
Urea. This criterion allows you to evaluate the functioning of the kidneys, and if it is elevated, there is a pathology of the organ or there is an intensive breakdown of protein in the body. The latter phenomenon is characteristic of tumor intoxication.
Bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). An increase in the amount of these compounds informs about liver damage, including cancer.

If cancer is suspected, a biochemical blood test cannot be used to confirm the diagnosis. Even if there are coincidences on all points, additional laboratory tests will be required. As for donating blood directly, it is taken from a vein in the morning, but eating and drinking (it is allowed to drink boiled water) has not been allowed since the previous evening.

How to increase - 3 main methods

Below we will look at the 3 main ways to influence the level of total protein in the blood plasma.

Change your diet

What foods increase protein levels in the blood? The answer is obvious - those with a high protein content. These include:

Meat. Beef, on average, contains up to 30 grams of protein per 100 grams of product. In chicken fillet - up to 25 grams and so on.
Egg whites. One boiled egg contains about 3 grams of protein.
Cottage cheese. Contains up to 18 grams of protein per 100 grams of product. Low-fat - a little less, about 12 - 14 grams.
Seafood. Fish contains approximately 12–15 grams of protein per 100 grams. More in caviar.
Legumes. This also includes peas and beans. Contains 20 to 25 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Cereals. Depending on the culture, they contain from 8 to 12 grams of protein per 100 grams of the finished product.
Nuts. Contains up to 30 grams of protein. This also includes peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, and pine nuts.

But it is worth considering that protein is normally absorbed only with sufficient levels of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients in the blood. The carbohydrate indicator is also important, since energy is necessary for the normal course of the digestion process. Accordingly, in order to increase the amount of protein that the body absorbs from food, it is necessary to follow a varied and nutritious diet.

The protein requirement in men is slightly higher. This is due to a more developed muscular system, the basis of which is protein compounds. But the level of protein in the blood of men and women is almost the same.

Use proven folk remedies

To increase blood protein using folk remedies, the following options are often recommended:

Decoction of corn grains. To prepare, take 5 tablespoons of dry ground seeds and add 2 liters of water. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for another 20 minutes over low heat. Afterwards, leave until the grains become soft. Next, strain, take 100 grams of broth 2 times a day after meals. The course of treatment is until the prepared decoction runs out.
Seaweed. Consumed in the form of a salad with the addition of vinegar, spices, onions, garlic (cook to taste, there is no clear recipe). Eat 2 times a day for lunch and dinner. It is recommended to eat at least 40 grams of algae at one time.

Take vitamin complexes

There are no universal drugs that can quickly raise protein in the blood. Only a diet combined with vitamin supplements can contribute to this. The best performers in this regard were:

Alphabet. Combined vitamin complex. Perfect for both men and adults, as well as children over 12 years old. It contains iron, which stimulates biochemical processes involving proteins.
Hematogen. Sold in pharmacies in the form of diet bars. It also contains a lot of iron.
Duovit Multivitamin. Suitable also for children.

Again, these medications should only be taken in combination with a protein diet. Otherwise, there will be no improvement.

Specific cancer markers

One of the things that blood biochemistry shows in cancer is tumor markers. Here are a few of the most prominent ones:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA, Russian abbreviation - PSA). Its content increases in the blood with prostate cancer. PSA concentration depends on age, but should not exceed 9 ng/ml. An analysis result of 10 ng/ml is a direct indication for a prostate biopsy.
CA-125 is a high molecular weight carbohydrate that can be found in endometrial or ovarian cancer. But you shouldn’t immediately panic: this figure increases with endometriosis, pregnancy, ovarian cysts and adnexitis.
CA 15-3 is a glycoprotein tumor marker. Its content in the blood of more than 25 units/ml may indicate breast cancer. But an increase in CA 15-3 also occurs with lung cancer or metastases to the lungs.

Important! It is impossible to make a diagnosis of cancer based solely on the detection of one of the tumor markers. A comprehensive examination is necessary to determine the location and size of the tumor, as well as the presence of metastases and other changes in the body.

What reduces it?

Blood protein levels rapidly decrease when exposed to the following factors:

Vegetarianism. Involves avoiding food of animal origin. But it is meat, milk, and eggs that contain the most protein, while plant foods contain several times less.
Lactation. During breastfeeding, protein naturally decreases. This is not a deviation from the norm. But if it falls below 55 grams per liter of blood, then the diet should be adjusted.
Lack of fluid in the body. It may occur while taking certain medications, alcohol, or during significant physical exertion.
Liver diseases. Most of the proteins that then enter the blood are produced in the liver. Accordingly, diseases of this organ can negatively affect the synthesis of proteins that form the basis of blood plasma.
Exhaustion of the body. Most often occurs during long-term treatment of infectious diseases. At the same time, not only the level of protein in the blood drops, but also the rate of its absorption decreases.
Some diseases of the endocrine system. In particular, diabetes mellitus.
Kidney failure. Often leads to an increase in protein in the urine.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They slow down the process of breakdown of protein compounds, and accordingly, the body experiences a deficiency of amino acids.

What are the indicators for blood cancer?

The first thing a doctor pays attention to in case of blood cancer is a sharp increase in the number of white blood cells. White blood cells protect the body from many infections that attack it. With blood cancer, their number increases to unimaginable numbers; it is not for nothing that this disease is also called leukemia.
At the same time, clinical analysis reveals lymphoblasts or myeloblasts,
ESR increases. But these indicators can also appear in other pathological conditions.
Along with this, the sick person's hemoglobin will decrease.
Biochemical parameters such as acute phase proteins (seromucoids, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein) may change.
Total protein decreases
ALT and AST and thymol test may increase.