During muscle contraction, the body produces a chemical called creatinine. This substance serves as a source of energy for muscles as well as measuring kidney function. High creatinine levels will cause a number of health problems, especially in the kidneys.
So, what causes the creatinine level to rise and how to overcome it?
Causes of high creatinine
High creatinine levels usually indicate that the kidneys are not working as they should.
The following factors can be the cause of high creatinine levels.
1. Kidney disease
Ideally, creatinine should be filtered by the kidneys before being excreted in the urine.
That’s why indirectly high creatinine levels are a sign that something is wrong with your kidneys.
Here are some indications of kidney disease characterized by increased creatinine.
1. Kidney infection.
2. Glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the kidney structures that filter blood.
3. Kidney stones that block the urinary tract.
4. Kidney failure.
2. Severe dehydration
If you are severely dehydrated for a certain period of time (generally 3 months) it will make the glomerulus (blood filter) not function properly.
In fact, the kidney glomerulus should play a role in the process of filtering waste substances in the body. This includes excess nutrients.
3. Chronic disease
Not only that, several diseases such as diabetes, gout, muscular dystrophy, to autoimmune diseases, can affect the work of the kidneys and glomerulus.
This will increase the level of creatinine in the body.
High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels around the kidneys, forcing the kidneys to work harder to filter blood.
Finally, the kidneys have difficulty filtering creatinine, so there is a risk of health problems due to high creatinine.
4. Take protein supplements
Consuming large amounts of protein, either through food or nutritional supplements can also cause high creatinine levels.
Certain drugs also cause a temporary increase in serum creatinine levels or damage the kidneys.
A person having a creatinine test should tell their doctor if they are taking any medications, fasting, or following a protein-rich diet.
Various ways to lower high creatinine
Given the importance of maintaining normal creatinine levels, you need to take medication as a way to lower high creatinine.
In addition to medical treatment, various daily natural remedies can also help speed up the decrease in creatinine.
1. Avoid taking creatine supplements
Creatinine is a natural body compound produced by creatine, which acts as an energy supplier for muscles.
In addition to being produced directly by the body, creatine can be found in over-the-counter supplements.
Just like naturally occurring creatine in muscles, creatine from supplements can produce creatinine.
That is why you are not recommended to take creatine supplements if you have high creatinine levels.
2. Reduce protein intake
Consumption of too many protein sources is often associated with spikes in creatinine, such as red meat and 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 into creatinine so it will increase the amount in the body when eaten.
3. Eat lots of fiber
In addition to helping the digestive system, eating fibrous foods is beneficial as a way to lower high creatinine.
A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2015) shows that fiber sources can help speed up the recovery process of patients with chronic kidney disease.
These high-fiber foods can help reduce high creatinine in the body.
You can increase your fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
4. Avoid strenuous exercise
Physical activity that is too strenuous will increase the production of creatinine. The more and longer the muscles work, the higher the creatinine in the blood.
However, for those of you who have high creatinine levels, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise.
Regular exercise is certainly good for body health, but try to choose the type of exercise that suits your body’s ability.
It’s a good idea to temporarily avoid doing sports or other daily activities that are too strenuous, at least until creatinine returns to normal levels.
5. Pay attention to fluid needs
Do not underestimate the rules for the amount of fluid you should drink every day, especially if you are severely dehydrated.
Adequate fluid intake such as water is beneficial for the kidneys.
Consult further with your doctor to determine how much fluid you should drink and the best time to consume it.
Please note, the normal range of creatinine (for adults) in the blood is usually 0.84 – 1.21 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).
Meanwhile, the normal urine creatinine range is 955 – 2,936 milligrams per 24 hours (mg/day) for men and 601 – 1,689 mg/day for women.
Creatinine levels above the normal range can be considered high, of course dangerous for kidney health.
It’s important that you don’t try to interpret the results yourself. The doctor will evaluate the results of the examination and recommend the appropriate treatment.