Creatinine is a metabolite of muscle breakdown, and depending on muscle mass,
is produced at a constant rate by the body. It is produced from creatine, which
is important for energy production in muscles. The kidneys are responsible for
filtering creatinine out of the blood and excreting it in the urine. Thus, if
your kidneys are malfunctioning, blood levels of creatinine will rise. With that
said, measuring blood creatinine levels are a good surrogate for kidney
function.
Typical levels of creatinine in the blood range from 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dl in
adult males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dl in adult females. Muscular adults may have more
creatinine in their blood as a function of muscle mass, while elderly people
often have lower levels. Creatinine levels in excess of 10 mg/dl in adults may
be indicative of kidney impairment.
The most common cause of increased creatinine levels is kidney impairment or
any disease causing kidney impairment, including high blood pressure, diabetes,
dehydration, shock, congestive heart failure or bladder outlet obstruction.
Creatinine levels can become falsely elevated due to certain medications
(including ibuprofin and some blood pressure drugs), after the ingestion of
large amounts of dietary meat or creatine supplements and during strenuous
exercise. Reducing your protein intake and increasing your fluid intake are two
easy ways to lower your creatinine level. Furthermore, management of diabetes,
high blood pressure and urinary tract health can also help lower your creatinine
levels.
Being that creatinine levels are a measure of kidney function, focusing on
lowering your creatinine level should not be of utmost importance.
More insight on the level of creatinine in your blood
The normal level of creatinine for adults is 0.5-1.2. If your level of
creatinine is much higher than normal, you should see your doctor, as it is a
sign that your kidney doesn’t work properly and its function is lost. A healthy
diet can help to lower the levels of creatinine. You should eat low-protein,
low-creatine foods, and to avoid salt. There are foods that you should eat more
often!
1. Leafy greens, especially cabbage and lettuce
Eat more leafy greens and specifically cabbage and lettuce, as they will help
to decrease the levels of creatinine in your blood. Moreover, leafy greens will
prevent the formation of kidney stones.
2. Cucumbers
Another healthy choice for your diet is eating cucumbers! They are delicious,
low-calorie and powerful antioxidants. Moreover, cucumbers are rich in Vitamin
C, Vitamin A, potassium, folate, magnesium, silica. They are known as natural
kidney-cleansers. According to a news portal Vanguard: “This is because they
help to wash the kidneys and bladder of debris and stones. Several studies have
shown that eating cucumbers regularly helps to regulate uric acid in the
body.”
3. Foods rich in omega-3 acids
You should eat more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to decrease the levels
of creatinine, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, walnuts, wild rice. Eat
these good fats twice a week!
4. Garlic and onion
Garlic and onion can spice up your dishes and help to get rid of high
creatinine levels! Some studies have shown that garlic can protect kidneys from
free radical-mediated damage. Onion, for instance, contains PGA prostaglandin –
a natural leptuntic, which has an effect on lowering high blood pressure.
According to health portal Kidneyfailureweb.com: “High blood pressure is a big
risk that can accelerate the rate of patients’ condition progressing kidney
failure. In view of this, onion is good for people with kidney disease
especially high creatinine level.”
5. Carrots
Eat more carrots. They are healthy vegetables for those that have kidney
disease and heart problems. Carrot is nutritious and rich in various vitamins
and minerals, like calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and more. This magic
veggie can help to treat kidney infections and protect kidney functions.
6. Soy products
Add tofu and soy milk to your diet. These foods will help to decrease the
levels of creatinine. Some studies have shown that soy foods can help to treat
kidney disease. Soybeans have a low glycemic index and that makes them healthy
for those who suffer from diabetes. While you should focus on eating low-protein
foods, soy products are perfect for you.
7. Liquids
The last but not the least tip to get rid of high creatinine is to drink a
lot of liquids daily. Keep yourself hydrated throughout a day, as creatine
levels can be decreased by urination. Drink water and green tea, avoid soda and
soft drinks.
Foods to avoid
There are some foods and drinks you should avoid if you suffer from high
level of creatinine:
· Avoid caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks. Replace them with water, fresh
fruit juice or herbal teas. You might want to try dandelion tea, salvia tea or
ginseng tea.
· Avoid sugary foods
· Avoid salty foods
· Reduce the intake of these foods: red meats, white bread, white flour,
dairy products. Ideally, you should avoid them.
· Reduce the intake of legumes
· Avoid processed and junk foods, reduce the intake of sodium. Sodium can
promote water retention in your body. So, stay away from all the packaged
foods.
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