Creatinine is a waste product that is generated by the muscular functions in the body. Maximum creatinine that is found in the body is a form of a natural chemical known as creatine. Creatinine is released into the bloodstream and that’s when the filtering abilities of kidneys are used. The creatinine is filtered by the kidneys and excreted from the body in the form of urine.
Some kidney harming medical conditions or diseases can hamper kidney function due to which the kidneys that are the filtering and disposal system of the body become impaired. The tiny blood vessels that filter the blood (Glomeruli) do not function properly and results in higher creatinine levels which can prove to be unhealthy and risky for your body. Creatinine can accumulate in the blood due to declined kidney function but there are other reasons also that can raise creatinine levels in your body. Consuming protein in higher amounts, engaging in intense workouts and overusing supplements can also cause higher creatinine levels in your body. The bottom line is that the detection of higher creatinine levels in the blood is a sign of abnormal kidney function and indicates severe health issues that can be life-threatening.
Fruits and Vegetables Good High Creatinine Problems
What are the causes of high creatinine levels?
Undergoing a routine blood test can help in measuring the higher creatinine levels. Alarming factors that are responsible for raising the creatinine levels are as follows:
- Using NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), antibiotics or abusing illegal drugs.
- Creatine based supplements.
- High intake of protein.
- Excessive exercise.
- Damaged kidney function.
- Decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
- Dehydration.
In some cases, people who are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease can have higher creatinine levels.
Glomerular damage is the central reason for an increase in creatinine levels. The diseases that affect kidney function and raise creatinine levels are:
- Diabetes.
- Tumours.
- Infections such as hepatitis B, C and HIV or syphilis.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).
Can dietary changes help in normalizing the creatinine levels?
Diet plays a vital role in the treatment for improving kidney function which results in the reduction of higher creatinine levels. These dietary changes can lower abnormal creatinine levels.
- Limiting protein intake: According to a fact-checked study in 2014, red meats increase creatinine levels as raw red meat contains natural creatine. The natural creatine breaks down into creatinine when the meat is cooked. Eating the cooked red meat which contains creatine can increase creatinine levels. That is why red meat and fish products should be consumed lesser and vegetable proteins should be considered instead.
- Increasing Dietary fibre intake: Dietary fibre is the main source of managing creatinine levels. Plant foods like fruits, vegetables, seeds and whole grains are the dietary options that contain fibre.
- Decrease sodium intake: Consuming high sodium can lead to high blood pressure and fluid retention.
Improving kidney function is the first step in the management of creatinine levels. Dietary restrictions can help in restoring the function of damaged kidneys naturally.
Dairy products for kidney patients
Dairy products are filled with essential components like vitamins and nutrients that help in smoothening internal bodily functions. There is a natural powerhouse of protein, phosphorus and potassium. But having kidney disease can create obstructions in filtering the excess levels of these components. Consuming too much phosphorus when the glomeruli are damaged can cause buildups of phosphorus in the blood. Due to which calcium is pulled out of the bones resulting in weak and thin bones. Dairy products are rich in protein. Dairy products for kidney patients should be recommended in a limited amount to prevent the accumulation of protein in the blood.
In a renal diet, Dairy products for kidney patients include alternatives like rice milk, almond milk.
However, Dairy products for kidney patients should be used in a limited amount as consuming dairy in higher amounts can hinder kidney functions which can automatically raise creatinine levels. To reduce the creatinine levels, it is necessary to prohibit higher consumption of Dairy products for kidney patients.
1 Comments
Came here from a Reddit link. This is good such information. I am surprised that more doctors don't refer patients to a dietician. I have sarcoidosis. When I got for my regular infusions, I get lab work. Often, I am told that my creatinine is high enough that my doctor needs to give the yay or nay about my getting the infusion. Because of the labs at my last infusion, my doctor referred me to a nephrologist. Terrified, I came home and did some googling. I realized that my levels are probably so high because of my recent diet of a lot of Greek yogurt. I had told my doctor about this. I've been eating so much yogurt because my teeth are bad from the various medicines I am taking. I have no idea why I had to find out for myself that yogurt could be the culprit. I am now going to be asking for a referral to a dietician. I want to know what to eat and avoid and how to come up with a menu plan of things I can afford and that I like. The crazy thing is that my sarc causes memory and cognitive issues. And here I am, having to do my own research on this stuff. Thank you for this article.
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