Creatinine is a waste product that can build up in the blood due to kidney disease and other factors. Staying hydrated, taking dietary measures, and using supplements can help reduce creatinine levels in the body.
Creatinine is a natural waste product that the muscles create. The kidneys remove it from the body, and it is present in the blood and urine.
As well as kidney problems, excess creatinine can also result from a high intake of protein, intense exercise, and the use of certain medications or supplements.
Doctors often use a creatinine test to determine how well the kidneys are functioning. High levels of creatinine in the blood or urine can indicate that the kidneys are not filtering the blood effectively.
Having high levels of creatinine is not life threatening, but it may indicate a serious health issue, such as chronic kidney disease.
If someone has high creatinine levels due to a kidney disorder, a doctor will recommend treatment. Diet and lifestyle changes may also help lower creatine 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
If tests show high levels of creatinine in the body, it may indicate that the kidneys are not working correctly. People with chronic kidney disease, for example, may have high levels.
If the glomerulus — the part of the kidney that filters waste — is damaged or otherwise not working efficiently, people may have high levels of creatinine in the blood but low levels in the urine. This indicates that the kidneys are not functioning optimally.
Diseases that can affect kidney function and raise creatinine levels
If a blood or urine test shows that a person has high creatinine levels, the doctor may perform further tests to identify the cause.
People may be able to reduce their creatinine levels with the following steps.
Avoid supplements containing creatine
Some supplements
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.
Dietary changes
Creatinine is a waste product from the body’s natural digestion or protein. A high intake of protein
In contrast, a vegan or vegetarian diet may lower a person’s creatinine levels.
Healthcare professionals may suggest the following dietary changes for someone with high creatinine levels:
- avoid or limit red meat
- substitute meat proteins for sources of vegetable protein, such as beans
- increase dietary fiber, which may mean eating more:
If a person has issues with kidney function, they
Stay hydrated
Creatinine levels
Severe dehydration
To prevent dehydration, people should drink plenty of water. Most adults need around six to eight glasses of water daily. People may need to drink more when exercising or in hot temperatures.
If people have difficulty drinking enough, adding slices of lemon or cucumber may make it more appealing. People can also drink other fluids, such as seltzer water or herbal teas.
Anyone who experiences ongoing dehydration may benefit from speaking with a doctor, as it may indicate kidney injury.
Limit intense exercise
Regular exercise is essential for a person’s health. However, a 2018 study highlights that acute and prolonged exercise can lead to a temporary increase in creatinine levels in the blood. Prolonged exercise may cause a more significant increase.
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 diuretics
Diuretics are substances that help the body remove excess fluid. They can reduce swelling due to fluid retention. However, diuretics can raise creatinine levels in some people.
People should speak with a doctor before taking diuretics. This is especially important for people who are taking other medications and for people who have underlying health issues.
Avoid overuse of NSAIDs
Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may pose risks if a person takes more than the recommended dosage, particularly if they 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.
If a person has high creatinine levels, limiting cooked meats, particularly red meat, may help lower them. Following a vegetarian or vegan diet may also help to lower blood creatinine levels.
Dehydration can cause a person’s creatinine levels to rise. Therefore, drinking enough water may help a person lower high levels.
Various factors, including eating red meat, strenuous exercise, and certain medications, may temporarily raise creatinine levels. In these cases, creatine levels may lower when a person cuts out the contributing factor.
Various issues, including kidney damage, can lead to high creatinine levels. Factors such as eating red meat and exercising strenuously may also temporarily increase creatinine in the blood.
If a person has high creatinine levels, a healthcare professional may recommend lifestyle changes, including avoiding creatinine supplements, reducing meat intake, and staying hydrated.
If high creatinine levels result from a kidney problem, a healthcare professional will recommend a treatment plan for the underlying issue.