Kidney disease Damage to the kidneys due to diabetes or high blood pressure Certain medications that affect kidney function Dehydration[3] X Research source Heart failure[4] X Research source Gout[5] X Research source Intense exercise over a long period of time[6] X Research source
If you’re on dialysis for severe kidney disease, talk to your doctor about how much water and other fluids you can safely drink. You may need to restrict your fluids and follow other special dietary requirements.
If you have a hard time sleeping at night, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend changes to your bedtime routine or even prescribe a supplement or medication that can help.
Green tea. While there isn’t a lot of data to support this yet, some studies suggest that green tea extract may improve kidney function and reduce creatinine levels. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Chamomile tea. While it’s unclear why chamomile reduces creatinine levels, some medical experts speculate that it may be due to chamomile’s antioxidant properties. [12] X Research source Dandelion leaf extract. It’s possible that dandelion leaf can help improve kidney health and reduce creatinine levels. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source However, be careful using dandelion supplements if you have kidney disease, since they are high in potassium. [14] X Research source Salvia supplements may improve kidney function and bring your creatinine levels down. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Some types of nettle supplements may help lower creatinine levels. [16] X Research source However, if you have kidney disease, do not try nettle supplements without talking to your doctor first. These supplements are high in phosphorous and potassium, so they could do more harm than good. [17] X Research source
Talk to your doctor about starting a low-sodium diet. Unless they recommend otherwise, stay away from salty foods and drinks, and opt for low-sodium versions of common food products (canned soup, bottled sauces, etc. ) when you can. When you’re cooking, replace salt with other flavorful seasonings, such as garlic, paprika, or lemon zest. The FDA recommends eating no more than 2,300 mg of salt per day. [20] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
Don’t make any drastic changes to your protein intake without getting advice from your doctor. Protein is important for keeping up your energy levels and maintaining healthy muscles.
If you do switch to a vegetarian diet, you may need to take supplements, such as vitamin B 12, to make sure you’re still getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Your doctor can also help you choose healthy, plant-based sources of protein.
Highly processed foods, such as fast food or pre-packaged convenience foods Some types of cheese, including canned or jarred cheese spreads, American cheese, and blocks of processed deli cheese Meats with added fluids or flavoring (e. g. , pre-brined or marinated meats and processed deli meats) Many sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, and other pre-packaged beverages Dairy products Chocolate and caramel Quickbreads and similar baked goods, such as biscuits, muffins, and cornbread
If your doctor recommends a low-potassium diet, stay away from foods such as dried fruits, bananas, melons, legumes (peas and beans), bran products, and many types of greens. Some kinds of meats, such as beef, chicken, and salmon, are also high in potassium. Low-potassium foods include fruits such as apples, berries, grapes, pears, and pineapples, as well as vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, raw broccoli, asparagus, cucumber, and kale. Pasta, rice, and white bread are also low in potassium. Don’t change your potassium intake without consulting your doctor! Getting either too much or too little potassium can be dangerous if you have kidney problems, so don’t try to guess your dietary needs.
Since high creatinine levels aren’t harmful on their own, this may not be a serious issue for you. However, if you’re already concerned about your kidney health, it may be better to avoid these supplements so they don’t affect the results of any prescribed creatinine tests. If you have kidney disease, it’s possible that creatinine supplements could make your kidney function issues worse. However, they’re generally considered safe for people with healthy kidneys. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Cimetidine, a drug used to treat ulcers and heartburn Trimethoprim, a type of antibiotic Pyrimethamine, an antiparasitic drug Salicylates, such as aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen), or ibuprofen Corticosteroids Some types of vitamin D supplements Phenacemide, a type of anticonvulsant medication Keep in mind that some medications (such as certain antibiotics and painkillers) can also be harmful to your kidneys, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking any medication if you have high creatinine due to kidney disease. [30] X Research source
Medications that control your blood sugar, such as repaglinide, may help improve your kidney function if your high creatinine levels are caused by diabetes. [32] X Research source High blood pressure can damage your kidneys, causing your creatinine levels to rise. [33] X Research source If high blood pressure is the culprit, your doctor may prescribe a medication such as benazepril to reduce blood pressure and protect your kidneys. [34] X Trustworthy Source New England Journal of Medicine World’s Leading Medical Journal Go to source
Don’t avoid exercise altogether just because you’re worried about your creatinine levels! Instead, have a conversation with your doctor about your concerns. Some studies suggest that getting plenty of exercise is good for your kidneys and can reduce your creatinine levels in the long run. [36] X Research source
Your doctor will monitor your creatinine levels to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dialysis or if less aggressive treatments are sufficient. [39] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
