It is important to keep creatinine levels in check to keep kidney diseases at bay. Here are some dietary tips to maintain healthy creatinine levels.

Diet to maintain creatinine levels
How to maintain creatinine levels to kidney diseases at bay? Image courtesy.

Kidneys play a starring role in the intricate world of our body’s functions. It manages the delicate balance of fluids, electrolytes, and waste products. One of the most important markers for kidney health is creatinine, which is a byproduct of muscle metabolism. Basically, when creatinine levels soar, it signals potential trouble in renal health. While there are several ways to keep your creatinine levels in check, you can include some of the healthiest foods in your diet. Let’s take a look at the best foods for creatinine levels that will help maintain it.

What are creatinine levels?
In simple words, creatinine is a waste product that forms when the muscles break down a compound called creatine. It is a crucial molecule that helps produce energy for muscle contractions. Once creatine is used, it is converted into creatinine and transported to the kidneys for excretion in urine. Creatinine levels in the blood are an important indicator of kidney function, But it is an indirect marker. Most Indian labs have a cut-off level of 1.4 mg/dl. If creatinine level is > 1.4, it straightway indicates kidney function is down by 50%. The ideal marker of kidney function is eGFR, which is calculated with the help of serum creatinine, explains Dr Atul Ingale, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician.

The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and flushing them out in the urine. If the kidneys are not functioning properly the creatinine levels in the blood can build up.

diet for creatinine levels
Maintain healthy creatinine levels by eating a healthy diet. Image courtesy:

What is the role of foods in managing creatinine levels?
Elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function, emphasizing the importance of adopting a kidney-friendly diet. Nutritionist Minal Shah says, “Protein intake, especially animal protein ingestion, influences creatinine levels. This is the reason why kidney patients are recommended that their diet has a protein intake of 0.6 gm/kg/day where veg to nonveg protein ratio should be 1:1. Vegetarian-based proteins are ideal. If one needs to compare nonveg proteins, then red meat should be avoided by kidney patients.”

While it is important to include a healthy diet that promotes kidney health, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare provider who would give the relevant test for proper evaluation and medical advice. Along with medical intervention, it is vital to follow a few lifestyle modifications that can help lower your creatinine levels. Having said that, let’s take a look at the best foods that will help maintain your creatinine levels.

Follow a healthy diet to maintain creatinine levels
A few dietary interventions can help lower creatinine levels, which include:

1. Reduce protein levels
While protein is essential for muscle health, excessive amounts can lead to increased creatinine levels. Eating a high-protein diet can burden the kidneys, which is why you should keep your protein intake in check. Opting for lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins can help strike a balance. Restrict non-vegetarian protein to once a week. One can switch to vegetarian protein like dals/milk and milk products and egg which are easier to process. The exact quantity is calculated based on the body weight and the creatinine levels by a qualified dietitian/doctor, says the nutritionist

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2. Avoid creatine supplements
Creatine is produced by the liver and is transported to the muscle where it increases energy and muscle growth. Creatine is broken down to creatinine. Creatine is added to oral protein supplements consumed to improve athletic performance. It should be avoided for people with raised creatinine levels.

3. Drink more water
Did you know not drinking enough water can lead to a build-up of creatinine levels in the kidneys? The nutritionist says that not drinking enough water can affect creatinine levels. However, people with decreased kidney function need to limit their water intake. So, a patient’s fluid intake can also be restricted depending on the kidney function or type of kidney ailment. One should check with their healthcare provider for daily fluid allowance.

Also Read: Stay hydrated to keep kidney diseases at bay

4. Restrict salt intake
Foods with high salt intake can cause high blood pressure, further damaging the kidneys. A study published in the Journal of Nephrology found that a high salt intake may have detrimental effects on your kidney function, leading to problems. Foods with high salt intake can also cause your blood pressure levels to spike, which can damage your kidneys.

Processed foods like bakery products, ready-to-eat foods, ketchup, packaged foods, pickles, papad, etc. have a very high sodium content and should be avoided completely. Consider using other flavorings like lemon, tamarind, kokum, tomato, pudina, herbs, etc. to make the food tasty and palatable, adds the expert.

diet for kidney health
High salt intake can damage your kidneys. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
5. High fiber intake
Eating a high-fiber diet may help manage your creatinine levels and reduce the risk of kidney diseases. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that increasing dietary fiber can improve kidney function. However, more research is required to confirm the effects of eating a high-fiber diet on your kidneys. High-fiber foods include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. These foods may have a higher potassium or phosphorus level a structured plan based on the rest of the blood levels is advised, recommends the nutritionist.

Some precautions to keep creatinine levels in check
It is vital to keep creatinine levels in check to maintain kidney health. You should avoid over-the-counter pain killers like NASIDS, quit smoking, and avoid alcohol. Not keeping a track of your kidney health can lead to chronic diseases. Maintaining your creatinine levels could be an early indication of the risk that looms large. It could be a temporary condition or a medical condition that needs intervention and to be treated by a qualified healthcare professional.

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Home How To Summer can affect your kidneys! Tips to maintain renal health and keep diseases at bay
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Summer can affect your kidneys! Tips to maintain renal health and keep diseases at bay
Did you know summer can take a toll on your kidney health? Here are some expert-recommended tips to take care of your kidneys in summer.
Kidney organ donation
Kidney is a widely donated organ by women across the world. Image courtesy:
Dr Deepak Kalra

You might like waking up to the glistening sunlight at times, going out on picnics when the weather’s nice and blue, and there are clear skies, but it’s can be bad for your health sometimes. The scorching heat of the summer sun, especially during the afternoon hours, can be harsh on your kidneys. It can be more dangerous for children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart disease and liver diseases. They need to take special care of themselves to stay protected from kidney injury during these months. Even people without kidney disease are required to pay extra attention to their kidneys.

So, taking care of your kidneys in summer becomes vital. This World Kidney day, try to incorporate some of these recommended tips. But first, let’s understand how summer affects your kidneys.

Summer heat can take a toll on your kidneys as well.

How the summer season affects your kidneys?
People tend to get dehydrated during the summer season, especially due to the heat, leading to a lot of health problems. Some of the common problems that could affect you during the summer season include acute kidney failure, increased incidents of kidney stones, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Moreover, an intense workout without an adequate level of hydration can lead to muscle injury or rhabdomyolysis, leading to muscle protein leakage in the blood resulting in acute kidney failure.

To avoid all this, you need to take appropriate measures so that you don’t have to suffer from any unwanted complications.

What you can do to protect your kidneys in summer?
If summer can wreak havoc on your kidneys, the best you can do is protect them by taking precautions.

Kidney health
What you can do to protect your kidneys in summer? Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Here’s what you are advised to do:

1. Stay Indoors during the hottest time of the day.
2. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the peak hours i.e. 12-4 pm.
3. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or greater.
4. Wear cotton and light weighted clothes.
5. Be advertent to the signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and throat, reduced urine output or dark colour urine, increasing fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and irregular or accelerated heartbeat.
6. The colour of urine is also a great indicator of the level of hydration. Lemon colour represents adequate hydration level and orange or any dark colour represents dehydration.
7. For people with no chronic illness, it is recommended to keep the fluid intake between 2-3 litres a day.
8. People with chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, heart disease etc., should consult their doctors regarding fluid intake. Staying hydrated in summer is important, but patients with kidney disease need to take care to avoid fluid overload. The best is to measure the urine volume and add 500 ml for sweating, which should be your fluid intake.
9. People engaging in workouts should drink 350 ml of water before a workout and supplement it every 30-45 minutes.
10. The more intense and prolonged workouts should require replacement with sports drinks like Gatorade in addition to water.
11. People working outdoors in summer should increase their water intake by 250 ml of water approximately every 20 min to maintain an adequate level of hydration.
12. Increase the intake of water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, peaches, strawberries, cherries, cucumber and lettuce to ensure mineral and water replenishment.
13. Avoid carbonated drinks with high caffeine and sugar content as it causes dehydration despite being in liquid form.
14. Reduce your alcohol intake as it can lead to dehydration, increasing the risk of kidney disease.
15. Reduce intake of processed foods like chips and ready-to-eat food items as they are rich in salt which can increase the chances of causing dehydration.

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Being a little cautious can help keep your kidneys healthy and safe this summer.

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chronic kidney disease
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Dr Deepak Kalra Dr Deepak Kalra
Dr Deepak Kalra, Director of Nephrology at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. He has more than 16 years of experience and has worked in nephrology with government and private hospitals in Delhi. After his MBBS, he did his DM from SGPGI, Lucknow. Dr. Kalra has clinical interests in Hematology, Kidney Transplants Physician, Clinical Nephrology, and Diabetic Hypertension….Read More

How To 12 effortless ways to keep your bladder healthy

12 effortless ways to keep your bladder healthy
Follow these expert-recommended tips to keep your bladder healthy and maintain your urinary system. This would help your body release toxins properly!
Dehydration can affect urinary bladder
Bladder problems and UTI issues can become common with dehydration.

Just like it’s important to get waste out of your house regularly for its upkeep, when it comes to your body, your urinary tract plays an important part! It helps to filter waste and extra fluid from the bloodstream and pushes it out of the system. Having a healthy bladder helps to keep the toxins away, thereby working towards proper functioning of the overall body.

Dr Dhivya R, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Kauvery Hospital (Electronic City), Bengaluru, says that by following certain everyday habits, women can keep their urinary system healthy.

Tips to keep your bladder healthy
1. Use the washroom often and when needed
Try to urinate at least every 3 to 4 hours. Holding urine in your bladder for too long can weaken your bladder muscles and make your more prone to urinary infection.

2. Take enough time to fully empty the bladder while urinating
If urine stays in the bladder for too long, it can make bladder infection more likely. Rushing to urinate may not allow you to fully empty the bladder and this may affect the urinary tract system.

3. Be in a relaxed position while urinating
Relaxing the muscles around the bladder make it easy to empty it completely. For women hovering over the toilet seat may make it hard to relax, so it is always best to sit on toilet seat.

Don’t hold your urine too long
Don’t hold the urine too long. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
Wiping your private parts after a bowel movement is a must. It can help in keeping urinary tract infections at bay.

5. Urinate after sex
Sexual activity can move bacteria from bowel or vaginal cavity to the urethral opening. Both men and women should urinate after sex to lower infection.

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6. Pelvic floor exercise
Also known as kegel exercises, these help to strengthen pelvic floor muscles to hold urine in bladder. Daily exercise strengthen these muscles to keep urine from leaking when you sneeze, cough, lift, laugh. These exercises strengthen muscles that help to keep the urinary bladder, thereby preventing infection.

kegel exercises for strong pelvic floor
Kegel exercises keep your pelvic muscles strong. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
7. Wear cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes
Wearing loose cotton clothing will keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight fitting pants and nylon underwear can trap moisture and help to grow bacteria.

8. Exercise regularly
Physical activity helps to avoid bladder problem and constipation. It helps to maintain healthy weight. This is important since an overweight person may be at higher risk of leaking urine.

9. Watch what you eat
People with bladder problems should avoid some foods and drinks like soda , artificial sweeteners, spicy food, citrus fruits and juices, as it may worsen the problem.

10. Water consumption
In general, drinking enough fluids helps you urinate every few hours. Flushing the bladder helps you prevent urinary tract infection.

water intake for healthy bladder
Fluid intake is a must to push toxins out of the body. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
11. Avoid constipation
Too much stool built in the colon is called constipation. Eating plenty of high fiber diet, drinking enough water and being physically active help to prevent it.

12. Quit smoking:
Bladder problems are more common in people who smoke. Smoking irritates the urinary bladder and increase risk of bladder cancer too.

When to seek help for bladder problems?
Some signs of bladder problem include
* Inability to hold wine or leaking urine.
* Need to urinate more frequently and urgently
* Cloudy urine
* Blood in urine
* Pain and burning before, during and after urinating.
* Trouble starting or having a weak stream while urinating.
* Trouble emptying the bladder

If you experience any of these, meet your doctor. Change your lifestyle for a happy and healthy bladder.