If you are wondering what the optimum creatinine levels are and why they should be balanced, this article may help clear your doubts. Read on to learn more about the causes of high creatinine levels, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. About 2% of your body’s creatine is converted to creatinine and transported to your kidneys via the bloodstream. Your kidneys filter out most of the creatinine and eliminate it from your body through urine. Low urine creatinine levels may be an indication of high blood creatinine, and it could be a cause for concern in some cases. The following chart discusses the normal and abnormal ranges of creatinine levels according to one’s age, gender, muscle mass, etc.
Normal Creatinine Levels
The creatinine levels in your body are usually dependent on your muscle mass, gender, age, and other health factors. They are often measured in milligrams per deciliter Older people have lower creatinine levels than normal adults, and bodybuilders may have higher creatinine levels than most adults. This is because older individuals have diminished muscles while bodybuilders have more muscles as compared to most normal individuals. Also, individuals with any muscle-related disorder(s) may have significantly lower creatinine levels.
Why Should Creatinine Levels Be Lowered?
High blood creatinine can pose the following dangers if left untreated.
May Damage Kidneys
Elevated creatinine levels, if left untreated, can damage kidneys. Renal failure may also occur if blood creatinine levels exceed the natural limits or with the intake of excess creatine supplements (5).
May Increase The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
Higher creatinine levels increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (6).
May Lead To Respiratory Disorders
An increase in creatinine levels may lead to respiratory disorders (7). However, the relationship between elevated creatinine levels and respiratory disorders remains unclear.
How To Lower Creatinine Levels Naturally
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Kidney stone formation may slightly elevate serum creatinine levels (8). Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may lower the risk of kidney stone formation (9). Its antimicrobial properties may help ward off bacterial infections and may prevent your blood creatinine levels from increasing. But, scientific research is lacking in this aspect. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and mix well. Add some honey to this solution. Drink this solution once daily, preferably with a high-carbohydrate diet.
2. Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd is a rich source of various minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may act as a natural diuretic, improves blood circulation, and tonifies your kidneys to help lower your blood creatinine levels naturally. However, limited research is available in this regard. Drink half a cup of bitter gourd juice once daily.
Caution
Do not consume bitter gourd or its juice in excess. A study on mice has shown that 4000 mg/kg is the tolerable range. Any dose exceeding this is nephrotoxic (10). However, human studies are to be conducted in this regard.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is thought to be a natural diuretic. Some believe it may also improve the kidneys’ filtration abilities – though more research is warranted to understand this. But cinnamon does regulate the body’s creatinine levels (11). Mix ½ a tablespoon of cinnamon in warm water or food and consume once a day.
4. Chamomile Tea
Ingestion of chamomile tea may lower high creatinine levels (12). Add chamomile herb to a cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and add a little honey. You can have chamomile tea 3 to 4 times daily.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is a natural antioxidant and has diuretic properties (13). The diuretic nature of green tea may help improve the filtration ability of your kidneys and increase urine output – thereby lowering creatinine levels (14). Steep a green tea bag in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool for a while and add some honey. You can drink green tea 2 to 3 times daily.
6. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antioxidant and also acts as a diuretic. It helps flush out toxic waste from your body and may help lower blood creatinine levels (15), (16). Garlic also increases the levels of plasma iron and improves hemoglobin levels (17). You can chew 4 to 5 garlic cloves or you can add minced garlic to your salads and other foods. You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.
7. Ginger
Ginger contains flavonoids and ethanol that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect your kidneys from damage and injury and lower the creatinine levels in your body (18), (19). Add an inch of ginger to a cup of hot water and allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes. Add a little honey and consume immediately. You can drink this ginger tea thrice daily for optimum benefits.
8. Cranberry Juice
Cranberries contain quinic acid that protects your kidneys from stone formation (20), (21). Drink a medium cup of cranberry juice once a day.
9. Coconut Water
Tender coconut water is a rich source of vitamin C that can lower your creatinine levels and keep your kidneys healthy and stone-free (22). Have a glass of tender coconut water once a day.
Caution
Avoid consuming more than 1 glass of coconut water in a day. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may affect your kidneys.
10. Olive oil
Olive oil exhibits antiurolithic activities that can help prevent the formation of kidney stones. It may also reduce creatinine levels in the blood (23). Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your salad or pasta once daily.
Caution
Avoid heating olive oil too much while using it in food preparations. In addition to including these foods in your diet, you may also need to avoid certain foods to lower creatinine levels.
What Foods Should Be Avoided If Creatinine Levels Are High?
Spinach
Spinach is high in potassium. Additionally, it is also high in oxalates and may increase the risk of kidney stones (24).
Canned Foods
Canned foods are high in sodium. It is added as a preservative to increase the shelf life. This sodium may have detrimental effects on kidney function and may also worsen existing symptoms (25).
Dairy Products
Dairy products are a rich source of phosphorus. Individuals with chronic kidney disease should limit the consumption of dairy as this phosphorus may interfere with calcium balance (26). It also may lead to a buildup of protein waste in the body and exert pressure on the kidneys.
Beverages
Colored beverages are loaded with phosphorus to enhance their appearance and taste. However, if you are having any kidney complications, it is better to avoid all kinds of artificial beverages as their phosphorus content can burden the kidneys (27).
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread is rich in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium, and may be unsuitable for people with kidney-related ailments. The whole grains in whole wheat bread may have a higher percentage of sodium than that of white bread (28). In addition to these, processed foods, fried chips, and pickles are also to be avoided because of their high sodium content. Here is what you can do to reduce the risk of high creatinine levels in your blood.
Preventive Tips
Avoid taking creatinine supplements as they may increase the risk of creatinine deposition. However, there is only limited research in this regard. Reduce protein intake as it may aggravate protein deposits in the body and spike creatinine levels (29). Consume more fiber-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits (30). Anecdotal evidence suggests that excess intake of salt may have detrimental effects on kidney function. So, it is advised to reduce excessive salt intake.
Practice yoga asanas like Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist) after consulting your doctor.
Causes Of High Creatinine Levels
If the functioning of your kidneys is interrupted or impaired by any condition, it can cause your creatinine levels to go high. Some of the most common causes of chronic kidney diseases or elevated creatinine levels in adults include:
Diabetes
Diabetes may sometimes lead to an increase in creatinine levels (31).
High Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled blood pressure levels may result in an elevation of creatinine levels in the body (32).
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections may cause a spike in creatinine levels. However, clear research is lacking in this regard.
Drugs Like Cimetidine
Cimetidine is used to treat stomach acidity and peptic ulcers. Regular consumption of cimetidine may increase the levels of creatinine (33).
Symptoms Of High Creatinine Levels
The high creatinine symptoms and kidney dysfunction often vary widely and may not be correlated to each other. Some individuals may have severe kidney disease and high creatinine levels without displaying any symptoms, while others usually develop symptoms like:
Swelling or edema Shortness of breath Dehydration Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Confusion
It is very important to get your kidneys diagnosed periodically if you have high creatinine levels. Some diagnosis methods that can be used to screen your kidneys for any abnormalities are discussed below.
Diagnosis
If your blood test reveals that you have high creatinine levels, you can undergo the following tests:
Blood Urea Nitrogen Test (BUN): This test checks the functioning of your kidneys by measuring the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. A very low creatinine level or highly increased BUN and creatinine often hint at kidney problems. GFR Test: This test reveals the filtration rate of the substances through the glomerulus (blood vessels in kidneys). The normal GFR rate is 90 to 120 ml per minute in a healthy adult. Anything less may indicate kidney malfunction and elevated creatinine levels. Urine Analysis: In this test, urine is analyzed physically and chemically, revealing the presence of protein, glucose, and red blood cells (34).
Can drinking water lower creatinine? The following infographic provides information about the causes and symptoms of high creatinine levels. Check it out. Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital, says, “If you are dehydrated, your creatinine levels may rise. Therefore, drinking more water can lower your creatinine levels.” What food can reduce creatinine? “If you are trying to reduce creatinine levels, it’s important to speak with a doctor, as high creatinine can be a sign of poor kidney function. In this case, you will want to avoid foods high in phosphorus, potassium, and protein. Some foods that can help you lower these levels are cauliflower, cabbage, red bell peppers, berries, fish, garlic, and onion,” says Jesse. What foods contain high creatinine? According to Jesse, “Foods do not contain creatinine, as this is a byproduct our bodies produce. However, foods higher in creatine, such as red meats, can be broken down and increase creatinine levels.” Does vitamin D increase creatinine levels? Jesse says, “Yes. Higher doses of vitamin D have been associated with increased creatinine levels.” Is egg good for high creatinine? “Eggs will not necessarily lower creatinine levels; however, they are typically safe for those with higher creatinine levels,” says Jesse Feder. Is creatinine 1.5 normal? No, for most individuals, 1.5 creatinine level is considered high. However, 1.5 creatinine level may be considered normal for a very muscular person. What is the highest creatinine level recorded? The highest recorded serum creatinine level is 73.8 mg/dL in a 23-year-old male with a history of pediatric deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT). What causes false high creatinine? False or one-time high creatinine levels may be caused by various factors such as dehydration, intake of protein and creatine supplements over the recommended dosage and consumption of cooked meat. Does walking reduce creatinine? Walking is a mild form of exercise that does not generally impact creatinine levels. However, it is considered to be a great form of exercise to prevent kidney disease.
