Creatinine is a waste product found in everyone’s blood and urine. Creatinine and creatinine clearance tests tell how efficiently your kidneys have been working. Under normal conditions, the kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and excrete out all waste, including creatinine. But certain conditions can impede the kidney’s ability to function well and allow higher amounts of creatinine to stay in the blood only.
Creatinine is a waste that generates when creatine, a metabolism substance that helps convert food into energy, breaks down. Occasionally, a high blood creatinine range can also result due to consuming a high protein diet or performing strenuous exercise. Creatine supplements may also increase creatinine levels in blood and urine.
Why does creatinine levels rise?
There are plenty of reasons why your creatinine level is rising. Some of these conditions can be more severe than others, but a few of them are even nonspecific to others. Although you need to get treatment, some conditions can be treated well by ensuring preventive measures.
Renal failure or impairment: If your kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter creatinine and other waste properly as they are supposed to. The glomerular filtration rate is the measurement of filtered blood through your kidneys.
Muscle destruction: If you have a condition that results in muscle breakdown, the waste mat gets into your bloodstream and impairs the functioning of the kidneys.
High intake of meat: Partaking a diet rich in cooked meat can also elevate the amount of creatinine in the body.
Hypothyroidism: Dysfunctional thyroid gland can have an influence on your kidney function. Hypothyroidism can hinder the kidney’s job to filter the waste properly.
Your doctor will ask for a blood creatinine test if you have these symptoms:
- changes in urination (frequency, pain, foaminess, or blood)
- muscle cramps
- fatigue
- nausea or vomiting
- puffiness around the eyes
- swelling in the feet or ankles
Here are some healthy ways through which you can bring your creatinine level under the normal range.
Stay hydrated
Creatinine levels can rise when a person remains dehydrated for a long time. The kidneys need proper fluid to work efficiently, and in the absence of this, the kidney function starts to decline. You will fatigue, dizzy, thirsty when you are not properly hydrated. Severe dehydration can impact your cardiovascular health and kidney function too. It can be life-threatening. If you do not want to consume plain water, add a few drops of lemon juice to change its taste. Remember, if you are exercising intensely, your fluid level will be low compared to others, so you are at risk more.
Increasing dietary fiber intake
Dietary intake can provide a range of health benefits, including preventing kidney damage. Kidneys have to eliminate waste from the blood, and in case they are not functioning well, your creatinine may rise. As fiber is known for its body detoxification properties, consuming a diet high in fiber is going to help you. Many foods, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, and whole grains, contain fiber.
Do not take supplements containing creatinine
Creatine is naturally produced in your liver. It is transported to your muscles, where it is used for energy. The portion of creatine not used by the body gets converted into creatinine, a waste product that indicates kidney damage. In addition, creatine is available as an oral supplement. Some athletes have to consume such supplements as they help boost the performance. If your creatinine level is high, you should simply stop consuming creatinine-based supplements.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney CreatinineShed protein from your diet
Research says that consuming a diet high in protein can result in a high blood creatinine range. In particular, cooking red meat will convert creatine to creatinine. This will raise your blood creatinine range substantially. People who are constantly on a diet that is high in red meat or other protein sources may have a high creatinine range than people who include less protein in their diet. Simply swap animal sources of protein with plant-based, such as:
- vegetable patties
- hearty vegetable stew
- lentil soup
Lower your salt intake
A diet that has too much sodium in it can result in high blood pressure. Processed foods that are coated with sodium and phosphorus can contribute to high blood pressure as they promote fluid retention. So it is necessary to keep a check on your diet if you are looking for ways to bring down creatinine. Focus on whole, unprocessed, and freshly made food at home. You have the control to add fewer spices and herbs to flavor your food.
Avoid overusing painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) likely harm your kidneys if taken too often or in amounts over the prescribed amount, especially if you have kidney disease.
Avoid smoking
Smoking cigarettes can harm the body in a number of ways. It not only puts your heart at risk, rather it significantly swells the possibility of chronic kidney disease. Quitting can be a way to reduce your risk of CKD, resulting in decreased creatinine range.
Limit your alcohol intake
Excessive alcohol consumption or binge partaking may potentially threaten your kidneys. Consuming alcohol promotes the risk of kidney damage by shooting blood pressure. Your heart function is at risk, too, when you are taking alcohol in excess. If you are otherwise healthy, consult your doctor about the moderate or safest levels for your health needs.
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