Get Authentic Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Creatinine

• Home / Diseases & Ayurveda / Urinary / Kidney-creatinine

What Is High Kidney Creatinine?

High kidney creatinine means that the creatinine level in the blood is higher than usual. Creatinine is one of the waste products that are by-products of the regular metabolism of muscles. Under normal conditions, the kidneys filter out these waste products from the blood and excrete them in urine.

If the level of creatinine in the blood is higher than usual, this may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning well. This could be due to various reasons, including kidney disease, dehydration, or any other health conditions that affect the kidneys.

It is important to monitor the creatinine level in the body as, over time, high levels of creatinine can lead to serious damage to the kidneys, resulting in chronic kidney disease.

Normal creatinine levels:

• Men: approximately 0.7–1.3 mg/dL
• Women: approximately 0.6–1.1 mg/dL

Levels above this range are considered high and require evaluation

Common Causes of Creatinine in the Kidney

It is common practice for physicians to consider creatinine levels above the normal range as a sign of renal dysfunction. Dehydration, High protein intake, kidney problems or disease, and Certain medications are some contributors to elevated creatinine levels.

• Dehydration: Creatinine measurements are more prone to elevation because the kidneys may have difficulty expelling waste materials due to insufficient water or fluid intake within the body.
• High Protein: In a diet rich in proteins, excessive protein ingestion burdens the kidneys and their activities, raising creatinine values.
• Kidney Disease: Several factors, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury, among other kidney-related conditions, may cause the kidneys to be less efficient and competent in their mass filtration mechanisms, resulting in more creatinine accumulation.
• Certain Medications: Some of the medications that ailing patients use can have some adverse effects on the kidneys and, hence, lead to raised levels of creatinine in the body. Such medications pose a risk and should be taken with caution.
• Intense Physical Activities: Energetic activity and excessive exertion of muscle cause structural muscle breakdown and may cause an increase in creatinine levels.

Signs and Symptoms of High Kidney Creatinine

High levels of creatinine, for example, are a sign that the kidneys are not filtering waste products as they should. In the early stages, not much may be apparent, but as the kidneys continue to deteriorate, some telltale signs start to emerge.

The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue/Weakness: The buildup of waste products in the body makes a person tired with little energy to do anything.
• Swelling (Oedema): The kidneys’ inability to function properly makes the body retain water, which causes swelling in the legs, ankles, hands, and face.
• Changes in Urination: Increased urination, decreased amount of urine, and the presence of foam and dark colours in the urine are some of the telltale signs of kidney disease.
• Shortness of Breath: The inability of the kidneys to function properly causes the body to retain water, which makes a person short of breath.
• Nausea/Loss of Appetite: The buildup of waste products in the bloodstream causes nausea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite.
• Muscle Cramps: The kidneys’ inability to function properly causes electrolyte imbalances, which lead to muscle cramps.

Diagnosis of High Kidney Creatinine

High levels of creatinine can be detected through blood and urine tests, which will reflect how well your kidneys are functioning and will also allow you to identify any problems early enough. However, you must get an accurate diagnosis so that no more harm is caused.

Here are the major ways that doctors diagnose kidney disease:

• Serum Creatinine Test: This test is used to determine the creatinine levels in the blood. The results will show that you have problems with your kidneys when you have high levels of creatinine in your blood.
• eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): This test will determine how well your kidneys are functioning and will also tell you what stage you have reached regarding kidney disease.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test: This test will determine the levels of urea in your blood, which will also reflect how well your kidneys are functioning.
• Urine Tests: These can also be used to determine kidney disease by analysing urine samples.
• Imaging Tests: These can also be used to determine kidney problems by undertaking ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans.
• Medical History and Physical Exam: Doctors will also examine your medical history, including any diseases you may have, like diabetes or high blood pressure, which can also cause high levels of creatinine in your blood.

Risks & Complications of High Kidney Creatinine

High levels of creatinine are a warning that the kidneys are not working as well as they should. This can cause serious health issues if left unaddressed, affecting different areas of the body. Some factors increase the likelihood of a person experiencing high levels of creatinine, and the complications that come with it can be far-reaching.

Here are the major risks and complications associated with high levels of creatinine in the body:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): High levels of creatinine over a long period may be a warning that the kidneys have suffered irreversible damage.
• Diabetes and Hypertension: These two conditions, if left uncontrolled, may cause irreversible kidney damage and, in turn, increase levels of creatinine.
• Dehydration: Severe dehydration may cause the kidneys to slow down their filtering activities, hence the increase in the levels of creatinine.
• Heart Disease: When the kidneys do not work as well as they should, the heart may be negatively impacted, and this may cause heart-related complications.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: When the kidneys do not work well, the levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium may be severely imbalanced, leading to complications such as cramps, weakness, and irregular heartbeats.
• Swelling and Fluid Retention in the Feet, Ankles, Hands, and Face (Oedema): When the kidneys do not work as well as they should, the body may experience excessive fluid retention, leading to swelling in different body areas.
• Urinary Tract Obstruction and Kidney Stones: When the kidneys are obstructed, the levels of creatinine may be severely impacted, and the person may be at a higher risk of contracting a kidney infection.
• Complications During Pregnancy: High creatinine in pregnant women may indicate preeclampsia or kidney stress, requiring close monitoring.

Understanding Creatinine - The Ayurvedic and Scientific Perspective

Ayurvedic solutions are indeed a natural way of maintaining healthy kidneys. It is vital, however, to understand the use of these solutions in the right context. It has been noted that when the creatinine level in the blood increases, it means that the kidneys are not functioning well. This cannot be changed through the use of natural products.

The Relationship Between Symptoms and Lab Results

It is normal for people to confuse their symptoms with the lab results. The relationship between symptoms and lab results can be stated as follows:

• The symptoms that you notice: The symptoms that a person notices when they are suffering from an increased level of creatinine in their blood include fatigue, swelling of the ankles and face, low urine output, and nausea.
• The lab tests that reveal the truth: The creatinine level in the blood, along with the eGFR and BUN levels, gives a precise idea of the way in which the kidneys are functioning. It has been noted that in some cases, the level of creatinine increases before the symptoms appear.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Kidney Creatinine

Ayurveda has a long history of using herbs and applications to improve kidney function and maintain creatinine levels. There are the following Ayurvedic herbs that are known to support kidney health:

• Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): A natural diuretic that reduces fluid accumulation in the body and helps detoxify the kidneys.
• Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): It assists in the blockage of the kidneys and contributes to bladder health.
• Palash (Butea monosperma): It is also recognised for enhancing blood purity while suppressing kidney activity.
• Triphala: The power of the three fruits works to detoxify the kidneys, thus promoting good kidney health.
• Ashwagandha: It increases the body's immunity and protects the kidneys from oxidative injury and stress.

Panchakarma & Therapeutic Practices

Certain Ayurvedic therapies may also aid in cleansing and rejuvenating the body and its functions.

• Detoxification Therapies: Panchakarma therapies may aid in the elimination of all the toxins (Ama) accumulated in the body, which may further impact kidney and metabolic functions.
• Abhyanga (Herbal Oil Massage): This therapy may aid in improving blood circulation and overall body balance, ensuring proper body functioning and efficient metabolism.
• Supportive Therapies: Certain therapies may also aid in strengthening internal body organs and the natural healing process of the body.

Lifestyle Changes For The Prevention Of Kidney Creatinine

Healthy lifestyle habits are also essential for the proper functioning of the kidneys and overall body health.

• Healthy Daily Routine: A healthy and balanced routine may also aid in proper metabolism and overall body health.
• Physical Exercises: Regular exercise may also aid in proper blood circulation and metabolism.
• Avoiding Unhealthy Habits: Avoiding the consumption of alcohol and other unhealthy habits, such as smoking, may also aid in the proper functioning of the kidneys.

When To Seek Urgent Medical Care?

Seek urgent medical care if you experience the following symptoms in the body:

• You experience severe shortness of breath or chest discomfort
• You have confusion, extreme drowsiness, or altered mental state
• You experience little to no urine output over several hours
• You have rapidly worsening swelling in the legs, ankles, or face
• You have persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down

Conclusion

High creatinine is simply a warning sign that your kidneys are overworked and struggling to filter out waste. But there is no need to panic! With the right Ayurvedic herbs, a clean, healthy diet, and simple lifestyle changes, you can naturally support your kidneys and help them heal. Just make sure to talk to an Ayurvedic expert right away to get a proper diet plan and protect your kidneys before the problem gets worse.

References

Effect of creatine supplementation on kidney function: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC 

Creatinine Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test