Understanding Urea and Creatinine levels
If your doctor tells you that the Urea and Creatinine levels in your blood are ‘high’, you could be at a potential risk of kidney disease. Persistently elevated levels of urea and creatinine indicate that there is some problem in the functioning of the kidneys. In such a case, you should immediately try out some useful home remedies for lowering these levels naturally.
To understand the significance of keeping the urea and creatinine levels ‘low’, you should first be aware of the fact that both Urea and Creatinine are ‘chemical waste products’ which are eliminated from the body by the kidneys in the form of urine. As such, if your kidneys are not functioning properly, the levels of urea and creatinine in the blood can remain high over a period of time; thereby indicating the need to lower these levels for good kidney health.
You should use home remedies to reduce creatinine level naturally if this level rises above ‘0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL’ in case of males; and ‘0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL’ in case of females. The mentioned levels are considered the ‘normal range’ of creatinine in blood; with the higher range for males resulting from more muscle mass as compared to females.
Similarly, you should use natural remedies to reduce urea level if it rises above the ‘normal range’ — that is, ‘7 to 20 mg/dL.’
Home remedies to reduce Urea and Creatinine levels naturally
There are several useful home remedies which can be extremely useful in bringing down the urea and creatinine levels. Some of the most effective remedies have been discussed below:
Increase the intake of Barley
Barley is one of the most effective natural remedies to reduce urea level. Since barley is a whole grain which is rich in fiber, barley flour can be substituted for wheat flour to bring down the level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Alternatively, barley water is also very beneficial because it has diuretic properties and is a natural kidney cleanser.
Add Cinnamon to your diet
The addition of cinnamon to your daily diet — in cereals, warm beverages, baked goods, and other foods — can also effectively regulate blood sugar levels, and check renal damage. Cinnamon works as a diuretic; and can increase kidney output as well as promote renal filtration ability.
Drink Corn silk tea
Corn silk also has the capability to remove excess creatinine, and reduce creatinine level naturally. Since it is also a natural diuretic, the consumption of corn silk tea three times a day can lead to an increase in urine output. To prepare the tea, two teaspoons of dried corn silk should be steeped in hot water for 10 minutes.
Drink more water to remain hydrated
To keep creatinine levels in check, increase your daily intake of water and other fluids. Since dehydration can lead to high creatinine levels, you should ideally consume at least eight glasses of water every day. More water intake results in more urine production, and thus lower levels of creatinine.
Eat a healthy ‘vegetarian’ diet
One of the most effective natural remedies for reducing the risk of kidney ailments is to eat a healthy vegetarian diet, because foods like meat have high ‘creatine’ which gets converted to creatinine. So for lower urea and creatinine levels, your diet should contain vegetables such as bitter gourd and cucumber; Vitamin C-rich foods like cauliflower, parsley, berries, etc.; as well as fresh and organic juices.
Substitute regular tea/coffee with Green tea
Green tea is a very beneficial herbal tea for lowering creatinine and to reduce urea level. A daily consumption of two 8-oz glasses of green tea can lead to an increase in urine production, and work as an excellent stimulant for the kidneys.
Restrict your activity level and sleep well
Creatinine levels can rise in blood after vigorous exercise because it leads to faster conversion of food into energy. So, to reduce creatinine level naturally, you should restrict your activity level, and substitute vigorous exercise with yoga, walking etc. Moreover, since lack of adequate sleep affects the ability of the kidneys to filter creatinine from the body effectively, it is important that you should get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
With the help of the above-mentioned home remedies, you can lower the urea and creatinine levels in blood naturally. In addition to these remedies, you should also avoid or limit the intake of certain foods, including high-sodium foods like processed foods with added salt; high-potassium foods like spinach, banana, beans, celery, and broccoli; and high-phosphorous foods like dairy products, fish, pork, pumpkin, nuts, squash, and soybeans.