CreatinineUpdated 3 months ago

What is creatinine?
Creatinine is a waste product produced from muscle activity and protein digestion. It’s filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Measuring creatinine levels in the blood helps assess kidney function, as elevated levels can indicate kidney problems.

Why is creatinine important?

• Kidney function: High creatinine levels suggest impaired kidney function.
• Monitoring disease: Tracking creatinine levels helps monitor kidney disease progression.
• Treatment decisions: Accurate creatinine measurements guide treatment, such as the need for dialysis.

Understanding creatinine levels
Creatinine is measured in mg/dL in blood. Normal ranges are:

• Males: 0.70 to 1.30 mg/dL
• Females: 0.50 to 1.10 mg/dL
  Levels depend on factors like muscle mass and should be interpreted alongside other kidney tests like eGFR.

How to maintain optimal creatinine levels

• Diet: Reduce meat intake and increase high-fiber foods.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated to help the kidneys.
• Lifestyle: Avoid tobacco, limit sodium, and reduce use of NSAIDs to protect kidney health.

DISCLAIMER:

If you are concerned about your creatinine results always consult your physician.