How To Reduce Creatinine Levels?

The kidney is one of the most vital organs of the body and is responsible for varied functions. And one main purpose of the kidney is to eliminate waste products from the body. Creatinine is a waste product of the muscles, made due to normal wear and tear that the kidney filter out of the blood. Usually, in a healthy body, the kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and discharge it through the urine. However, when it fails to perform the function, it leads to an unnecessary accumulation of creatinine in the body, which further is responsible for several health problems. By considering the importance of creatinine levels, it is essential to maintain the creatinine levels in balance as increased levels indicate kidney issues and need a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

To give you a detailed analysis and keep you informed, let’s explore together the expected signs of increased creatinine and what you can do to reduce these elevated levels. However, before going ahead, let us comprehend what is creatinine and how it is connected with your kidneys. So, let’s get started.

Understanding Creatinine Levels and why they matter 

You should know that creatinine is identified as a waste product and is developed by your muscles. Being the important organ to make your body function properly, your kidneys work to filter out creatinine along with other waste products in your blood. The process works and after being filtered, these waste products are deported from your body in the form of urine. The damage to your kidney or any kidney-related disease can disrupt this function, leading to elevated creatinine levels.

To be aware of the creatinine levels and take action to balance them, you must know their present levels in the body, as this way you can find out how effectively your kidneys are functioning. The best way to find trouble in your body is to identify the causes and symptoms of imbalanced creatinine levels. Let’s discuss them in brief in the points below.

Exploring the causes that affect creatinine levels:

The elevated creatinine levels normally confirm that the kidneys are functioning as they should be. The possible causes of high creatinine levels include but are not limited to:

• Kidney failure 
• Kidney function
• Kidney stones that block the urinary tract 
• Glomerulonephritis (An inflammation of the kidney structures that filter the blood)
• Dehydration 
• A large amount of protein 
• High-intensity exercise 

Apart from the causes mentioned above, some health conditions may also affect your creatinine levels. So, it is better to talk to your healthcare provider if you are diagnosed with any of these conditions-

• High blood pressure 
• Diabetes 
• Heart disease 

Along with identifying the reasons that lead to high creatinine levels and affect your kidneys along with other organs, it is significant to analyze your health and monitor if you are showing any symptoms to take appropriate action before it is too late.

Symptoms of increased creatinine levels

Depending on the cause, people with high creatinine levels may have a variety of symptoms such as: 

• Confusion
• Weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breathing difficulties 
• Swelling in the feet and ankles
• Blurry vision 
• Slowly healing wounds
• Frequent urge to urinate
• High blood pressure
• Blood or protein in the urine
• Bubbly or foamy urine due to an excess amount of urine
• Fever or chills

These symptoms work as an alarm that you need immediate action for your health, as it is better to cure early than worry later. So, take a stand for yourself and find effective ways to reduce the higher creatinine levels to live a better and healthier life for a longer period. But before noting down the tips to tackle the imbalance levels, take a look at the normal range of creatinine levels in the body.

Normal range of creatinine levels in the body 

You should know that creatinine levels are not the same for everyone; they vary from person to person depending on these factors: age, gender, and BMI. However, on average, the considered normal blood creatinine levels are:

Men: 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL

Women: 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL

Teenagers: 0.5 to 1.0 mg/dL

Children: 0.3 to 0.7 mg/dL

How you can Reduce your High Creatinine Levels?

There are many powerful ways and dietary changes that you can follow to treat underlying causes and lower your creatinine levels. For a detailed analysis, we have made a list of things that can help you lower their levels.

Reduce your protein intake 

We all know that protein is the critical nutrient needed by the body for various purposes, but if you consume it in excess, it troubles your body and causes an imbalance in your creatinine levels. It is suggested to cut down on foods like red meat and certain dairy products to reduce your protein intake and balance these levels.

Stay hydrated 

Drinking water not only helps your skin's health but also helps the kidney to function properly and eliminates the risk of increased creatinine levels. So from now on try to stay hydrated and drink at least 8-10 glasses of water for a healthy life.

Increase your fiber intake 

Fiber is a necessary nutrient that helps in digestion and balances out creatinine elimination in the body. According to studies, fiber helps a lot when it comes to removing creatinine from your body. So, to increase your fiber intake, include fruits, pulses, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in your diet.

Cut down your salt intake 

Now is not the time to ignore what everyone says! Specifically when excessive salt works as a poison, and when you are diagnosed with high blood pressure and kidney problems. So, try to reduce your salt intake by restricting the foods you eat or the processed foods you enjoy. Try to make use of natural spices and herbs to add flavor to your food rather than adding too much salt that deteriorates your health. This may improve your health and help balance creatinine levels.

Quit smoking 

If you are a smoker, it might be a little difficult for you to get rid of smoking, but it is also a determined fact that your health is invaluably valuable and should be taken care of at all costs. Cigarettes not only lead to higher creatinine levels than expected but also to mortality. So, quit smoking and manage your health better starting today.

Avoid taking additional creatinine

Usually, harmful creatinine is recognized when your body produces it in excess. Though it is mostly absorbed due to protein sources, there are still some creatinine supplements taken by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and weightlifters to build a sculpted body. The negative effects are that, in the long term, the additional creatinine can impair your kidney function. So, if you are thinking about taking a creatinine supplement, consult your doctor and get your natural creatinine levels checked.

These lifestyle changes can only help to an extent, and it is always better to get tested and consult your doctor at the earliest possible if you suspect any changes or notice any sign of higher creatinine levels.

Know when to get tested and see your doctor! 

In this busy world, when people often forget to take care of their health, it gets almost impossible to keep track of their health and take the necessary actions in time before their condition becomes severe. So, it is advised that you always connect with your doctor whenever you experience unexplained, new, or recurring symptoms, particularly when you are diagnosed with chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

Mostly, your doctor will prescribe that you go for a creatinine test at a trusted pathology lab, like Redcliffe Labs, to confirm the diagnosis and start your medical treatment as early as possible so your dream of living a healthy life can be maintained. And the icing on the cake is that you can easily monitor the levels and take preventative actions to treat kidney infections and illnesses thanks to the reliable and inexpensive creatinine test offered by Redcliffe Labs. So, don’t neglect anything related to health, and act while there is still time.