Elevated Creatinine Levels | Superfoods Can Help
“Your creatinine levels are elevated.” If you’ve heard those words from your doctor, you may also have been given instructions to either repeat testing after a set period of time or begin a medication regimen, depending on the suspected cause.
Keep reading to learn what creatinine is, how elevated levels may present in terms of symptoms, and what you can do today to begin to treat your condition naturally—with superfoods. Plus, check out the extensive list of superfoods we have provided below to help you get started!
What Is Creatinine?
Creatinine is a normal waste product in your blood that is created by muscle metabolism—simply put, it’s the breakdown of a substance as a result of your muscles working.
Doctors check creatinine levels in their patients routinely as part of a kidney function test and to screen for other medical issues. Other than kidney failure and kidney stones, elevated creatinine levels may indicate infection, inflammation, excessive protein intake, dehydration, or the need for a medication change.
In addition, some health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can cause creatinine levels to increase above the normal range.
>>Learn how over 25 000 people have
>>Lowered creatinine levels and increased GFR
Signs and Symptoms of Elevated Creatinine Levels
While the signs of elevated creatinine levels go unnoticed by some people, others have symptoms that lead them to seek medical treatment—at which point they have blood tests and are informed of the abnormal lab result.
The signs and symptoms of elevated creatinine levels include:
- Fluid retention/swelling
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Urinary urgency, frequency, or difficulty urinating
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
- Numbness and tingling
- Paralysis
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
The symptoms experienced depend largely on the cause of the elevated creatinine, whether it be medication, another medical condition, or something else. It’s unlikely that most people will suspect elevated creatinine to be the cause of their issue unless they have had this issue before.
Unfortunately, medication comes with side effects that often lead to other issues. The great news is that there is a natural way to reduce creatinine levels.
>>Learn how over 25 000 people have
>>Lowered creatinine levels and increased GFR
Eat These Superfoods To Lower Creatinine Levels
Superfoods are foods that are nutrient-rich, and they can help reduce creatinine levels due to their compounds, including fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.
Here are some of the best superfoods that will treat your kidneys well and help you lower those creatinine levels—divided by fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and protein.
Fruits
Generally speaking, fruits that are high in fiber are a great idea to help lower creatinine levels. Consume fruits in raw form or blended into a smoothie, juice, or even a frozen treat.
Here are just some examples of fruits that are perfect for a kidney-friendly diet:
- Apples
- Avocado
- Bell peppers
- Berries
- Grapefruit
- Tomato
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and you should consult your physician to decide what foods are best for you to consume.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a great source of fiber, so this food group offers many options for a diet that is necessary to improve kidney health.
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
Nuts and Seeds
Although there was much debate in the past about nuts, the consensus is that up to a few nuts daily will not harm those with elevated creatinine levels.
- Cashews
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
Whole Grains
Whole grains are linked with improving some of the symptoms of elevated creatinine levels, such as high blood pressure and diarrhea.
- Oats
- Quinoa
The following superfood examples, which are rich sources of protein, may be consumed moderately because protein is directly involved in the formation of creatinine. The amount that is suitable for each person will vary based on overall health, medical conditions, physical activity (because strenuous activity can elevate creatinine), and creatinine levels.
>>Learn how over 25 000 people have
>>Lowered creatinine levels and increased GFR
Legumes
A couple of tablespoons of beans in a soup, salad, or other dish are considered beneficial in contributing to a healthy kidney and reducing creatinine levels.
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Other beans
Protein
Many proteins should be avoided or extremely limited. Although eating eggs has some benefits, they should be consumed infrequently, definitely not on a daily basis.
- Eggs
- Fish
Other Tips for Reducing Creatinine Levels
Here are some practical tips to lower your elevated creatinine levels:
- Hydration
- In some cases, it’s best to stay hydrated. Such an example is if the elevated creatine levels are linked to dehydration or diarrhea.
- Water intake should typically be limited or monitored in the case of those with chronic kidney disease.
- Consult with a doctor.
- Reduce protein intake
- For example, limit the amount of chicken and red meat such as beef burgers or steak.
- Quit smoking
- Reduce salt intake
- Avoid creatinine supplements
Speak to your medical provider or a nutritionist to help you come up with a diet plan that will suit your needs, especially if you have other medical conditions that require a particular diet.
