Creatinine, a waste product generated by muscle metabolism, is typically filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function. While medical treatment is essential for managing kidney disease, dietary and lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in supporting kidney health and potentially lowering creatinine levels. A routine blood test can measure creatinine levels. Factors that can raise levels include dietary factors, such as a high intake of cooked meats, strenuous exercise, impaired kidney function, low blood flow, certain medications, including some antibiotics and antiretroviral drugs, creatine supplements. Shock, infections, and serious illnesses such as cancer can also cause elevated creatinine levels, sometimes due to kidney damage.
Understanding Creatinine and Kidney Function
Creatinine is a natural waste product produced by muscle activity. The kidneys filter creatinine from the blood, and it is excreted in urine. Doctors often use a creatinine test to determine how well the kidneys are functioning. High levels of creatinine in the blood may suggest that the kidneys are not filtering blood effectively, potentially indicating chronic kidney disease or other kidney disorders. Diseases that can affect kidney function and raise creatinine levels include diabetes, hypertension, some infections, such as endocarditis, vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus.
Dietary Strategies to Lower Creatinine
Dietary changes can significantly impact creatinine levels. A high intake of protein, particularly from cooked red meat, can contribute to elevated creatinine. Healthcare professionals may suggest dietary changes for someone with high creatinine levels: avoid or limit red meat, substitute meat proteins for sources of vegetable protein, such as beans and increase dietary fiber, which may mean eating more fruits, vegetables, seeds, whole grains.
Reducing Protein Intake
Creatinine is a byproduct of protein digestion. Reducing the intake of animal-based protein, found in red meat, fish, shellfish like shrimp, chicken and other poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt, may help lower creatinine levels. Consider substituting meat proteins with vegetable-based options like beans, lentils, and other legumes. Plant-based protein appears to have kidney-protective effects.
Emphasizing Fiber-Rich Foods
A diet rich in fiber can help lower blood creatinine levels and may have a preventive effect on associated risk factors of kidney disease. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods like whole-wheat bread, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Read also: Guide to Keto Vegetables
Staying Hydrated
Dehydration can cause a person’s creatinine levels to rise. Therefore, drinking enough water may help a person lower high levels. Creatinine levels can rise when a person is dehydrated. Most adults need around six to eight glasses of water daily. People may need to drink more when exercising or in hot temperatures.
Fruits for Kidney Health
Incorporating certain fruits into your diet can support kidney health and potentially lower creatinine levels. Fruits are generally low in sodium and high in water content, which can help manage fluid levels in the body and reduce the workload on the kidneys. Additionally, many fruits are low in potassium and phosphorus, which are minerals that can be problematic for those with kidney disease. Here is a list of fruits that can be included in the diet to help reduce creatinine levels:
- Apples: Apples are a great source of antioxidants and fiber, and are low in potassium and phosphorus. They can help reduce the risk of kidney disease and lower creatinine levels.
- Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce swelling in the body. It is also low in potassium and phosphorus, making it a good fruit for those with kidney problems.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body. They are also low in potassium and phosphorus, making them a good fruit for those with kidney problems.
- Cranberries: Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body. They are also low in potassium and phosphorus, making them a good fruit for those with kidney problems. Renowned for their advantages to the urinary tract, cranberries are one of the best fruits to reduce creatinine levels. Rich in bioactive elements and antioxidants, they have anti-inflammatory and kidney-boosting properties.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, and can help reduce inflammation in the body. They are also low in potassium and phosphorus, making them a good fruit for those with kidney problems. Packed with fibre, antioxidants and vitamin C, strawberries help maintain kidney health.
- Watermelon: Watermelon is high in water content and can help flush out toxins from the body. It is also low in potassium and phosphorus, making it a good fruit for those with kidney problems. True to its cool moniker, watermelon is notable for its high water content that promotes hydration, which is essential for kidney health. Moreover, the high concentration of lycopene, a potent antioxidant, acts as a kidney protector.
- Grapes: Grapes are rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body. They are also low in potassium and phosphorus, making them a good fruit for those with kidney problems. The antioxidant compound resveratrol in red grapes effectively combats inflammation.
- Mangoes: Mangoes are rich in vitamin C and can help boost the immune system. They are also low in potassium and phosphorus, making them a good fruit for those with kidney problems.
- Pears: Pears are a good source of fiber and can help regulate bowel movements. They are also low in potassium and phosphorus, making them a good fruit for those with kidney problems.
- Papaya: Papaya is rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It is also low in potassium and phosphorus, making it a good fruit for those with kidney problems.
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to dietary changes, several lifestyle modifications can help manage creatinine levels:
- Avoid Supplements Containing Creatine: Athletes and bodybuilders may take supplements containing creatine to build muscle strength and endurance. The muscles use creatine for energy, but if the muscles do not use it, the body converts it into creatinine. This can result in high creatinine levels that doctors may misinterpret as kidney disease. Anyone wishing to reduce their creatinine levels to improve their kidney function should not take creatine supplements.
- Limit Intense Exercise: While regular exercise is essential for health, strenuous exercise can temporarily increase creatinine levels. People who exercise strenuously and have a risk of kidney disease may benefit from speaking with a doctor to check whether their exercise routine is suitable.
- Avoid Overuse of NSAIDs: Over-the-counter painkillers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be harmful if taken too often or in amounts over the recommended dosage, especially if you have kidney disease. People may benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional about the safety of pain relief medications and appropriate doses if they are taking them regularly.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can harm the body in several ways, including significantly increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease.
- Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Research has shown that moderate alcohol consumption may help decrease the risk of chronic kidney disease. Other studies have shown that excessive alcohol has the potential to damage the kidneys.
Foods to Avoid
In addition to incorporating kidney-friendly foods, limiting certain foods is crucial:
- High-Potassium and High-Phosphorus Foods: Limit the intake of high-potassium and high-phosphorus foods, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, avocados, potatoes, and dairy products.
- Processed Foods: Diets that include excess salt can contribute to high blood pressure. Processed foods, in particular, are often loaded with sodium and phosphorus, which studies have shown potentially cause renal issues.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
It’s essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan to address any medical issues that might be harming your kidney function. A registered dietitian-nutritionist who specializes in kidney disease management can provide personalized dietary advice based on your specific condition. They can teach you what the best foods are for you based on your specific condition. They can also teach you how to eat smart portions and amounts of those foods.
Read also: Are Freeze-Dried Fruits Good for Weight Loss?
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet