Asanas for reducing creatinine in blood

(June 16, 2011)

I am suffering from IgA Nephropathy kidney disease and my creatinine level in the blood is 2.2 and its normal value is 1.3. Please help me to advice suitable yogasanas to reduce creatinine level in the blood.

Reducing Creatinine Levels

The kidneys are a pair of organs that perform an important detoxification process for the body. Blood is used in the human body to transport nutrition to various parts of the body. Blood is also used to remove waste products from these parts of the body. The kidneys filter some of the waste products out and pass them into the urinary bladder. Here, the waste along with excess water, mixes and is disposed of as urine. This normal process takes place throughout the day.

Creatinine is a substance found in the blood which results from the breakdown of muscular protein. When the muscular protein creatine is broken down it produces creatinine. When the level of creatinine is high in the blood, it means that the kidneys are not adequately filtering out this substance. Prolonged periods of high creatinine levels can cause kidney failure.

When an individual is diagnosed with high creatinine levels, some steps must be taken immediately to help this condition. There are certain home remedies that can be applied when one wishes to reduce creatinine levels. These remedies are therapeutic and will not solve the root cause of the problem, unless the root cause is based on bad eating and drinking habits. An individual who needs to be reducing creatinine levels should drink sufficient quantities of water. Water is important as it dilutes the blood to a certain extent. Water also dilutes the urine that is produced and makes the whole process of waste disposal less stressful for the body. An individual drinking plenty of water will urinate regularly. The color of the urine will also be lighter as its concentration is reduced vis-à-vis its water content.

An individual who is reducing creatinine levels can also avoid protein rich meals. High protein sources like red meat can be off the menu for the period of recovery until the doctor has confirmed that there is no problem in the body. An individual can also use diuretic drinks that can help with reducing creatinine levels. Diuretics are known to promote urination as they promote the production of urine. Certain drinks are known to act in this way. Cranberry juice and green tea are good examples of drinks that help with urine related problems. In both cases, the individual should consume unprocessed juice or tea.
When there is a medical background to creatinine levels, the individual must visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis of the condition.

Submitted by R J on June 16, 2011 at 01:09

What are creatinine levels?
Through the function of the kidneys and liver our body naturally creates creatine from amino acids. The blood cells carry creatine to the muscles for energy production. Creatinine is the by-product of creatine filtered by the kidney and excreted out of the body through the process of urination. The production of creatinine in our body takes place at a constant rate depending on our muscle mass, so long as the kidneys function efficiently. Creatinine levels in blood stay unchanged since our muscle mass remains fairly constant from day-to-day.

Creatinine levels maybe measured by simple tests conducted to verify the level of creatinine waste excreted from urine and stools. Normal creatinine levels may signify proper kidney function, while increased creatinine levels may denote kidney malfunction, kidney disease, or other factors related to lifestyle and diet. There maybe a link between elevated creatinine levels and medication. Certain drugs may cause high creatinine levels by interfering in the functioning of the kidneys. For instance, studies show a link between creatinine levels and metformin, which is a medication, used in the treatment of type II diabetes. If your creatinine levels are too high, you must consult your doctor before following any new medication. Ensure that you keep a list of all medication, dietary supplements, vitamins, mineral, or herbal medicines that you consume. Despite testing for normal creatinine levels, a new medication or mixing two medications may cause a spike in creatinine levels range.

Creatinine levels:
Normal, low, and too high. When measuring creatinine levels in blood, the normal range for adult males would read approximately 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dl). Creatinine levels in the normal range for adult females would read approximately 0.5 to 1.1 mg per dl.
Creatinine levels may read low for elderly individuals indicating diminishing muscle mass. Similarly, adults and children suffering from malnutrition or excess weight loss and individuals suffering from diminishing muscle mass due to chronic or severe illness may also show low creatinine levels. Creatinine levels in children may also depend on their muscle growth and development. Some children may show lower creatinine levels for their age, as the muscle mass growth takes time. Young children with developed muscles may show more creatinine in their blood than the normal range for their age.
High creatinine levels indicate the kidney’s inability to clear creatinine waste from the body. A creatinine level of above 2.0 mg in babies and above 10 mg in adults is a matter of concern. These high creatinine levels indicate kidney disease or severe kidney impairment. Your doctor may suggest a blood or urine tests for creatinine levels and even dialysis, in the case of very high levels.

In some cases, creatinine levels may also temporarily rise after individuals consume large amounts of meat or animal proteins.

Creatinine levels and kidney
An increase or decrease in creatinine levels also indicates the health of our kidneys. Lifestyle, diet, lack of exercise, unsuitable medication, and other disorders may result in elevated creatinine levels. Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension may also result in high creatinine levels and kidney disease. Prolonged smoking, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse may result in high creatinine levels and kidney failure. High creatinine levels may also indicate acute renal failure. Usually prerenal causes such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease may result in a complete shutdown of renal functions. An infection or allergy, urethral obstruction, organ hemorrhage, or prostate enlargement may all contribute to high creatinine levels and acute renal failure.

Testing for creatinine levels
Since it is the kidneys’ function to maintain creatinine levels, a high or low level of creatinine is a certain indicator of kidney dysfunction. Routine blood tests measure creatinine levels and can act as preventive measure in the case of kidney malfunction. A more effective measure involves testing how well creatinine is purged from your blood by the kidneys. Creatinine levels in urine samples or blood samples maybe collected to perform this test called creatinine clearance test.

Another test involves measuring the creatinine levels in blood and BUN (blood urea nitrogen). Your doctor may analyze your BUN to creatinine ratio to ascertain any creatinine level abnormalities indicating kidney dysfunction. Like creatinine, urea is also a waste product that is filtered by the liver and then excreted by the body. An elevation in the BUN to creatinine ratio allows your doctor to diagnose improper kidney function.

Creatinine levels maybe measured during standard urine drug tests. Athletes and other sports players may have to undergo urine drug tests. Manipulations may occur either intentionally by drinking excess water or accidentally due to addition of excess water to the sample. Your doctor may recommend eliminating any diuretic beverages, such as coffee and tea, 24 hours prior to the test. These may cause excess urination reducing creatinine levels in the urine. Shrinking muscle mass or pregnancy may also reduce creatinine level in the blood and urine tests.

How to reduce creatinine?
With exercise and diet, it is possible to reduce creatinine levels. You may also improve your creatinine levels by increasing the amount of fluids in the form of water and fruit or vegetable juices. However, remember that caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, sodas, and colas act as diuretics. Frequent urination may lead to dehydration, elevating your creatinine levels. Kidney infections and urinary tract diseases or obstructions may cause above normal creatinine levels. Consult your doctor immediately if you observe kidney infection or urinary tract infection. If reports suggest an increase in creatinine levels, talk to your doctor about various causes that may lead to such an increase.

If you suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes or run the risk of suffering from these diseases, you may have to take preventive steps to keep your creatinine levels in check.

Creatinine levels and exercise.
Moderate intensity exercises such as Yoga can help digestion, increase metabolism, and promote blood flow through your body. Specific yoga poses or asanas can help revitalize kidney and liver function, helping you to improve your creatinine levels. For individuals suffering from kidney infections, obstructions in the urinary tract, or elevated creatinine levels, yoga postures such as Ardh Matsendrasana (Half Spinal Twist), Marjarasana (Cat Cow Pose) and Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Square Pose) can help stimulate the abdominal organs while relieving stress and anxiety.

Pranayama (Breathing techniques) is an essential part of these yoga postures. Individuals suffering from hypertension or diabetes may observe increased creatinine levels. Performing yoga postures under a qualified professional can help these individuals control high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, thereby reducing creatinine levels.

Creatinine levels and diet.
To improve elevated creatinine levels, your doctor may recommend limiting animal protein such as red meat, pork, and poultry. While plant protein maybe eaten in moderation, you may have to limit excess beans and legumes to reduce creatinine levels. For individuals suffering from kidney disorders, limiting your protein intake reduces the stress on the kidneys to digest and filter creatinine.

Creatinine levels in cats and dogs may also see an increase due to age related diseases, organ failure or malfunction, medication, and common household toxins which affect organs such as the kidneys and liver. To improve creatinine levels in cats, you may have to alter their diet.
Creatinine levels in dogs may also be improved through diet, exercise, and timely checkups. Ensure that your animals consume quality pet food and monitor their fluid intake.

Submitted by A on June 15, 2011 at 01:10

Yoga to reduce creatinine in blood

IgA or immunoglobulin A is a protein which helps us fight infections. IgA nephropathy occurs when this protein settles down in the kidneys. This deposition over a period of time can cause the kidneys to leak blood and proteins in the urine. This is the possible reason why your creatinine levels are high. Before starting any form of exercises, medications or even yoga asanas it is very important to get an approval from your specialist. Try ardha matsendrasana or spinal twist for IgA kidney nephropathy.

Ardha matsendrasana or spinal twist – sit on a yoga mat with spine straight and feet together, legs outstretched. Raise your right leg and place it against outside of the left knee with soles firm on the floor. Stretch your left arm and place fingers on toes if right foot, place the right arm around the back of your waist in such a way that your palm rests on the left hip bone. This is the first stage of this asana, before proceeding to the next level please practice this pose correctly. Throughout the exercise your spine should be straight and head should be in the upwards direction. Do not slouch as this will not only spoil the look of this pose but will also decrease the benefits provided by this pose. So to keep a check on your posture this exercise can be performed in front of a mirror. After taking the position, take slow deep breaths from mouth holding the breaths for an instance. While exhaling first turn your head, then shoulders and then back towards your right. Remain in this position for as long as you feel comfortable, if you feel any kind of pain then you can immediately relax but gradually. When you want to release this position unwind slowly and relax completely.

Submitted by S M on June 18, 2008 at 08:01