High creatinine - symptoms, causes, treatments

What is creatinine?

Creatinine is a waste product produced during muscle movements. It is a by-product of creatine breakdown. The blood carries the creatinine to the kidneys, and fully functional kidneys eliminate it from the bloodstream via urine. Since the muscle mass remains relatively constant in an individual, creatinine is produced at a more or less constant rate in the body. Checking creatinine levels is thus gives us a good idea about the status of our kidneys.

Creatinine Normal Range

The normal levels of creatinine will vary in different age groups and sexes due to the significant differences in their muscle mass.

In men, the normal range is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL.

In women, the normal range is 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL.

In infants, the normal value is 0.2 mg/ dL.

In persons with a single kidney, the range is 1.8 to 1.9 mg/dL.

If, for any reason, creatinine is not eliminated properly, its level in blood will build up. If the levels are high, it may be an indicator of kidney disease.

High Creatinine Symptoms

The symptoms you may observer are not as a direct result of high creatinine but more as a result of kidney disease and resulting poor regulation of fluid and wastes by the kidneys. So, it is just that these are associated symptoms.

• Edema

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Painful urination

• High blood pressure

• Chest pain

• Muscle cramps

High Creatinine Causes

High creatinine levels may be caused due to changes in muscle metabolism that cause rapid muscle deterioration or a decrease in kidney functions. Some of the major causes are Kidney damage, Muscular dystrophy, Artery disease, Dehydration, Chronic kidney disease, Diabetes mellitus, Lupus

High Creatinine Treatment

As mentioned above, there are various causes for high creatinine levels, and the treatment of each varies. Medicines may be prescribed based on the diagnosis made. The diagnosis will require further tests to confirm the actual cause.

There are no specific medicines available to lower the creatinine levels. Therefore, while taking treatment for high creatinine, it is also necessary to follow some home remedies to keep the levels in check.

How to lower creatinine?

Some general measures that are expected to help are as follows.

1. Eat homemade fresh food. Avoid having processed food and eating out.

2. Include moderate exercises in your daily routine.

3. Avoid alcohol and smoking.

4. Have a balanced diet.

5. Rest well.

6. Stay free of stress.

Diet for High Creatinine

• Decrease salt intake.

• Take Low calorie diet.

• Include green leafy vegetables.

• Reduce protein from your diet.

• Increase fibrous foods.

• Avoid creatinine-containing supplements.

• Consider natural diuretics such as Salvia, Dandelion and Ginseng.

• Avoid too much animal meat.

• Exercise hardly

• Control fluid intake.

• Drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

• Take balanced diet, which includes carbohydrate 45%, protein 35%, fat 20%.

In the case of kidney issues, always ask a Nephrologist Online first before you make any modifications to your existing diet, medications or exercise. It is crucial to keep the levels in check to prevent further impairment of your filtering units. If they stay out of control chronically, you may need a dialysis to assist you with waste elimination.

SamKyley General Practitioner