Creatinine can be described as a molecule of chemical waste, which is generated from the metabolism of the muscles. A very important molecule for the production of energy in the muscles is known as creatine and creatinine is produced from it. Around 2% of the total creatine in the body is converted into creatinine on a daily basis. This molecule then gets transported to the kidneys, through the bloodstream. Most of the creatinine is then filtered by the kidneys and then eliminated from the body, through the urine in minute amounts. Due to the fact that muscle mass does not really change a lot every day, the levels of creatinine in the blood do not fluctuate or vary on a daily basis. Creatine is not reabsorbed by the body, and therefore, for any reason, if there is a problem with the kidneys and the filtering process is affected, the creatine may not get flushed out properly, which in turn could lead to an elevated creatinine level. At the same time, if the muscle mass in a person decreases for any reason, it could lead to lowering creatinine levels in blood. It is important for all people to keep a check on the levels of this molecule in the body, as high or low creatinine blood levels could be an indication of health problems, which are usually related to the kidneys. In order to determine the creatinine range levels in the body, it is necessary for a person to go through a creatinine blood test.
Creatine Blood Tests: In order to identify how high the creatine levels in the body are, a medical health care provider will need to determine the creatinine range in blood and urine. Routine urine and blood tests normally show what the levels of creatine in the body are. However, it is believed that the creatine clearance test is the most accurate procedure, to know how much creatine is there in a person's body. This kind of a test is conducted using both, blood and urine samples, that have been collected over a period of 24 hours. Before going in for a creatinine blood test fasting for around 8 hours or so is usually required, for a more accurate analysis. Most people find out that they have a low or a high creatinine level, only after going in for a test. This is due to the fact it is not very common for people to experience any high creatinine levels symptoms, in case the levels of creatine in their blood are too high. This is also usually the case with low creatine levels in the blood.
Normal Creatinine Levels in Blood: The creatinine blood test normal range may vary, from person, to person, depending on factors such as age, gender, muscle mass or other health factions. Given below is the normal creatinine range for different people:
- Male adults: Between 0.6 mg / dl to 1.2 mg / dl
- Female adults: Between 0.5 mg / dl to 1. mg / dl
- Infants: Around 0.2 mg / dl or more
- Older children: Between 0.3 mg / dl to 0.7 mg / dl
- Teenagers: Between 0.5 mg / dl to 1.0 mg / dl
In case, of people who have only one kidney, the creatinine range is normal between 1.8 mg / dl to 1.9 mg / dl. In case the creatine blood test shows a level of more than 2.0 mg / dl in children and a level higher than 10.0 in adults, it could be an indication of a very serious health problem. Therefore, in order to reduce the risks of such health problems, many people ask doctors for ways and means on how to reduce creatinine levels naturally.
Causes of High Creatinine Levels in Children and Adults: The most common factor that leads to high creatinine levels in people is a severe dysfunction in the kidney, probably as a result of diabetes, high blood pressure or other similar health problems. However, there could be many other conditions that could cause a person to experience high creatinine levels. These include medical disorders and conditions, such as gigantism, dehydration, myasthenia gravis, gout, rhabdomyolysis, acromegaly, polymyositis, heart failure and excess blood loss. However, not all cases of elevation in creatinine levels are a major cause for concern. In some cases, the creatinine in a person could rise a bit, because of dietary habits or due to the use of certain medication. As soon as people realize that they have excessive amounts of this molecule present in their bodies, they tend to consult health experts for advice on how to lower creatinine levels in the blood.
How to reduce creatinine levels in the blood?
After being diagnosed with high creatine in the blood, most people are advised to lower its levels as early as possible, in order to avoid any further health complication. However, the high creatinine levels treatment generally includes ways and means on how to reduce creatinine levels in blood naturally.
The first step in the high creatinine levels treatment is increasing the consumption of water and making a few dietary changes. It is best to begin the day by drinking around 6 glasses of water and then to have another 4 or so, during the day. While there are other fluids that are also good, it is important to be careful. Beverages like coffee and soda should be replaced with herbal tea or green tea, which is also very good for overall heart health.
Dairy products and any other food items that are high in protein should be strictly avoided. Sodium too leads to water retention, which should be avoided in case of elevated creatinine levels. Therefore, it is best to avoid any kind of packaged or processed food items too, as they are usually very high on sodium. There are certain herbs, which are also believed to have a cleaning effect on the body, thereby reducing the problems caused by high creatinine levels. Given below are some of the most commonly recommended herbs:
- Cinnamon
- Stinging nettle seed
- Dandelion root
- Siberian Ginseng
- Chicory leaves (powdered)
However, since there could be a few side effects triggered off by the herbs given above, it is best to avoid using them for high creatinine levels in pregnancy. Since there is a correlation between high creatinine levels and exercise, it is best for people to consult a fitness instructor or even a doctor, to know how many hours or minutes a person should work out each day.
answered by M W