Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

What This Marker Means

BUN reflects how well your kidneys clear waste products from protein metabolism. Elevated BUN can indicate dehydration, high protein intake, or kidney strain. Low BUN may reflect poor nutritional intake or liver dysfunction.

How Alcohol Affects This Marker

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid loss and often raising BUN due to dehydration. Chronic heavy drinking combined with poor nutrition can cause low BUN.

How to Discuss With Your Doctor

Ask whether your BUN reflects hydration status, kidney function, or nutritional intake. If you drank within 24–48 hours of the test, mention this because it can shift results.