Kidney health becomes increasingly important with age, and seeing a high creatinine result can understandably cause concern. Social-media posts sometimes claim that a special type of milk can “scrub kidney sludge clean” and dramatically lower creatinine within a few hours.
There is no proven milk that can clean clogged kidneys or crush creatinine in three hours. Creatinine is a waste product measured in the blood, and an elevated level can indicate reduced kidney filtration, although many factors can affect the result. It should not be treated with a homemade drink without finding the underlying cause.
The good news is that there are practical habits that can help protect kidney function.
1. Drink Fluids According to Your Needs
Adequate hydration is important for most people, but drinking enormous quantities of water or milk does not “flush” damaged kidneys.
For healthy adults, drink regularly throughout the day and respond to thirst. If a doctor has prescribed a fluid restriction because of kidney disease, heart failure, or another condition, follow that advice instead.
2. Be Careful With Excess Salt
A high-sodium diet can contribute to high blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for kidney disease.
Try reducing:
- Processed meats
- Instant noodles
- Packaged soups
- Salty snacks
- Fast food
- Very salty sauces
Instead, flavor meals with herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices.
3. Keep Blood Pressure Under Control
High blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels that filter blood inside the kidneys.
Checking your blood pressure regularly and taking prescribed medication consistently can be much more important for long-term kidney protection than any supposed “kidney cleanse.”
4. Control Blood Sugar
Diabetes is another major cause of chronic kidney disease.
If you have diabetes or elevated blood sugar, following your treatment plan and having appropriate kidney testing can help identify problems earlier.
5. Don’t Take Painkillers Excessively
Some commonly used pain medicines, particularly NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can affect kidney function, especially when used frequently or in people who already have kidney problems.
Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist which pain reliever is appropriate for you, particularly if you’ve been told that your kidney function is reduced.
6. Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet When Necessary
There isn’t one diet that’s appropriate for everyone with kidney disease.
Depending on kidney function and laboratory results, a healthcare professional may recommend adjustments to sodium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, or fluid intake.
This is why copying a “kidney cleanse” from social media can be counterproductive.
What About Milk?
See more on the next page
