Creatinine is a waste made by muscles when they work, leaving the body in pee. If kidneys aren’t working well, it can build up in the blood. High levels might mean a big health issue, but sometimes it’s just from lifestyle or other stuff. If levels are high, it’s best to talk to a doctor before making changes. Fixing kidney problems is the best way to lower creatinine, and some foods can help with this feat.
What type of foods can bring creatinine levels down?
Drinking plenty of water and changing your diet can help lower creatinine levels. Eating less red meat and fish, and adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meals, can make a big difference. If you have high creatinine levels, these foods are especially good for you:
Vegetables
These vegetables are known to reduce creatinine levels.
Cabbage
Cabbage is full of antioxidants and sulfur compounds. Studies show these antioxidants can help improve kidney function. Plus, cabbage has fiber that aids digestion and helps remove waste and toxins, including creatinine, from your body.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another great vegetable for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It’s high in fiber, which helps get rid of waste products like creatinine. Cauliflower is good for your kidneys because it contains antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate. It’s also low in potassium, which is great for people who need to keep an eye on their electrolyte levels.
Carrot
Don’t forget carrots—they’re full of beta-carotene and pectin, a healthy fiber. Research indicates that pectin might stop kidney failure. Carrots act as a diuretic, helping your kidneys remove water and toxins, which lowers creatinine levels. But if you have calcium oxalate kidney stones, it’s best to eat carrots in small portions because they contain a moderate amount of oxalate.
Eggplant
Eggplant is a fantastic vegetable to keep in your kitchen. It’s low in potassium and sodium, making it perfect for people with kidney disease. In 2014, researchers discovered that chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant in eggplant, can help lower bad cholesterol and decrease the chances of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Eggplant also acts as a diuretic, helping your kidneys, and its high fiber content aids digestion and helps remove creatinine from your body.
Dark, Leafy Greens
Spinach and other dark leafy greens are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, they usually have antioxidants too. Soaking them overnight helps manage oxalate levels, which can cause kidney stones and hinder the kidneys’ ability to filter waste like creatinine. These greens have lots of fiber, which helps your digestion work well and keeps your bowel movements regular. However, they are high in potassium, so if you are on a restricted diet or dialysis, you should avoid them.
Fruits
If you don’t eat fruits regularly, you’re missing important nutrients. Adding some fruits to your diet can improve kidney health and help lower creatinine levels.
Cranberry
Cranberries are great for your kidneys. They contain antioxidants such as tannins and proanthocyanidins that keep your kidneys safe from harm and make you produce more urine. More urine production helps your body filter out waste like creatinine more easily.
Berries and Grapes
Red grapes, blueberries, and raspberries are full of antioxidants that can lessen swelling and safeguard your kidneys from harm. These fruits contain compounds that support kidney health by fighting harmful substances in the body. Eating them regularly can help keep your kidneys strong and functioning well.
Melons, Pineapples, Cherries, Apples, and Oranges
Melons, oranges, apples, pineapples, and cherries are loaded with good stuff like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are really good for your kidneys. These fruits are not only tasty but also help your kidneys stay healthy and lower creatinine levels. By eating these fruits regularly, you give your body a boost of hydration and important nutrients, which keeps your kidneys in tip-top shape. So, add them to your meals and enjoy the benefits of a healthier kidney!
Seeds
Adding seeds to your diet is a smart way to help your kidneys stay healthy. Try pumpkin, chia, or flax seeds for a kidney boost. Flaxseeds are known for their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and experts say taking flaxseed oil can lower the risk of kidney failure.
Chia seeds are full of ALA, which is great for kidneys, and pumpkin seeds can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of kidney complications from diabetes. Since these seeds contain potassium and phosphorus, how much you eat depends on your dialysis type or kidney health stage.
Whole Grains
Eating foods high in fiber, like whole grains, can help reduce creatinine levels, as shown by studies. Whole grains have antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are really good for your body. If you have kidney disease that lasts a long time, eating whole grains can make your kidneys work better and lower the chance of having kidney issues. Plus, they offer other benefits like lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and improving gut health. So, it’s a good idea to include whole grains in your diet for a healthier you.
Plant-Based Protein
Plant proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu are packed with good stuff like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Adding these to your meals can make them less acidic, which is good for your kidneys. Try swapping out some of your animal protein foods for these plant-based options to give your kidneys a boost.
Ayurvedic Herbs
Adding the foods mentioned earlier to your diet is a great way to lower your creatinine levels. For even better results, try taking Ayurvedic herbs. They can naturally lower high creatinine levels and keep them in check. These herbs protect your kidneys and help bring down creatinine levels without any side effects.
Add These Kidney-Friendly Foods to Your Diet to Lower Your Creatinine Levels
To support your kidney health, incorporate a variety of kidney-friendly foods into your diet, such as vegetables, fruits, seeds, whole grains, and plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu. These foods are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help lower creatinine levels and improve kidney function. Don’t forget to talk to your doctor before making any big changes to your diet, especially if you have kidney problems or other health issues.