13 Home Remedies To Lower Creatinine Levels

How To Lower Creatinine Levels Naturally

Medical solutions to lower creatinine levels like dialysis and other treatments and medications can be daunting. However, if you want to go the natural route, we have some suggestions that may help. Here’s how you can try lowering your creatinine levels with natural remedies.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Kidney stone formation may slightly elevate serum creatinine levels (1). Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may lower the risk of kidney stone formation (2). Its antimicrobial properties may help ward off bacterial infections and may prevent your blood creatinine levels from increasing. But, scientific research is lacking in this aspect.

Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and mix well. Add some honey to this solution. Drink this solution once daily, preferably with a high-carbohydrate diet.

2. Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd is a rich source of various minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may act as a natural diureticⁱ  Water pills that help discharge excess water from the body via the kidneys by inducing increased urine production. , The most prominent bitter gourd benefits include, improving blood circulation, cleansing kidneys, and helping lower blood creatinine levels naturally. However, limited research is available in this regard.

Drink half a cup of bitter gourd juice once daily.

Caution

Do not consume bitter gourd or its juice in excess. A study on mice has shown that 4000 mg/kg is the tolerable range. Any dose exceeding this is nephrotoxicⁱ  The sudden deterioration in the function of kidneys due to the poisonous effect of chemical substances or medications. (3). However, human studies are to be conducted in this regard.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is thought to be a natural diuretic. Some believe it may also improve the kidneys’ filtration abilities – though more research is warranted to understand this. But cinnamon does regulate the body’s creatinine levels (4).

Mix ½ a tablespoon of cinnamon in warm water or food and consume once a day.

4. Chamomile Tea

Ingestion of chamomile tea may lower high creatinine levels (5).

Add chamomile herb to a cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and add a little honey. You can have chamomile tea 3 to 4 times daily.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is a natural antioxidant and has diuretic properties (6). The diuretic nature of green tea may help improve the filtration ability of your kidneys and increase urine output – thereby lowering creatinine levels (7).

Steep a green tea bag in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool for a while and add some honey. You can drink green tea 2 to 3 times daily.

Quick Tip

You may also drink dandelion root tea instead of green tea. Dandelion tea is widely used in Ayurvedic practices to reduce high creatinine levels.

6. Garlic

Garlic is a natural antioxidant and also acts as a diuretic. It helps flush out toxic waste from your body and may help lower blood creatinine levels (8), (9). Garlic also increases the levels of plasma iron and improves hemoglobin levels (10).

You can chew 4 to 5 garlic cloves or you can add minced garlic to your salads and other foods. You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.

7. Ginger

Ginger contains flavonoidsⁱ  A large family of natural substances that protects against oxidative damage and renal injuries. and ethanol that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect your kidneys from damage and injury and lower the creatinine levels in your body (11), (12).

Add an inch of ginger to a cup of hot water and allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes. Add a little honey and consume immediately. You can drink this ginger tea thrice daily for optimum benefits.

8. Cranberry Juice

Cranberries contain quinic acid that protects your kidneys from stone formation (13), (14).

Drink a medium cup of cranberry juice once a day.

9. Coconut Water

Tender coconut water is a rich source of vitamin C that can lower your creatinine levels and keep your kidneys healthy and stone-free (15).

Have a glass of tender coconut water once a day.

Caution

Avoid consuming more than 1 glass of coconut water in a day. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may affect your kidneys.

10. Olive oil

Olive oil exhibits antiurolithicⁱ  The property of an agent that prevents or dissolves the formation of stones in the urinary tract, kidney, or bladder. activities that may help prevent the formation of kidney stones. In fact, drinking olive oil mixed with lemon juice is a popular home remedy for kidney stones. It may also reduce creatinine levels in the blood (16).

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your salad or pasta once daily.

Caution

Avoid heating olive oil too much while using it in food preparations.

While these natural remedies may help lower your creatinine levels naturally, having a clear understanding of creatinine can help you be cautious. Learn what exactly is this component in the next section.

What Is Creatinine?

Creatinine is a metabolic product of creatine and a by-product of muscle metabolism (17). Creatine is a significant molecule that helps in the production of energy and improves exercise performance (18).

About 2% of your body’s creatine is converted to creatinine and transported to your kidneys via the bloodstream. Your kidneys filter out most of the creatinine and eliminate it from your body through urine.

Low urine creatinine levels may be an indication of high blood creatinine, and it could be a cause for concern in some cases.

The following chart discusses the normal and abnormal ranges of creatinine levels according to one’s age, gender, muscle mass, etc.

Normal Creatinine Levels

The creatinine levels in your body are usually dependent on your muscle mass, gender, age, and other health factors (19), (20). They are often measured in milligrams per deciliter

Older people have lower creatinine levels than normal adults, and bodybuilders may have higher creatinine levels than most adults. This is because older individuals have diminished muscles while bodybuilders have more muscles as compared to most normal individuals. Also, individuals with any muscle-related disorders may have significantly lower creatinine levels. There are many low creatinine-level treatments and diet recommendations that may help reverse the condition.

Why Should Creatinine Levels Be Lowered?

High blood creatinine can pose the following dangers if left untreated.

• May Damage Kidneys

Elevated creatinine levels, if left untreated, can damage kidneys. Renal failure may also occur if blood creatinine levels exceed the natural limits or with the intake of excess creatine supplements (21).

According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic kidney disease is more common in people aged 65 years or older (34%) than in people in the age group of 45–64 years (12%) and 18–44 years (6%). It is more common in women (14%) than men (12%). The estimates are based on a single measure of serum creatinine.

• May Increase The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

Higher creatinine levels increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (22).

• May Lead To Respiratory Disorders

An increase in creatinine levels may lead to respiratory disorders (23). However, the relationship between elevated creatinine levels and respiratory disorders remains unclear. Read on to know how to lower creatinine levels through some natural measures!

Thus, it is important to lower creatinine levels through some natural measures! Additionally, you may also need to avoid certain foods to maintain an optimal creatinine level. Take a look!

What Foods Should Be Avoided If Creatinine Levels Are High?

• Spinach

Although there are various Spinach benefits, the leafy green veggie has some side effects too. Spinach is high in potassium. Additionally, it is also high in oxalates and may increase the risk of kidney stones (24).

• Canned Foods

Canned foods are high in sodium. It is added as a preservative to increase the shelf life. This sodium may have detrimental effects on kidney function and may also worsen existing symptoms (25).

• Dairy Products

Dairy products are a rich source of phosphorus. Individuals with chronic kidney disease should limit the consumption of dairy as this phosphorus may interfere with calcium balance (26). It also may lead to a buildup of protein waste in the body and exert pressure on the kidneys.

• Beverages

Colored beverages are loaded with phosphorus to enhance their appearance and taste. However, if you are having any kidney complications, it is better to avoid all kinds of artificial beverages as their phosphorus content can burden the kidneys (27).

• Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is rich in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium, and may be unsuitable for people with kidney-related ailments. The whole grains in whole wheat bread may have a higher percentage of sodium than that of white bread (28).

In addition to these, processed foods, fried chips, and pickles are also to be avoided because of their high sodium content.

Here is what you can do to reduce the risk of high creatinine levels in your blood and figure out how to control creatinine levels.

Preventive Tips

• Avoid taking creatinine supplements as they may increase the risk of creatinine deposition. However, there is only limited research in this regard.
• Reduce protein intake as it may aggravate protein deposits in the body and spike creatinine levels (29).
• Consume more fiber-rich foods for a healthy kidney like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits (30).
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that excess intake of salt may have detrimental effects on kidney function. So, it is advised to reduce excessive salt intake.

Quick Tip

Keep your salt intake below 6g per day to avoid high creatinine levels. You may also use rock salt instead of regular table salt.

• Practice yoga asanas like Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist) after consulting your doctor.

Now that you know how to reduce creatinine levels, let us look into the factors that cause its increase.

Causes Of High Creatinine Levels

If the functioning of your kidneys is interrupted or impaired by any condition, it can cause your creatinine levels to go high. Some of the most common causes of chronic kidney diseases or elevated creatinine levels in adults include:

• Diabetes

Diabetes may sometimes lead to an increase in creatinine levels (31).

• High Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled blood pressure levels may result in an elevation of creatinine levels in the body (32).

• Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections may cause a spike in creatinine levels. However, clear research is lacking in this regard.

• Drugs Like Cimetidine

Cimetidine is used to treat stomach acidity and peptic ulcers. Regular consumption of cimetidine may increase the levels of creatinine (33).

• High-protein Diets

Excessive protein intake can overload your kidneys, leading to increased creatinine levels.

• Dehydration

Insufficient fluid intake can concentrate creatinine in the blood, causing elevated levels.

• Excessive use of creatine supplements

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in the body, but excessive supplementation can increase creatinine levels.

Symptoms Of High Creatinine Levels

The high creatinine symptoms and kidney dysfunction often vary widely and may not be correlated with each other. Some individuals may have severe kidney disease and high creatinine levels without displaying any symptoms, while others usually develop symptoms like:

• Swelling or edema
• Shortness of breath
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion

It is very important to get your kidneys diagnosed periodically if you have high creatinine levels. Some diagnosis methods that can be used to screen your kidneys for any abnormalities are discussed below.

Diagnosis

If your blood test reveals that you have high creatinine levels, you can undergo the following tests:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen Test (BUN): This test checks the functioning of your kidneys by measuring the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. A very low creatinine level or highly increased BUN and creatinine often hint at kidney problems.
• Glomerular Filtration Rate Test (GFR): This test reveals the filtration rate of the substances through the glomerulus (blood vessels in kidneys). The normal GFR rate is 90 to 120 ml per minute in a healthy adult. Anything less may indicate kidney malfunction and elevated creatinine levels.
• Urine Analysis: In this test, urine is analyzed physically and chemically, revealing the presence of protein, glucose, and red blood cells (34).

How to prepare for a blood test:

You may be asked to fast for a certain period before the blood test, usually 8-12 hours. Inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, as some of them can interfere with the test results. Avoid excessive fluid intake before the test, as this can affect creatinine levels.

Infographic: Causes And Symptoms Of High Creatinine Levels

Creatinine plays a key role in energy production and helps improve exercise performance. Creatinine is the by-product of creatine. High levels of creatinine may have negative effects on the body.

The following infographic provides information about the causes and symptoms of high creatinine levels. Check it out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can drinking water lower creatinine?

Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital, says, “If you are dehydrated, your creatinine levels may rise. Therefore, drinking more water can lower your creatinine levels.”

What food can reduce creatinine?

“If you are trying to reduce creatinine levels, it’s important to speak with a doctor, as high creatinine can be a sign of poor kidney function. In this case, you will want to avoid foods high in phosphorus, potassium, and protein. Some foods that can help you lower these levels are cauliflower, cabbage, red bell peppers, berries, fish, garlic, and onion,” says Jesse.

What foods contain high creatinine?

According to Jesse, “Foods do not contain creatinine, as this is a byproduct our bodies produce. However, foods higher in creatine, such as red meats, can be broken down and increase creatinine levels.”

Does vitamin D increase creatinine levels?

Jesse says, “Yes. Higher doses of vitamin D have been associated with increased creatinine levels.”

Is egg good for high creatinine?

“Eggs will not necessarily lower creatinine levels; however, they are typically safe for those with higher creatinine levels,” says Jesse Feder.

Is creatinine 1.5 normal?

No, for most individuals, 1.5 creatinine level is considered high. However, 1.5 creatinine level may be considered normal for a very muscular person.

What is the highest creatinine level recorded?

The highest recorded serum creatinine level is 73.8 mg/dL in a 23-year-old male with a history of pediatric deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT).

What causes false high creatinine?

False or one-time high creatinine levels may be caused by various factors such as dehydration, intake of protein and creatine supplements over the recommended dosage and consumption of cooked meat.

Does walking reduce creatinine?

Walking is a mild form of exercise that does not generally impact creatinine levels. However, it is considered to be a great form of exercise to prevent kidney damage.

Illustration: Remedies To Reduce High Creatinine Levels & Prevention

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Unlock the key to lowering elevated creatinine levels in your blood with expert guidance. Discover valuable tips on diet, lifestyle changes, and other ways you can maintain a healthy balance in this informative video. Check it out today!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS

 

Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor with 7 years of experience and an expert at providing holistic solutions for health problems encompassing Internal medicine, Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, and formulations.

Read full bio of Dr. Zeel Gandhi

• 
  Jesse FederRDN/LDN Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).
  
  Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

Read full bio of Dipti Sharma