Our body disposes of the chemical waste product produced in the blood with the help of kidneys. These chemical wastes products are known as creatinine. Creatinine is a molecule of major importance for energy production in muscles and it is produced from creatine. The more muscle a person has, the more creatinine is produced by the body.
Normal creatinine levels
The creatinine level differs between male and female. Males have around 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams/deciliters (mg/dL) of creatinine. Women have between 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL. Since women have fewer muscles compared to men, they have fewer creatinine levels.
Factors which affect the creatinine level
Muscle is one of the major factors which is directly linked to the creatinine levels. Other factors include body size, activity level, and medications.
What happens if creatinine levels increase?
Elevated levels in creatinine signify kidney disease or impaired kidney function. Abnormally Hugh level of creatinine will result in kidney failure.
When the kidney fails, the creatinine level in the body will rise due to poor clearance of creatinine by the kidneys. Anything more than 2.0 or in babies and 5.0 or more in adults may indicate severe kidney impairment.
How will I know if my levels are high?
The symptoms of the kidney’s imparted function will vary widely. An incidental finding of severe kidney diseases and elevated creatinine may be unknown in some people as they won’t be any symptoms for them.
In others depending on the cause of the problem, the following will be seen
- Feeling dehydrated
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Nausea, vomiting, neuropathy and dry skin are also seen even though these are none specific symptoms.
Dietary changes
There are several dietary changes that can be done to reduce creatinine levels
Limit protein intake
Consuming protein can spike the creatinine level on a temporary basis. The situation will become worse for people who already have a high level of creatinine. This is because if you intake more protein than your necessary daily intake, it increases the amount of waste your kidney need to remove.
Sodium alert
One of the main function of the kidney is to remove the sodium, hence sodium should be avoided as possible. Processed foods, such as deli meats, chips, and fast food should be avoided and can be replaced with fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood. Avoid salt, pasta, rice, and milk.
Keep an eye on that potassium
Kidney regulates the potassium in the body. Hence consume low-potassium fruits and vegetables, such as apples, blueberries, corn `and cucumbers.
Avoid Phosphorus
Phosphorus not only puts extra pressure for kidneys, but high levels of phosphorus in your blood also cause your body to pull calcium out of your bones, which may weaken it.
Tips to reduce creatinine levels
The following tips can help you decrease creatinine levels
- Stay hydrated
- Restrict high physical activities
- Have good sleep
- Consult your doctor for some medications