Nephrotic Syndrome

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is when the kidneys filter too much protein from the blood. Too much protein leaves the body in urine. Protein helps keep fluids in the blood. Because there is less protein in the blood, swelling happens.

Healthy Filtering

The right amount of protein stays in the blood.

Nephrotic Syndrome

Too much protein leaves in the urine.

What are possible causes?
  • Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
  • Diabetes
  • Lupus
What are some symptoms?
  • Swelling of legs, feet, and ankles
  • Loss of appetite
  • Foamy urine
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
What to do?
  • Limit salt
  • Choose healthy fats
  • Limit cholesterol
  • Limit unhealthy fats
  • May need to limit fluid
  • Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes
  1. Nephrotic syndrome. American Kidney Fund. https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/other-kidney-conditions/rare-diseases/nephrotic-syndrome. Published June 19, 2020. Updated October 7, 2020. Accessed December 5, 2020.
  2. Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/nephrotic-syndrome-adults. Published February 2014. Accessed December 5, 2020.
  3. Nephrotic Syndrome. Nephrotic Syndrome | Michigan Medicine. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa124982. Updated August 11, 2019. Accessed January 24, 2021.