What Foods Should Be Avoided For High Creatinine Level

High creatinine is a major concern for kidney disease patients because it is commonly used in clinic to reflect renal functions and some doctors even use it as an indicator for beginning dialysis.

High creatinine is caused by renal dysfunction and there are many other metabolic wastes and toxins in the patients’ body besides creatinine like blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, etc. Many of the wasteful substances come from metabolism of what we eat, therefore it is necessary and important to have close monitoring of our daily foods so as to help reduce accumulation of creatinine and other wastes and toxins or at least prevent further increase of high creatinine level.

Meat products

Meats especially red meats such as beef, pork and lamb should be avoided if your creatinine is persistently higher than normal range. Though it is not the main source of creatinine, meats can produce certain amount of creatinine and add extra burdens to the kidneys.

High protein foods

Kidney disease patients should limit protein intake which plays vital role in slowing down illness progression so as to protect residual kidney functions and prevent further increase of creatinine. Daily intake of protein should be limited within 0.6-0.8g/kg.

Since the amount of protein is limited, high-quality proteins that contain all essential amino acids and produce less protein-related wastes should be preferred such as white meat, fish, milk, eggs, etc. But remember the amount should be limited.

Restaurant foods, fast foods, canned foods and highly processed foods

Fresh foods are better than canned foods and processed foods; home-cooked foods are better than fast foods and restaurant foods. Fast foods, restaurant foods and processed foods are usually heavily loaded with salt, fat, sugar and additives which is not good for kidney disease patients with high creatinine.

Foods that contain creatine

Creatinine is the metabolic waste of creatine from muscle metabolism, therefore high creatinine patients should avoid foods that contain creatine such as beef, salmon, herring, tuna, etc.

Besides, sweets, butter, white flour and caffeine-containing foods such as chocolate, coffee, strong tea should be avoided for high creatinine.