Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the body’s normal muscle use. Everyone has creatinine in their bloodstream. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating it from the body. High levels may be a sign of kidney disease. Every effort should be made to lower the creatinine levels back to a normal range. The best way to know if your kidneys are working properly is by looking at your glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Maintaining an improved kidney function is crucial to a patient’s overall health. Kidney failure can be a self-progressive disease if left untreated. There are many natural ways to reduce creatinine levels and essential precautions that can be taken to keep a healthy lifestyle:

Keep blood pressure and sugar intake at normal levels. This will help prevent high blood pressure and diabetes. Both will damage the kidneys. Lower your salt intake as well. High levels of salt make the body hold on to water. This extra water puts more pressure on the blood vessels which will raise blood pressure.

Avoid strenuous exercise like running, jogging or swimming. Creatinine levels will rise due to the increased muscle metabolism. Moderate activity is advised. Taking supplements will also help lower creatinine levels. B1, B2, B6, B 12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin, as well as some vitamin C, are essential vitamins for people with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease).

Avoid alcohol. “Alcohol has an adverse influence on digestion, resulting in the production of additional waste products. It also promotes the production of creatinine in the body. Excessive alcohol use can result in high blood pressure, a significant cause of renal diseases. Thus, reducing your alcohol usage is an excellent way to live a healthy life.”

Reduce protein intake and eat more fiber. When a person eats meat, their body absorbs the creatinine, and their levels may rise. Eating less red meat and fewer fish products may reduce high creatinine levels. A person might try incorporating more sources of vegetable protein, such as beans, in their diet. Whole grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds will also help your fiber intake.

Drink an adequate amount of water. Dehydration can increase the creatinine in the body. Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work. Talk with your doctor to determine the optimal level of fluid intake.

Overall, develop a healthy lifestyle. Aim for a healthy weight, quit smoking, get enough sleep and manage your stress.