What is Creatinine?
Creatinine is a waste product produced after the breakdown of a compound called creatine. It is constantly produced by muscular activities and is converted into creatinine. As creatinine is a byproduct of the body, it is carried by the blood to the kidneys, where it is excreted from the body as urine.
The body produces creatinine from the normal wear and tear of the muscles. Everyone has some amount of creatinine in their blood, which is released constantly by the body.
The kidneys are responsible for filtering the waste products and expelling them. Determining the creatinine level in the body is crucial, as doctors or healthcare providers believe that the creatinine level in the body indicates how well the kidneys function.
Keeping creatinine at the optimum level in the body is essential to avoid health complications.
Normal creatinine level in the body
Creatinine level in the body depends on various factors. Multiple tests have been done to determine the creatinine level in the body.
Normal creatinine level in the blood ranges between 0.7 and 1.3 mg/dL in men & 0.6 and 1.1 mg/dL in women.
Creatinine levels high
Usually, when there is a high level of creatinine in the body, it can indicate a poorly functioning kidney. Despite other factors causing high creatinine levels in the body, doctors believe that more creatinine in the blood flow is directly linked to kidney health.
- Diabetes
- Heart diseases
- Kidney failure and
- Blockage in the urinary tract is one of the reasons that can cause a high level of creatinine in the bloodstream.
Creatinine levels low
The symptoms of low creatinine in the body will depend on the underlying health condition, such as muscle dystrophy, fatty liver diseases and changes in the creatinine level.
This health condition can make a person exhibit symptoms like
- Muscle weakness
- Stiffness
- Decreased mobility
- Jaundice
- Abnormal pain
- Discoloured stool
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Nausea
- Vomiting and
- Loss of appetite.
There are various ways to maintain optimal creatinine levels with the help of treatment and medication. A balanced or healthy meal can help a person sustain good overall health.
Fruits to reduce creatinine levels
Some of the studies have shown that consuming fruits packed with dietary fibre can help reduce the chances of high creatinine levels. This was explicitly found in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Fresh fruits offering a rich source of dietary fibre, including antioxidants and flavonoids, can help reduce oxidative stress in the body by fighting against free radicals and damage.
In some instances, fruits can also help lower creatinine levels in the body, helping with proper digestion. The fruits also offer potassium, which benefits patients with chronic kidney disease.
Fruits like bananas, oranges, watermelons, avocados, and apples are certain fruits that are known to reduce the creatinine level and are also rich in fibre and potassium.
People can either consume them as raw fruits or in a juiced form. Patients with very high creatinine levels in the body must take extra precautions when on dialysis and avoid eating foods high in potassium that can worsen health conditions like heart arrhythmia.
Other ways to reduce creatinine levels naturally
If the creatinine level in the body or specific dietary requirements are followed to bring the creatinine back to a normal level naturally, or with the help of medications.
Medical attention and proper management are mandatory if the creatinine level exceeds 3mg per decilitre.
Some of the ways in which a person can naturally lower their creatinine level are as follows.
Restrict proteins
A person with a high creatinine level in the body should refrain from eating protein-rich food. Minimising food consumption, such as red meat, eggs, chicken, and other protein supplements, is necessary because creatinine is formed from protein breakdown.
Increase water intake
If a patient is already suffering from kidney disease, there is a high chance that a doctor would advise the person to increase their daily water or fluid intake. Drinking enough water when there is a temporary high creatinine level in the body due to dehydration or diarrhoea can reduce the creatinine level naturally.
Restrict creatine supplements
Creatine supplements are popular for people who regularly work out at the gym or are into bodybuilding. They are aware that their creatinine can help them shed fat faster. If the creative levels are high, the supplements must be cut off from the diet to avoid a further spike.
Avoid exercises that cause strain
Muscular activity converts creatine into creatinine, which can cause a spike in the serum level of creatinine in the body. People with high creatinine levels in the body must avoid strenuous activity until their levels drop back to optimal levels.
To Sum Up
Creatinine is a waste product produced by the body after protein breakdown. A high level of creatinine in the body can indicate poor kidney health. Having a low level of creatinine can also be harmful to the body.
Maintaining an optimal creatinine level is essential to consuming the right food and avoiding particular foods.
Treatment and medications will help a person treat a chronic health condition that can cause a spike in the creatinine level in the body.
FAQs
Can papaya reduce creatinine levels?
There are various claims that papaya can help control the blood creatinine level in the body and muscle cramps, but there are no scientific studies on humans to prove these claims.
Can the creatinine level go back to normal?
High creatinine levels in the body can indicate poor kidney health that often requires medical treatment. Following the treatment and curing the underlying health condition can bring the creatinine level back to normal.
What is the best medicine for creatinine?
There are no medicines to reduce blood creatinine levels. However, in some instances, a doctor can prescribe various antibiotics to decrease the secretion of creatinine in the body and temporarily manage the symptoms.
Is orange good for creatinine?
Orange is packed with potassium and must be avoided or limited when a person has a high creatinine level in the body.
