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High creatinine: causes and recommendations

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Creatinine is a compound that is released in our body from the breakdown of creatine, a nutrient that strengthens our muscles. Therefore, creatinine can be understood as a completely natural waste, the result of muscle metabolism. The kidneys are responsible for filtering it and expelling it from the body through urine.

Levels of this compound are determined by a blood test; a high creatinine values could mean that the kidneys are not working properly and, therefore, not purged from the proper way. At FastlyHealwe show you the causes of high creatinine and recommendations to improve this condition.

Causes of high creatinine

Here are the causes that can lead to elevated blood creatinine levels:

  • In most cases, poor toxin clearance is due to kidney failure , a condition in which the kidneys are not able to eliminate the waste that accumulates in the blood as they should. Kidney damage or infection could also cause this condition.
  • Another reason could be an obstruction of the urinary tract, a problem that prevents the flow of urine towards the urethra and that causes an increase in pressure in the area, which can lead to major conditions such as kidney stones, infections or a decrease of kidney function.
  • On the other hand, the loss of body fluid, that is, dehydration can also cause kidney problems and be reflected in creatinine levels. This occurs because water is necessary to purify the waste that accumulates in the blood. If there is a lack of fluid, the kidneys are difficult to do.
  • Some muscle diseases can also cause this condition. An example of this is the so-called rhabdomyolysis, which is characterized by the breakdown of the muscle and the subsequent release of certain substances from the muscle fibers into the blood, which damages the kidneys and worsens their functioning.
  • Finally, certain problems during the pregnancy stage also affect these values. Preeclampsia causes a rise in blood pressure that can lead to seizures in the mother, which is called eclampsia. Both pathologies can end up damaging the kidneys.

Normal values ​​of creatinine

Creatinine is usually taken as a reference to check that everything is correct in our kidneys, since most kidney conditions are reflected in the levels of this compound in the blood. Generally, women tend to have less muscle mass than men, which would explain why creatinine levels are also lower. However, these values ​​may vary according to height and depending on the laboratory where the examination is performed, since the measurements are not always the same.

The normal creatinine values should be as follows:

  • Men: between 0.7 and 1.3 mg / dL.
  • Women: between 0.6 and 1.1 mg / dL.

Recommendations for high creatinine

Taking into account some tips can help reduce blood creatinine levels. However, it is best to consult the results of the examination with a doctor to determine the necessary measures:

  • It is important to consume enough water to facilitate the task of the kidneys. The recommended is about two liters a day.
  • Modify your diet slightly, avoiding consuming foods rich in protein such as red meat or some seafood, foods rich in purines such as cold cuts and blue fish, and in potassium such as nuts, spinach and potatoes.
  • Opt for healthy foods such as diuretic fruits and vegetables (asparagus, pineapples …) and white meat and fish.
  • Don’t overdo it with exercise; Try to do it in moderation, since too much physical activity could increase creatinine levels.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to High creatinine: causes and recommendations , we recommend that you enter our Kidneys and urinary system category .

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