How to Reduce Creatinine Level by Food?

What is Creatinine?

Creatinine is a chemical waste that the body produces when muscles are brought into action. Since it is a waste, kidneys excrete it through the blood and urine. But if you have a nephrological problem, your kidneys may have difficulty expelling this waste. So, higher than normal creatinine levels can be a telltale sign of an underlying kidney disorder.

That said, high creatinine levels may also result from a high-protein diet, intense workouts, and certain supplements. For instance, supplements taken by athletes to enhance their muscle performance might also result in increased creatinine levels, although it is temporary.

What is an Abnormal Creatinine Level?

Normal creatinine levels indicate healthy kidney function. However, abnormal levels for an extended period may indicate that your kidneys are not functioning well. According to healthcare providers, creatinine level [1] above 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in males and 1.0 mg/dL in females is considered abnormal.

A high creatinine level is not a problem but indicates other underlying health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease. Test yourself to analyse whether you have a good creatinine level or are at risk of kidney disease.

Some of the key signs of higher-than-normal creatinine levels include:

Nausea
High fever
Chest Pain
Muscle Cramps
Vomiting
Fatigue
High blood pressure
Changes in urination frequency and appearance
Swelling due to fluid retention
Itchiness

Watching out for these symptoms can help you seek on-time interventions to reduce creatinine levels. However, suppose you are wondering how to how to lower creatinine levels. In that case, you can opt for natural ways, home remedies and lifestyle changes based on the root cause of your high creatinine levels.

Causes of High Creatinine Levels

Elevated creatinine may manifest as a result of:

Dehydration
Intense physical workout
Protein-rich diet
Kidney infection or blocked urinary tract
Kidney failure
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Pre-eclampsia
High blood pressure
Certain supplements or medicines

By understanding these causes, your healthcare provider can recommend foods to reduce creatinine levels and other time-tested home remedies.

High Creatinine Levels: Signs, Causes, Risk, Diagnosis & Management

Home Remedies for Lowering Creatinine Levels

If you are wondering how to reduce creatinine levels, consult your doctor immediately. Your healthcare provider will rule out the underlying cause and develop a proper treatment plan to address any medical issues. Along with medicines, your healthcare provider may also suggest lifestyle changes or home remedies to reduce creatinine.

Some of the key home remedies for lowering creatinine levels include:

Consume fibre-rich diet

Suppose a high creatinine level is linked to chronic kidney disease. In that case, you may take a fibre-rich diet to reduce creatinine levels and improve kidney function [2]. Many studies have found low creatinine levels in people who consume fibre-rich diets. Fibre aids in digestion. A study revealed that the consumption of foods enriched with additional fiber led to a notable 10.6% reduction in the average concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and a decline in serum creatinine levels [2].

Elevating your fiber intake may lead to symptoms such as gas, bloating, and cramps. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a dietitian to discuss a gradual increase in fiber while also making appropriate adjustments to fluid intake.[3]

You may get fibre from foods like legumes, whole grains, legumes, pulses, etc. Healthcare providers recommend eating these fibre foods to lower creatinine levels.

Reduce your protein intake

Eating a protein-rich diet can be potentially damaging to your kidneys [4]. The waste generated has to be eliminated by the kidneys, decreasing its functionality over time. Red meat mainly affects creatinine because it has creatine, which converts to creatinine on heating. People who have abnormal creatinine levels are suggested to check their diet, including the dairy products they consume. Consuming excessive protein, particularly from animal sources and processed meats, places additional strain on the kidneys as they must work harder to eliminate creatinine. [5]

You may use vegetable sources instead, such as lentil soup, soya, etc., as foods to lower creatinine levels.

Hydrate yourself

Dehydration can also result in elevated creatinine levels. In many people with reduced kidney function, dehydration is the leading cause. Talk with your healthcare provider to know how much water you should drink daily for better kidney function and how to reduce creatinine levels by monitoring your water consumption habits.

Lower your salt intake

This is a potential home remedy to reduce creatinine levels. Sodium or salt-rich diets can shoot up blood pressure [8]. For those who don't know, high blood pressure affects the arteries around the kidneys, hardening or weakening them. So avoid foods that may lead to high blood pressure. Processed or canned food is particularly rich in salt and sodium to increase its shelf-life. Avoid these foods and switch to fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce creatinine levels.

Avoid smoking

Smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of kidney damage. The toxins cigarettes produce are hard to process by the kidneys, reducing their function. Over time, your kidney may not perform well, leading to high creatinine levels. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of abnormal creatinine levels due to decreased kidney function.

Limit your alcohol consumption

Alcohol wears off your kidney function. Many studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption may help decrease the risk of kidney disease. Other studies have shown that binge alcohol consumption may potentially damage the kidneys. Excess alcohol consumption can also lead to conditions like hypertension and chronic kidney disease. If you consume alcohol, you may talk to your healthcare provider about the ways to bring it down.

Avoid creatine supplements

Creatine is normally made in the liver. It is transported to the muscles to be used as energy. When we do strenuous exercise or bring our muscles to action, creatine is used and converted into creatinine. If you take creatine supplements [10], as some athletes do, the creatinine levels may rise even more. So, to reduce creatinine levels, you should avoid taking such supplements.

Avoid overusing NSAIDs

Over-the-counter painkillers may put your kidneys at risk of losing function. Taking too many NSAIDs, such as painkillers or antibiotics, especially if you have impaired kidney function [11], can lead to high creatinine levels. You may talk to your doctor about the right dosage for pain relief. Avoid NSAIDs as much as possible.

Leveraging these home remedies to reduce creatinine levels can help you achieve a good creatinine level for your holistic well-being.

Foods You Should Eat to Reduce Creatinine Levels

Wondering about which food reduce creatinine level? Well, Diet plays a significant role in managing creatinine levels and supporting overall kidney health. If you're looking to lower your creatinine levels naturally through dietary choices, consider incorporating the following foods into your meals:

List of vegetables to reduce creatinine levels:-

List of fruits to reduce creatinine level:-

Incorporating fruits into a balanced diet, along with proper hydration and lifestyle changes, may help support kidney health and potentially reduce creatinine levels. Here is a list of fruits to reduce creatinine levels:

These foods to reduce creatinine levels can help you lead a holistic and healthy lifestyle.

What Foods You Should Avoid If Creatinine Is High

Confused about which food increase creatinine level? Certain foods can contribute to an increase in creatinine levels in the blood, which may be a concern for individuals with kidney issues. If you're looking to manage or lower your creatinine levels, it's advisable to be mindful of the following:

Understanding Creatinine Blood Test and Kidney Function Test

In addition to adopting these home remedies, monitoring your creatinine levels is crucial. A creatinine serum test is a common diagnostic tool used to measure the concentration of creatinine in the blood. Normal creatinine levels are indicative of healthy kidney function, while elevated levels can be a sign for potential kidney problems. Regular at-home blood tests can help detect kidney issues early.

For a more comprehensive assessment of kidney function, consider a KFT blood test that evaluates various factors, including creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Abnormal results may prompt further investigation to determine the root cause of kidney dysfunction.

Remember, staying informed about your creatinine levels and working with your healthcare provider to address any concerns is a proactive step towards maintaining good kidney health and overall well-being.

A Note From HealthcareOnTime

Abnormal creatinine levels may indicate some serious health concerns. Still, sometimes, temporary creatinine levels may also result from lifestyle changes or conditions. Talk to your doctor about the cause of elevated creatinine levels and how you can address it. The above-mentioned home remedies to reduce creatinine levels are also beneficial.

The information listed here is strictly for educational purposes and is not intended to offer personal medical advice. Do consult your physician for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. It's not advised to disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information listed here. The Nutrition Source does not recommend or endorse any products.