Do you often feel dehydrated or fatigued? Do you feel difficult to take breaths at times? Then you might be suffering from low levels of creatinine, which is a waste product that comes from muscle metabolism. This condition, if not treated in time, can result in dangerous consequences.

However, any condition can be averted if you know the causes and its remedies. That is what this post is precisely about. Are you interested in knowing more? Keep reading.

Creatinine – An Overview:

As already discussed, creatinine is the waste product that comes from the metabolism of muscles. It is eliminated from the body with the help of well-functioning kidneys. Over time, the levels of this waste product in the bloodstream and the body get stabilized (1). Low levels of creatinine do not always mean that the causes are harmful. However, it may be an indication of the presence of a condition that is serious and requires immediate medical attention. Low creatinine levels may be caused by a range of different factors.

Causes Of Low Levels Of Creatinine:

People who have myasthenia gravis or muscular dystrophy have lower levels of creatinine than others. Additionally, disabilities that limit movements can also reduce muscle mass. Here is a look at some of the causes of low creatinine levels:

1. Liver Problems:

The liver has an effect on the production of creatinine. Therefore, if your liver is not healthy, it could cause a decrease in the levels of creatinine in your body (2). Kidney problems like fatty liver disease and hepatitis lower creatinine levels. If you experience any symptoms of these illnesses, you should consult a doctor right away.

2. Age:

The age of a person plays a role in the decrease of creatinine levels. This is because muscle mass gets reduced with age. Creatinine levels also decrease as a person ages; this is because of lower basal metabolism (3). With age, the metabolic activities in the body get reduced due to changes in the hormonal concentrations. According to research, every 10 years, the total body mass gets lowered by 10 pounds, thereby resulting in low serum concentration of creatinine.

3. Low Muscle Mass:

Myasthenia gravis and other degenerative muscular conditions, acquired or inherent muscular dystrophies, as well as other similar problems that alter muscle metabolism can cause less muscle mass. Levels of serum creatinine reflect total muscle mass, and a persistent reduction indicates a localized or systemic problem of muscle metabolism that is defective.

4. Protein Deficiency:

Another common cause of low creatinine levels is protein deficiency. Creatinine production occurs with the breaking down and metabolism of proteins or nitrogenous compounds in the body. A low level of creatinine is an indication of a diet that is low in proteins, which in turn causes inadequate production of creatinine and nitrogenous wastes.

5. Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, levels of serum creatinine are lowered during the second trimester due to high volumes of plasma that contribute to the dilution of creatinine in the blood. Also, because of high plasma volumes, the rate of glomerular filtration goes up, which means that more blood is filtered by the kidneys and more creatinine is excreted. No treatment is required as levels of serum creatinine will become normal again after delivery.

Remedies For Low Levels Of Creatinine:

You can increase creatinine levels in your body by making a few lifestyle changes and using natural remedies. Here is a look at how you can achieve this:

1. Avoid Alcohol:

Abstaining from alcoholic beverages is important when your body has low creatinine levels. This is because alcohol has an effect on the kidneys’ creatinine-filtration process in the blood. When you abstain from alcohol, its effects on the kidneys are eliminated. As a result, the level of creatinine in the urine also increases.

2. Reduce Water Intake:

Drinking too much water can dilute creatinine in urine, which is why experts advise cutting back on water, especially 24 hours before you are required to produce a urine sample. When urine gets diluted, it lowers the creatinine amount per unit of urine (4). By reducing water intake, less urine is produced. However, the same amount of creatinine will be eliminated from the body by the kidneys, meaning that there is more creatinine per unit of urine.

3. Diet And Exercise:

Vigorous exercises can help increase creatinine levels in the body due to an increase in muscle mass. A proper diet is also important, especially if you suffer from kidney problems. It can improve kidney function, and this in turn boosts the creatinine amount in urine. What you eat does not directly affect creatinine levels, but it helps the kidneys to function properly – which is important when you want to increase creatinine levels in your body.

Apart from the tips mentioned above, you should also stop taking any medications that may be interfering with the kidneys’ ability to eliminate creatinine from the blood. There are certain medications that lower creatinine levels as they affect the central nervous system. Do remember to talk to your doctor before doing so. With a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, you can increase the levels of creatinine in your body.

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The post 5 Causes And 3 Remedies For Low Creatinine Levels appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE