How to improve albumin levels after a blood test

If your recent blood test showed low albumin levels, you might be wondering what that means and how to improve them. Albumin is an important protein made by the liver that helps keep fluid balance in the body and transports essential substances like hormones and vitamins. When levels drop, it can sometimes signal an underlying health issue or a need to support your nutrition and lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll explain what causes low albumin, when to seek advice and simple, practical ways to help maintain healthy levels and support your overall wellbeing.

What is albumin and why is it important?

Albumin is the most common protein in your blood plasma. It plays several key roles in maintaining your health, including:

• Balancing fluids – preventing excess fluid from leaking into tissues.

• Transporting nutrients and hormones – including calcium, bilirubin and medications.

• Supporting tissue repair – helping your body heal after injury or illness.

• Maintaining blood pressure – by helping keep fluid within blood vessels.

Because it has so many functions, changes in albumin levels can provide useful insight into your overall health, especially liver and kidney function.

What causes low albumin levels?

Low albumin (known as hypoalbuminaemia) can have a range of causes, from mild and temporary to more serious underlying conditions. Some of the most common include:

• Liver disease – as albumin is made in the liver, reduced function can lower levels.

• Kidney conditions – where albumin leaks into the urine instead of staying in the blood.

• Inflammation or infection – the body may use more protein during recovery.

• Malnutrition or low protein intake – not eating enough protein-rich foods.

• Digestive disorders – such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease, which affect absorption.

• Severe burns or injuries – which can increase protein loss.

If your blood test results show low albumin, your GP or clinician may recommend further tests to find out why.

How to improve albumin levels naturally

If low albumin is linked to your diet or lifestyle, small, steady improvements can make a difference over time. Here are a few areas to focus on:

Eat enough high-quality protein

Albumin is made from the protein you eat, so including enough in your daily diet is essential. Aim for a variety of sources such as:

• Lean meats, poultry and fish

• Eggs

• Dairy products like yoghurt and cheese

• Beans, lentils and chickpeas

• Nuts, seeds and soy-based foods

If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, plant-based proteins can be just as effective when eaten in sufficient amounts and combined for complete amino acid profiles.

Support your liver health

As the liver produces albumin, keeping it healthy is key. You can support liver function by:

• Limiting alcohol intake

• Staying hydrated

• Maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables

• Avoiding highly processed foods or those high in saturated fat

Maintain a balanced diet

Low albumin sometimes reflects broader nutritional issues. Focus on a well-rounded diet that includes:

• Whole grains for sustained energy

• A wide range of colourful fruits and vegetables

• Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados and oily fish

• Adequate calories to meet your body’s energy needs

A registered nutritionist or dietitian can help tailor a plan suited to your individual health goals.

Stay active and manage stress

Regular activity supports circulation, heart health and overall wellbeing, all of which can indirectly help your body maintain healthy albumin levels. Even gentle exercise, such as walking, yoga or swimming, can have a positive impact.

Chronic stress may also affect how your body uses and stores nutrients, so incorporating relaxation techniques like mindfulness or breathing exercises can be beneficial.

How health assessments can help

Regular health checks give you a clearer picture of your overall health and how your body is functioning. A comprehensive blood test can monitor key indicators such as:

• Liver function

• Kidney health

• Protein and nutrient levels

• Inflammation markers

By tracking these over time, you can identify trends and take early steps to address potential issues. Bluecrest Wellness offers a range of health assessments designed to give you detailed insights into your body’s key systems, helping you take a proactive approach to your wellbeing.

When to seek medical advice

While mild fluctuations in albumin can occur, persistently low levels should always be checked by a healthcare professional. Seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as:

• Persistent fatigue

• Swelling in your legs, feet or abdomen

• Unexplained weight loss

• Ongoing digestive problems

• Signs of infection or inflammation

Your clinician can help identify the cause and guide you towards the right treatment or lifestyle changes.

FAQs about albumin and health

What does a normal albumin level show about my health?

A normal albumin level suggests your body has enough protein to support key functions like healing, fluid balance, and nutrient transport. It’s often linked to good liver and overall health.

Can low albumin be improved through diet alone?

If low levels are caused by poor nutrition, increasing protein and calorie intake can help. However, underlying health conditions may require medical management.

Is low albumin always serious?

Not necessarily. Temporary drops can occur during illness or recovery, but persistently low levels should always be checked to rule out other causes.

How long does it take to improve albumin levels?

This depends on the cause and the steps you take. With dietary adjustments and good overall health, improvements can often be seen within a few weeks to months.

Take a proactive approach to your health

Understanding your albumin levels can provide valuable insight into your overall health. Regular health assessments help track these markers over time, giving you a clearer picture of how your body is functioning.

With Bluecrest Wellness, you can book a health assessment at locations across the UK and receive a detailed results report, including insights into your liver and kidney function. Alongside this, you’ll get access to a 24/7 GP helpline for a year after your test, helping you make informed decisions about your wellbeing.

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