High creatinine levels indicate poor kidney function. It can also lead to kidney failure or kidney disease.
Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles in our bodies. Our kidneys are responsible for eliminating this. However, when our creatinine levels are high, it means that you have kidney damage, and this can result in chronic kidney disease. If you are noticing swelling in your arms or legs, extreme fatigue, it may be important to get your creatinine levels checked. While high levels of creatinine are not life-threatening, they can lead to serious complications in the body. Dietary and lifestyle changes can help with high levels of creatinine. Are you wondering how to lower creatinine levels? Start with including this list of foods in your diet.
What are creatinine levels?
Creatinine is a waste product created during the degradation of creatine; this compound is an integral substance used to create energy inside muscle cells, explains internal medicine specialist Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar. The skin helps excrete creatinine which is an organ that filters the blood from which excessive waste is removed in the form of urine. This is because blood creatinine level determination is used to assess the renal status and the ridgling ability of the kidney. Read on to learn more about how to control creatinine levels.
How much should your creatinine level be?
Healthy young adults have average serum creatinine concentrations of 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL however most athletes with high muscle mass may have higher values. The American Kidney Fund states that the creatinine levels for males must be between 0.7 – 1.3 mg/dL, while for females, it should be between 0.6 – 1.1 mg/dL. These reference values can be impacted by some factors such as age, gender, muscle mass, and health. It is usually said that the levels of creatinine within this range are normal renal function and nothing more, states Dr Kumbar.
Foods to reduce creatinine levels
Make sure to add these foods to your diet if you have high creatinine levels
1. Cucumber
Cucumbers can help to bring your creatine levels down. One or two cucumbers a day are to be eaten every day. They can be combined with the salad or can be consumed as they are as well. Check out the other benefits of cucumbers to understand how they help our bodies.
2. Garlic
Garlic is another ingredient that can help you to control your creatinine levels. Add 1-2 cloves of garlic to your meals. This can help decrease inflammation in the body and keep your blood pressure levels too, which improves your kidney health. Check out other symptoms of kidney disease here.
3. Onion
Onions can also help you. One onion in your everyday meals can provide antioxidants that can assist in balancing blood glucose levels and lighten the burden placed on the kidneys. According to this study, published in the Indian Journal of Nephrology, onions can prevent renal dysfunction.
4. Red Bell Pepper
Including red bell peppers in your diet can also help control creatinine levels, lowering them in the process. An adult should consume at least one red bell pepper in a day, whether raw or in a cooked form as it is fulsome in vitamins and does not overburden the kidneys. Read on to know which bell pepper is the healthiest and how does it help you.
5. Cauliflower
Consumption of one cup of cooked cauliflower is healthy because it is low in minerals and aids the kidney in performing its function of eliminating wastes effectively. Half a cup of cooked cauliflower has 1.8g of fibre, this is what helps to control creatinine levels. A study, published in the Clinical Kidney Journal, states that fibre supplementation can help to lower creatinine.
6. Apples
An apple every day gives you fibre and aids your digestive process which can take some pressure off your kidneys as well. You can eat upto one apple a day for your creatinine levels. Check out other benefits of apples.
7. Blueberries
Blueberries also help with high creatine levels. Consuming a handful of blueberries, about 1/2 cup can be effective. Blueberries consist of dozens of antioxidant ingredients that emphasise the wellness of the kidney without having too much potassium. The US National Kidney Foundation also lists blueberries as containing low levels of sodium and phosphorus, which makes them good for the kidneys.
8. Cranberries
It is possible to avoid UTI by taking unsweetened cranberry juice or fresh cranberries every day, and thus it makes it easier for the kidneys. Check out the benefits of cranberries beyond UTI prevention as well.
How do high creatinine levels affect your body?
When creatinine levels rise excessively, it indicates that you have poor kidney health or various complications with the kidneys. “When the filtering mechanism of the kidneys is not working adequately blood and its waste products like creatinine are not being excreted hence retention of plasmatic creatinine and other wastes in the body,” explains Dr Kumbar. High levels of creatinine can result in chronic kidney disease, states this study, published by the US’s NIH. This makes them more prone to kidney injuries as well as poor healing. Therefore, it is essential to start treatment, as well as make the essential lifestyle and dietary changes, as soon as high creatinine levels are diagnosed.
Symptoms of high creatinine levels
People with high levels of creatinine may experience some of these symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to get your creatinine levels checked at the earliest to avoid further kidney damage.
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the legs and arms
- Chronic kidney disease or failure may develop which requires treatment.
- Drug toxicity is due to some medicines such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, diuretics, and lithium.
- Kidney infection that can lead to fever, painful urination, chills, nausea and vomiting
- Diabetes can lead to increased thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision and extreme fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease that can cause chest pain and shortness of breath
- Blockage in the urinary tract can lead to back aches, bloody urine, and frequent urination.
How are creatinine levels measured?
Creatinine levels are measured with the help of a blood test and a urine test. A serum creatinine test is conducted where blood is taken from the vein in your arm. For the urine test, a 24-hour urine sample is collected. This shows how well your kidneys are functioning and if they can filter the blood effectively. The results of these tests depend on many factors such as your age, sex as well as race. Therefore, it is important to visit the doctor with your reports and get diagnosed, rather than trying to understand these on your own. High creatinine levels can be a one-time occurrence as well. This can happen due to dehydration, protein or a creatine supplement.
Summary
High creatinine levels can lead to serious kidney complications and need to be dealt with at the earlier. A blood and urine test can determine your creatinine levels. Simple dietary changes can help you lower your creatinine levels. Fruits such as apples, blueberries as well as cranberries can go a long way where your kidney health is concerned. Adding these to your daily diet can help your creatinine levels, as well as aid overall health and well being. Garlic is another food ingredient that helps your kidneys, and, hence, must be added in meals. Vegetables such as cauliflower, red bell pepper and onions also help in kidney functions. Cucumbers also also packed with essential nutrients, and must be consumed on a daily basis. Besides this, reducing your protein levels, drinking more water and avoiding creatinine supplements can also help you lower your creatinine levels, and keep them in check. Salt can also lead to high blood pressure, and this can affect the kidneys. Therefore, it is important to keep your salt levels in check as well.
FAQs
How long does it take for creatinine to lower?
Depending on the underlying cause, reducing the creatinine levels of the body might take weeks to months. However, good nutrition and hydration, together with the guidance your of your physician and his recommendations can help you lower your creatinine levels.
What is the best drink to lower creatinine?
Water is your best bet for lowering creatinine because it helps your kidneys flush out waste more efficiently. Herbal teas like chamomile or nettle may also support kidney health.
Source: healthshots
