Creatinine is a chemical waste product in the blood that passes through the kidneys to be eliminated in urine. The kidneys may not be functioning properly if the body has high levels of creatinine. The normal range of creatinine in blood is:
0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (or 44 to 97 mcmol/L) for females
0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL (or 53 to 106 mcmol/L) for males
Because creatinine increases with muscle mass, men have usually higher levels than women.
Factors that contribute to high creatinine levels include:
- Dehydration or inadequate water intake
- Kidney problems
- Excessive blood loss
- Strenuous exercise
- Chronic diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid disorders
- Medications like ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, chemotherapy drugs and others
- Eating large amounts of meat, muscle building, and taking the dietary supplement creatine can elevate creatinine levels.
Common symptoms of high creatinine are:
- Fatigue
- Urinary changes like frequent night urination, decreased urine output, and dark colored urine
- Itchy skin
- Shortness of breath
- Edema
- Digestive problems like poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting
It is best to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, as high creatinine levels may indicate kidney problems and kidney damage.
You can also try some of these home remedies and dietary tips to help you manage the problem.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is great for those suffering from kidney problems and high levels of creatinine. It promotes renal filtration ability, increase kidney output and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Add some cinnamon to your baked goods, cereals, smoothies, warm beverages, and other foods.
Barley
Barley water works as kidney cleanser and a natural diuretic. It is rich in vitamin and mineral content, and helps reduce blood urea nitrogen, treats nephrocalcinosis, improves digestion, and reduces blood sugar levels.
Add one cup of barley in one liter or about four cups of water. Boil the solution for at least 30 minutes. Strain and drink it daily.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root tea can lower creatinine levels, flush out toxins, relieve edema or swelling due to water retention, and improve kidney function.
Put one tablespoon of dried dandelion root powder in a cup of hot water and allow it to steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink this tea twice or thrice a day for a few days or week.
Chamomile Tea
In a study published in the Journal of Agriculture Food Chemicals, researchers found that participants who drank chamomile tea have decreased creatinine levels. Additionally, this herb also induces relaxation and work as a mild sedative.
Put two or three teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water and let it steep for three to five minutes. Strain and drink a few cups daily.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng revitalizes the kidneys and promotes renal circulation, thus making it an effective remedy to get rid of excess creatinine. Is also has anti-stress and anti-fatigue benefits.
This herb can also be taken with cinnamon. You must consult your doctor for proper dosage and its suitability for your condition.
Sage
Sage helps filter out and eliminate creatinine from the body and also increases circulation to the kidneys.
Add one teaspoon of dried sage or 10 fresh leaves to a cup of hot water and let it steep for five to 10 minutes. Strain and drink this tea one to three times a day.
Astragalus
Astragalus helps in slowing down the progression of chronic kidney disease. It helps improve creatinine levels and contains asparagine that helps remove fluid through the kidneys.
In one quart of water, boil a handful of dried astragalus root slices for 30 minutes. Strain and drink the tea daily between meals.
Corn Silk
Corn silk has an anti-inflammatory agent and acts as a natural diuretic. It aids in removing excess creatinine by increasing urine output. Plus, it can also lower high blood pressure and reduce edema.
Put two teaspoons of dried corn silk in a cup and pour boiling water over it. Cover and allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes and then strain and drink it thrice a day.
Stinging Nettle
Due to its diuretic properties, stinging nettle can help with the removal of metabolic wastes and
promote renal excretion. It also improves immunity and purifies the blood.
Add two to three teaspoons of dried nettle leaves to a cup of hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this nettle tea once or twice daily.
Chinese Rhubarb
Chinese rhubarb increases the excretion of metabolic waste products including creatinine. It also improves kidney function.
Chop a stalk of Chinese rhubarb and boil it in a cup of water. Strain and drink it twice daily for up to a week.
Additional Tips
- Drink herbal tea instead of sodas, regular tea, or coffee.
- Reduce minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and sodium in your diet. Increase your water and fluid intake.
- Avoid eating dairy products, high protein foods, and other dietary sources of creatine until your creatinine levels reduce to normal.
- Avoid foods high in arginine as they tend to increase the liver’s production of creatinine. Some of these foods are gelatin, seafood, beer, soybeans, chocolate, sesame seeds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and other nuts.
- Eat more cucumbers, onion, garlic, carrots, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
