Table of contents:
- Why can creatinine levels be high?
- Various ways to lower high creatinine
- 1. Avoid taking creatine supplements
- 2. Reduce protein intake
- 3. Eat lots of fiber
- 4. Avoid strenuous exercise
- 5. Pay attention to the need for fluids
During the contraction of muscles, the body will produce a chemical waste product called creatinine. This substance serves as a source of energy for muscles as well as assessing kidney function, because creatinine must first be filtered by the kidneys before being excreted in urine. Creatinine levels must always be within normal levels in order to prevent problems in the body. So, is there a way to lower high creatinine?
Why can creatinine levels be high?
High creatinine levels can occur as a result of consuming too many protein sources, drugs, supplements, and doing high-intensity exercise. Ideally, the kidneys should filter creatinine before excreting it in the urine. Indirectly, high creatinine levels can be a sign that something is wrong with your kidneys.
Whether it's due to severe dehydration, kidney infection, or other kidney diseases that usually occur when the glomerulus doesn't function properly. In fact, the kidney glomerulus should play a role in the process of filtering waste substances in the body.
Not only that, several diseases such as diabetes, gout, muscular dystrophy, to autoimmune diseases, can also affect the work of the kidneys and glomerulus, thereby increasing creatinine levels in the body.
Various ways to lower high creatinine
Given the importance of keeping creatinine levels normal, it is imperative that you take medication as a way to lower high creatinine levels. Apart from using medical treatments, various natural daily remedies can also help speed up the drop in high creatinine levels, such as
1. Avoid taking creatine supplements
Creatinine is a natural body compound that is produced by creatine, as an energy supply for muscles. Apart from being produced directly by the body, creatine can also be found in over-the-counter supplements.
Just like naturally occurring creatine in muscles, creatine from supplements can also produce creatinine. That is why it is not recommended that you take creatine supplements if you have high creatinine levels.
2. Reduce protein intake
Eating too much protein-rich foods is often associated with a rapid spike in creatinine levels, such as red meat or milk production. The reason is, red meat contains animal muscle tissue which naturally contains creatine.
When cooked, the heat from the fire will convert the creatine in the meat to creatinine, which will increase the amount in the body when eaten.
3. Eat lots of fiber
Apart from helping to smooth the digestive system, eating fibrous foods is also useful as a way of lowering high creatinine.
It is proven by a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reported by Medical News Today, that fiber sources can help speed up the recovery process for chronic kidney disease patients by reducing high creatinine in the body.
You can increase your fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
4. Avoid strenuous exercise
Too strenuous muscle activity will increase creatinine production. The more and longer the muscles work, the higher the creatinine in the blood. But for those of you who have high creatinine levels, that doesn't mean you shouldn't exercise.
Routine exercise is certainly good for body health, but try to choose the type of exercise that suits your body's abilities. It's good to temporarily avoid doing sports or other daily activities that are too strenuous, at least until the creatinine levels return to normal.
5. Pay attention to the need for fluids
Don't underestimate the rules for the amount of fluids you should drink every day, especially if you are severely dehydrated. Because less fluid intake can hinder the work of the kidneys. Consult your doctor further to determine how much fluid you should drink along with the best time for consumption.
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