Table Of Contents
What is creatinine? Why do scientists claim that high levels of creatinine negatively affect our health? And how to lower creatinine levels naturally and effectively? Today’s article will share with you some basic information about creatinine and how to lower creatinine levels naturally with herbs, diet, and lifestyle.
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10 Best Ways To Lower Creatinine Levels With Herbs, Diet, And Lifestyle
I. What Is Creatinine?
Creatinine is a chemical waste in our body, which is produced from creatine (a molecule in charge of producing energy in muscles)[1]. It is said that nearly two percent of creatine are transformed into creatinine each day, from muscle metabolism.
Bloodstream transports creatinine to the kidneys, where it is filtered and eliminated in the urine. The kidneys play an important role in keeping creatinine levels unchanged; therefore, when the creatinine levels rise, they imply that there must be something happen with your kidneys. Or, in other words, when your kidneys become impaired, the creatinine produced is not filtered and eliminated; they will remain in the blood, cause high creatinine levels and harm your kidneys.
The common creatinine levels of adult males are 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter and of adult females are 0.5 to 1.1 milligrams per deciliter[2]. Therefore, when creatinine levels reach 5.0 in adults, their kidneys seem to have a severe impairment.
The high levels of creatinine often go together with different symptoms such as tiredness, swelling, dehydration, dry skin, nausea, and even confusion. Each patient of this problem may have different symptoms; it depends on the severity of the disease.
II. How To Lower Creatinine Levels
There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.
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A. With Herbs
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is believed to be good for our kidneys as it can treat many kidney problems, including high creatinine levels[3]. This ingredient can increase the filtration of the kidney and the volume of eliminated urine. Also, it can help to control the blood sugar[4], so it prevents further damage to the kidney function. If you are a patient of high creatinine levels, a very easy way for you is to add cinnamon to everything you consume. You can add it to your cake, coffee, chocolate, tea and so on. However, remember that the amount of cinnamon consumed per day should not be more than one teaspoon.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile originates from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. Chamomile tea has been consumed for hundreds of years with numerous health benefits. A study showed that drinking chamomile tea every day may help reduce creatinine levels and LDL cholesterol levels[5]. Therefore, start to drink this tea every day, 30 minutes before going to bed to protect your kidneys' health and control your creatinine levels.
3. Astragalus
Using this traditional herb will help to slow down the development of kidney-related diseases. It contains diuretic compounds, which can help to increase the amount of eliminated urine, therefore, reduce the creatinine levels in your body[6]. It also helps to remove toxins from your body and boosts the metabolism. You should consume 2 or 3 cups of Astragalus tea per day, after the meal to increase the kidneys' functions and make you live healthier.
4. Chinese Rhubarb
Chinese rhubarb is said to be a mild diuretic that encourages detoxification. Chinese rhubarb will help to increase your metabolism and waste excretion, so it is useful for boosting the kidneys' functions and lowering the creatinine levels[7].
Directions:
- Boil a stalk of Chinese rhubarb with a cup of water
- Strain the tea with a strainer
- Continuously drink this tea in 10 days; you will see the result soon.
Note: This herbal remedy is not suitable for people with kidney stones.
B. With Diet
1. Reduce The Amount Of Consuming Protein
It is said that eating too much protein can increase creatinine levels[8]. Red meat, which is well cooked, for instance, can affect the creatinine in your body as the cooking heat can promote the process of transforming from creatine to creatinine. The creatinine level of people who consume a high-protein diet plan is higher than that of those who eat less. Therefore, reduce the amount of intake protein to make sure that your creatinine is at suitable levels.
2. Increase The Amount Of Intake Fiber
A study was done on people with high creatinine levels. Its result showed that patients who consumed more fiber significantly reduced creatinine levels and chronic kidney disease[9]. Good advice to you is to eat more fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. In a party, for example, instead of using beef burgers, you can serve your guests with more vegetable-based foods such as beans, lentil soup or vegetable stew.
3. Consume Less Salt
When the kidneys' functions reduce and cause high creatinine levels, eating too much salt is said to be the worst thing that you do to your kidneys[10]. Salt is rich in sodium, which can induce and worsen the situation by increasing blood pressure Avoid sodium is also an essential step to help preserve the kidneys' functions. Avoiding canned or processed food, fast food, salty drinks, and condiments, etc. is the simplest thing you can do to lower creatinine levels and protect your health.
III. Lifestyle Changes
1. Avoid Strong Activities
When you do strenuous physical activities, the food is transformed into energy faster than normal; it also means that more creatinine is produced in your body[11]. However, if you get rid of physical activities, your overall health will be affected. Therefore, transferring from vigorous activities to low-intensity activities such as walking or yoga is helpful on how to lower creatinine levels.
2. Pay Attention To The Amount Of Water Intake
Scientists pointed out that the lack of water intake or dehydration can lead to high creatinine levels in the body[1]. Although patients with kidney-related diseases find it difficult to drink too much water, it is much better if they consult a healthcare professional to decide the amount of water that should be drunk. You can even add a lemon or cucumber slice to the water to make it easier to drink. Or, you can try other healthy beverages such as herbal tea or green tea.
IV. Natural Home Remedies
1. Corn Silk
In a study in 2012, researchers found out that corn silk may help to increase the amount of urine output and promote the process of removing creatinine[12]. Drinking corn silk tea every day will help you reduce edema and lower high blood pressure[13]. However, if you had liver or kidney-related disease in the past, this remedy is not suitable as it will decrease the blood sugar level.
Directions:
- Prepare 2 teaspoons of dried corn silk and put it in a cup
- Pour boiling water into the cup
- Cover the cup and wait for 10 – 15 minutes
- Strain the tea and then enjoy it
Directions:
- Prepare 1 litre of water (about 4 cups) and 1 cup of barley
- Pour barley into the water and boil it in at least half an hour
- Strain the tea and then enjoy it
V. How To Prevent High Creatinine Levels From Reoccurring
To prevent high creatinine levels from reoccurring, you have to keep in mind the following things:
- Avoid strenuous activities and foods which are rich in creatine
- Cut down the amount of consuming protein but consider foods rich in fiber such as legumes, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
- Drink more water
- Practice yoga
Above are the best methods on how to lower creatinine levels with herbs, diet, and lifestyle that you should try. If you have any question or another way, you can leave your comment under this article. For other effective home treatments, you can visit our How To for more information.
All content provided is for informational and educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate to you.