What is Creatinine and How Does it Measure How Well the Kidneys are Working? | The Cooking Doc®

Have you ever had blood work done and wondered what Creatinine means on your results? One of the ways we doctors use to figure out how well the kidneys are functioning is a measure called Creatinine. In this week's video we are going to dive into this subject and talk about this measurement, why it is important and what can cause it to fluctuate (from diet, medications and supplements). Give it a watch and be sure to like, subscribe and comment.
Content Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:38 - Creatinine and the Kidneys
01:35 - Where Does Creatinine Come From?
02:17 - What Makes Creatinine Levels Go Up?
03:00 - Typical Creatinine Reading
03:35 - Muscle Mass and Creatinine
05:07 - Medications and Creatinine
05:47 - Creatine Supplement
06:23 - High Animal Protein Diet
07:33 - Conclusion
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Working as a kidney doctor, I found that my patients were often unaware of just how important diet and lifestyle were and how often they felt unsupported by generic advice to “eat healthy”.
The home cook in me hated hearing this, so I set out to find a better way. I began to combine my medical training and love of food, making videos of simple recipes that were based on science and packed with flavor. Instead of just saying “eat healthy” to my patients, I could give them the resources they needed to make a real difference in their health.
Kidney doctor, passionate home cook, and KZbin sensation Dr Blake Shusterman empowers people to proactively manage their health by stepping into the kitchen. The author of several cookbooks with over 100,000 KZbin subscribers, The Cooking Doc® believes anyone, at any age can transform their health with small changes that make a big difference. Based on science and packed with flavor, Dr. Blake’s simple recipes have inspired home cooks everywhere to change their diet, retrain their taste buds, and transform their health.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote health and wellness. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

[@tommillia7816]

Going for my kidney results Today. Wish me Luck... First tests ever in my life n am 42 year's of age..

[@kathyrobertson4493]

Aren’t you lucky!

[@zackgeldhof1206]

My husband has kidney failure. He had a THOUSAND times more creatinine than he should have! Needless to say we nearly lost him, but he's doing much better now! He's a chef and plans on making a Renal Diet cook book!

[@lindasanford8823]

L

[@lindasanford8823]

Let me know the name of his book I'll be his first customer

[@taylenator2023]

How did you help him? I might lose my dad soon due to his kidneys failing and I’m very scared

[@charlessavoie2367]

@@taylenator2023 NO MEAT, no chicken and no fish. Get protein from amaranth, quinoa, peanut butter. Be aware that peanut butter has no methionine but its available as a supplement.

[@charlessavoie2367]

Avoid heavy exercise.

[@vasanthakumar1490]

Thanks for explaining so nicely to be understood

[@ssktakk]

Lots of information simplified . Thanks

[@MrChambers91]

Very helpful easy to understand. Thank you

[@Pretty_butterfly166]

Great information, Doctor. Thanks

[@sivnair7014]

Excellent explanation. Thank you Doctor

[@mariavidal5364]

Great video! Super informative

[@tahirhussain4019]

Thanks doctor For helping public

[@janetblanc7658]

Brilliant Doctor, thank you

[@phurnandez1747]

Really nice video Doc thank you!

[@rayperez6214]

great video Dr !

[@essiepaz1177]

Thank you! I learned a lot!

[@aldenreach4329]

Very nice explanation now i know

[@Only60GamesPlayed]

My Mom was in stage 2 kidney failure due to Sickle-Beta Thalassemia! She recently died from acute liver failure 14 months shy of her 80th birthday. It was said that BLACKFOLK’S have a higher gfr due to genetics and supposedly our kidneys are different from every one else in world and we were more susceptible to kidney problems! Oddly though, BLACKFOLK’S kidneys are in high demand for renal transplantation in the world…or so it is said!

[@Mansmatters]

Very informative video

[@henryvaldez8117]

Thank you sir God bless you and yourFamily

[@RyanWilliams222]

This is a good video! I learned things from it that confused me before (e.g., the relationship between creatine and creatinine). Thank you!

[@johnely5050]

Thank you for a very informative video.

[@annjean8709]

Great video!👍🏽 Thank you for sharing.

[@natschooler]

This is a great video Doc.

[@musamehdiyevv]

Thank you

[@CarneGranada]

Thanks Doctor man

[@way2pradeep]

Very informative Content and I have a question, My father is a dibetic patient and having 6.5 creatinine level.. how we can help to reduce that level and recently his weight is lost significantly so that cause this high creatinine or what should be the reason

[@Shampak]

Hi Doc, my mother in law is suffering from a urine infections for nearly a year and after several antibiotics both Tablets and IV it is not getting better. She also has high creatinine, can unire infection cause creatinine to go high? I saw a few videos and no doctors mentioned about anything about Unine Infections which can go upto the kidneys. I'm from India, we have seen MDs, Nefrologists those who think it's happening due to the urine infection. I would really appreciate your take on this.

[@fractalife]

Thank you for explanation. One thing still I dont understand, a friend of mine just postpone the gym schedule because he had blood work done and got high Creatinine level, is high CK mean we should not excersice until it back to normal, or wait couple days?

[@kwajy08]

Thank you for your videos. Could you address the relationship between creatinine and GFR. Thank you Ben

[@thecookingdoc]

Great suggestion!

[@notpg13]

They both are connected high creatine will show low GFR

[@2007vwbeetle]

@@notpg13what about normal bun, creatinine 1.2 but GFR 58? Not dehydrated.

[@notpg13]

@@2007vwbeetle your GFR is a bit low for your Creatine to be in okay range. Normally a GFR of 60 or above is considered normal. But you may have to take it lower protein intake, increase water intake and incorporate more high fiber foods to get your GFR number higher.

[@stephaniecasey745]

Thank you for this video, informative

[@tarsala1995]

I'm doing sports whole my life and I did the blood test. It turned out that my cholesterol is high and creatinine is high but after analysis it turned out to be normal or even better than normal. High choresterol is bad mostly when triglicerides are also high. It's important to not look at measurements as independent from each other.

[@davidharrison8592]

When you say analysis, do you mean that you went to a kidney specialist?

[@flaveboss4029]

you are the best!

[@alissacook6937]

I am in nursing school and we have been learning about all of these lab values, but I was seeking additional information. Thank you so much for this video!

[@minervagonzales3787]

Loved your video & thank you, sir. What does PROTEIN (1+, 2+ or 3+), BLOOD, MUCUS ( ttru UA) & BUBBLES /FOAM in the urine ( appearance) signifies, other necessary blood works needed & the necessary treatment ?? THANK you so much for your COMPASSION. GOD BLESS!

[@HARAMEDIA]

hi doc am so tired because of creatinine level 1.5 and I have face lot problem! how to regulate to normal

[@williebarreto3248]

This is a very good video, my levels are high. This is due to being a bodybuilder also I are on pain medication. Doctor informed me when to not workout prior to bloodwork. This is to get a more accurate reading.

[@larshinkel7542]

my doc didn't tell me that. so I went to the bloodiest with a very sore body. my creatinin was at 714. I`m not shure what to do know. Weeks before the test I increase my protein intake and took creatine also( 2-3 gr a day) . I'm 54...maybe I should do a bit less of everything. My doc seems to have no Idea...

[@kerenjoy1867]

Very vivid explanation Thank you 😊

[@huntermcelveen6094]

My kidney doctor doesn't explain anything to me he just keeps increasing meds. He's frightening me.

[@notpg13]

Ask questions and if it continues find a new nephrologist. You have to be your own doctor too sometimes. Learn as much as you can

[@kenetiashackleford198]

Mine either I'm searching for another endocrinologist

[@dianesolowy8010]

My creatinine clearance is 57 & sometimes gone down to 37 should I be worried cause some people I’ve read are on dialysis at 10 level?

[@Shraken]

Interesting, my doctors PA told me to stop taking creatine because my creatinine levels were high (1.4 or 1.5 iirc). It's very frustrating to frequently hear opposing thoughts on medical issues and science. How are dummies like myself supposed to navigate this?

[@ruthselden8637]

This information was very helpful. Thank you for the video.

[@paulfoote2706]

Please explain how to interpret differences between GFR estimated by creatinine and by Cystatin C.

[@notpg13]

GFR and Creatinine are connected so if your Creatinine is high your GFR will be lower.

[@riyazraja2194]

I am using creatine monohydrate and have s.creatanine level 1.5 ..is it a concern for me....what should i do...can u help me out

[@beingroxy]

I saw a question that said that in renal dysfunction of older adults, the creatinine clearance levels would decrease? Is this correct?

[@mp3lwgm]

How can I self test for Creatinine?

[@MariAmmaSar]

At 3:13, pls include units of measure : 0.6-1.3 micrograms/ litre ?? Or micromoles/ litre??

[@jaysonsantillan316]

Thanks Cooking for the simplified information. Is hitting the gym still recommended to those have CKD Stage 3A? Hope you notice this comment. Cheers

[@bluepilledworld]

Same

[@elringogans8763]

My levels came back at 11.5 mg/dL, below normal. What does this mean??? I workout regularly and have muscle mass. Very toned upper body/arms.

[@randomhostonyourwifi9843]

Do you know if a high pH around 8.5 can affect the creatinine levels in urine (in vitro) over a period of 5 days?

[@tsayberdida7162]

Hi doc my creatinine level 0.93 and how to regulate a normal?.thanks doc

[@megmucklebones7538]

I was told anything over 2.00 was something to worry about, mine is at 1.20 - with an eGFR of 60. However, I was told I don't have CKD, as my other tests - blood, protein etc.. Came back normal. They say its because of muscle mass, that my creatinine is so high. So, I tested this. I didn't train for 2 weeks, and my Creatinine went down to 1.0, and my eGRF went up to 72. Furthermore, my levels have been consistent like this for 9 years - so there was no progression into CDK, still, it worries me that I have an eGRF of 60!!! So, I've been told - by others that use the gym, to do a Cystatin C test, this apparently bypasses the Creatinine side of things while still giving you a more accurate representation of the state of ones kidneys. Paying £130 for someone to come to my house, take bloods then go test and send me the results 5 days later! Fingers crossed. I don't want to have to stop training or lower meat intake! As a side note, when seeing the Neph in hospital, they did a test and I came back POSITIVE for pANCA !!! WTF, thats a horrible disease that effects approximately 15/1 million people. But again, I suffer with no symptoms - this was thought to be a reason for my low eGFR score. WTF.

[@JamezUK123]

How are you doing now? Going through something similar myself. My gfr is 70 with creatinine at 118 umol (slightly higher than normal) but my urea is also slightly high. I train most days and was supplementing with creatine but was told to stop. I have no other risk factors associated with ckd so I'm convinced it's to do with training/supps. I've also heard of the cystatin-c test, did you get your results? Is it worth doing and who did you go through?

[@megmucklebones7538]

@@JamezUK123 Hey James dude.. I'm doing OK. Basically, I did the Cystatin C test and it came back within the normal range, so I put the whole 2 years worth of kidney worrying to rest. None of my other tests came in bad apart from the eGRF, so fk it. It's only because we have more muscle mass than the average pie eaten sob 😂. I would personally recommend you getting the tests done. Mine cost me £150 in total. I went with Youth Revisited. 90 for the test, 10 for the doctor to view the results and 40 for the women to come round and take a blood sample. This has to be from the arm and not a tube. I will get this done once a year and still get check for blood and protien etc.. Good luck bud, your kidneys are fine 👍

[@JamezUK123]

@@megmucklebones7538 glad to hear everything came back ok and I'm sorry you've been through 2 years of stress unnecessarily! I find it bizarre that some GP's don't understand the relationship between creatine/high protein diets/working out in general and elevated kidney blood results! Definitely better safe than sorry though so I'll get the Cystatin C test ordered. Out of interest, did you get much sense out of the Nephrologist in relation to your training/supps? What was their advice? I only ask because I can see a referral coming my way and I'd rather go armed with knowledge and having made any changes to my diet etc

[@agentfalafel5059]

I have the same ' problem'. I train 6 days a week, my GFR is 66 hence creatinine is higher. I was told that the more lean mass you have, the higher creatinine. This test is not accurate for people who lift

[@JamezUK123]

@@agentfalafel5059 if you're worried about it I'd definitely recommend the Cystatin C test mentioned above. Mine came back completely normal. I also came off creatine for a month and low and behold, everything went back to normal and my eGFR is back to over 90.

[@tinaalbesa7929]

Hi Doc,mine is 0.2 is very low is bad for me? I'm 67 yrs.old thank you.

[@nebojsa1976]

Mine is 3.3. Microalbumin high and eGFR of 18. And intact parathyroid is sky high, like 600.

[@bijujoze4043]

Dr I have high URICACID and creatinine is in close to border, I heard red meat is not good for people with UA

[@Shahmeer36420]

Hey Doc.. love ur video m so tens about my mom she had critinine 2.0 she also a high bp patient... Her bp gose 220 by 130... Will u plz help me how can i cover my mom's critinine level?😢

[@user-xn6tb2vf5m]

How's ur mom now

[@MrLibranda]

Usually, doctors are too busy trying to get through the day's many patients and thus will have quite a short time available for discussion with the patient.

[@richardeidemiller6739]

Too many scheduled in a day and many don't keep up with current findings. The kickbacks from drug companies is a very lucrative business. Vicki

[@mujunimoses7076]

Just got creatinine levels of 0.4mmol/24hr for my 14 year old son is that too low to panic please i need some help to understand

[@gaillambert1729]

Is it good to take a milkshake containing creatine for atrophy muscle. Thank you

[@susilaranikambhampati1287]

what about diabetics effecting kiddies?

[@kirkgray31]

great video, what if someone has normal creatinine like 1.21 (gym goer) but there egfr is 80….google doesn’t show a lot on this . Normal is above 60 but google says that it is kidney disease

[@duvalcampbell5796]

My creatinine level is 134 is that a good range?

[@darlenemscott]

I have never had high levels but it has recently been flagged as low. There are no videos on low levels. Should people with low levels supplement while working to build muscle?

[@notpg13]

Ask your kidney doctor and see what they suggest. They may suggest more red meat

[@yvonneang2724]

I have a Kidney Disease with Creatinine and Amyloid

[@NgaNguyen-pz4pm]

I have 1772 high on my creatinine but my kidneys test is normal I’m not sure how to get creatinine lower

[@Anon.5216]

My creatinne has gone up and I don't eat more than 4oz red meat 3 times a week. U never mentioned foods apart from red meat which also raise creatinine. As for being a cooking doctor where are ur tips on food or recipes?

[@Sarahdrybones]

I think that's too much.

[@realist8967]

Just not working out a few days can lower levels.

[@claudiacampion9148]

Please address any special care for those of us with only one kidney.

[@YOUNGESTEZE1]

You can eat everything with one healthy kidney. But know to red meat

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

I am a backpacker. My concern is Rhabdomyolysis. It is (relatively speaking) common among hikers and trail runners due to the levels of continuous exertion with regular spikes in effort. Any thoughts about prevention?

[@rockybalboa768]

Don't take statins or any cholesterol lowering drug.

[@123gwilco]

I was diagnosed with stage 3b disease. My creatinine got as high as 1.8. A student of mine , who is an endocrinologist learning English and lives in Brazil, told me I should be on a drug like Farxiga. I have been on this drug for about a year now and recently my creatine was measured at 1.32! Do I still have kidney disease or is my CKD being reversed. I read that this drug can STOP or SLOW the progression of CKD. Please explain what is going on and am I getting better. ALSO, I recently loss about 50 pounds because I have a lap-band on my stomach.

[@robertolson7304]

Reversed? 😂. It doesnt ever heal. Its broke for good.

[@notpg13]

Ask your nephrologist doctor to be sure.

[@nadersherif5742]

You should look into taking sodium bicarbonate

[@hardeepkogar]

Dr.what about people with one functional kidney?

[@mattasrinivasmohan5808]

Very informative video. Creatinine value is more important than GFR since GFR is calculated from the measured creatinine value.

[@nicholasgenovese2295]

My kidney count is 7.8 is that high? They keep saying that’s not really that high when I go to the hospital I live in New Mexico can you please answer me back thank you.

[@jessicadraper2535]

I’ve recently been diagnosed with kidney disease and the last 2 weeks been nauseous and have bad pain in my kidneys- I went to the doctor and got an ultrasound and bloodwork- he said my creatinine was high but told me it was probably dehydration- I wasn’t dehydrated! What can I do - i’m still nauseous every day and in pain from my kidneys- any suggestions would be greatly appreciated- thanks ❤

[@notpg13]

Drink more water, eat less meat, and add more fiber to your diet

[@Mustufaaboabdallah]

​@nur-ej1uthow are you now? DO YOU GOOD

[@Mustufaaboabdallah]

​@nur-ej1ut my mother his creatinine high

[@levivandoorn7973]

i recently got a blood test and had high creatinine levels and elevated ( slightly above normal ) kidney function, wondering if it's because i take 5G of creatine a day for strength training, is it safe to continue? I am 92KG male

[@notpg13]

Yes I believe its the creatine you take. Stop taking so much creatine if your creatinine is already too high that's the best advice I can give you.

[@michaelblodgett4704]

​@@notpg13I'm guessing that you are not a medical professional.

[@notpg13]

@@michaelblodgett4704 no, I am just a kidney health coach and a kidney expert who has dealt with kidney disease for over 7 yrs. 😊

[@lorddavid5785]

I saw foam in my urine. I had itching all over my body and my ankles were swollen a little. My doctor prescribed a KFT. My blood Urea came 27.3 mg/dl and my creatinine came 0.97 mg/dl. My problems aren't due to the kidneys not working, are they?

[@rm-dc6tx]

Would have been much more helpful to give actual #'s and how to analyze the results..

[@goldieleyva3002]

what about if your kidney has shrunk? One of my kidneys has shrunk down by over half it's size.

[@notpg13]

You need to go see a kidney doctor immediately

[@goldieleyva3002]

@@notpg13 I seen a kidney dr. That's how I know it shrunk. But the same dr said there is nothing he can do for me. Kidney disease can't be stopped. He wasn't much help at all.

[@notpg13]

@goldieleyva3002 he is right but your diet and drinking water is what matters most. I'd recommend do a high fiber and mostly plant based diet for maximum results. Also try walking everyday for 30 minutes

[@goldieleyva3002]

@@notpg13 Thank you so much. I'm going shopping and make some changes.

[@phreedomphile]

With rare exceptions, meat does not harm kidneys nor does it (and saturated fat) cause heart disease. This has been verified and reported in numerous studies published in high profile medical journals. The main problem we face is the overconsumption of processed foods, to include seed oils, and the dramatic rise of insulin resistance. Please do some in-depth research "Cooking Doc".

[@aminah761]

😂😂

[@notpg13]

If you're kidneys are already impared meat does impact your kidneys.

[@phreedomphile]

@@notpg13 The cautious approach for those with renal impairment is to focus on high fat meats for a ketogenic strategy with minimal protein level need met. It's the total protein absorbed that needs to be monitored in CKD. Plant protein is poorly absorbed, typically less than 50%.

[@bscsmscs1578]

this is a PROVEN FACT: High dietary protein intake can cause intraglomerular hypertension, which may result in kidney hyperfiltration, glomerular injury, and proteinuria. It is possible that long-term high protein intake may lead to de novo CKD

[@user-ft1rs1nm7h]

Gulamsulacha varan❤❤❤

[@helenefrancis2226]

This will help explain to my honey. ❤

[@docfaustus6303]

OK what the good and the bad numbers What the stage one numbers etc?

[@shaikhabdussamad3768]

EGF?

[@saleemqurashi8681]

Regards PAKISTAN Multan UC 13 best wishes

[@asabormabel6075]

Thanks,, My creactinne is 0.91 is it high, or danger?

[@fallback8314]

mine was like 1.2 in nov 2016 and 0.95 when i tested it again in june 2021

[@charleshammer2928]

Normal

[@matovushalom1358]

@@fallback8314 please can creatinine of 1.27 cause upper back pain?

[@fallback8314]

@@matovushalom1358 i don't see how. 1.27 isn't that bad. start drinking a lot of water now.

[@meenakshiaggarwal7731]

​@@fallback8314 did u check in between

[@TheShubLub]

Thought that said creatine lol!

[@user-yv8iv7tm5s]

my father had a 122.8 of creatinine..is that normal

[@captainsmate5770]

I'm at 128..is that high?

[@brianormonde2175]

What about being overweight? My doctor told me if I lose 15 - 20 lbs, my numbers should improve.

[@aminah761]

Me too

[@dougking4377]

animal protein basically red meat? what about chicken or fish effecting levels?

[@ilsewenzel9424]

My Creatinine was 2.46. Your comment please. I am on a whole food, plant based diet with no meat and limited liquid (40 oz) I also used very very little salt. I have lost 31 lbs since April

[@DetroitHomeInspector]

Saw your post on the kidney vids. Why are you drinking so little water?

[@fallback8314]

@@DetroitHomeInspector how exactly does water help the kidneys?? it's blood that's being cleaned by the kidneys not water

[@jsc5423]

​@@DetroitHomeInspectorI agree because we need to keep hydrated. It can affect the kidneys if dehydrated

[@saleemqurashi8681]

Giude how to Reduce this level age 76 y

[@cmyoung14]

Just one comment. It's not Physician's Assistant. It's Physician Assistant. Might seem minor, but a lot of PAs get really worked up over this.

[@Yourpleasure721]

✌🏾

[@richardeidemiller6739]

Why are different facilities ranges different? Mine is normal from .50-1.10. I am 1.10. You said .60-1.3. I would feel a bit more comfortable with my level in your range 😁 GFR 58. Vicki

[@2007vwbeetle]

Is GFR of 58 ok with creatinine in the normal range?

[@marysinclair1214]

I wonder if that's why my creatinine is low I'm a vegetarian.

[@charlottelock3375]

Someone please help! My eGFR level was 51 in March and no one contacted me. 3 weeks ago it was 42 it’s now 38. My blood levels are all fine. Urine sample is being done Tuesday. I’m not diabetic or high blood pressure. Is there anything else that could rapidly cause this decline? I am so scared. I can’t stop crying I’m only 29 and I feel like I won’t even see the new year.

[@user-bo7zj5qn3m]

Please go and see a nephologist

[@nadersherif5742]

Did you ever get any answers? I don’t have any health issues at all and my GFR dropped from the 90s to 65 which is very concerning but no clue why as everything else is good.

[@charlottelock3375]

@@nadersherif5742 nope they don’t know why. It’s made my health really bad and I can hardly sleep. It went from 38 to 47 to 54 to 51 and now 49 so it’s very up and down. Protein and blood in urine, blood tests 98% normal. Discussion in December of biopsy which should of been done in September!

[@charlottelock3375]

@@user-bo7zj5qn3m been seeing one since 8th September

[@nadersherif5742]

@@charlottelock3375 I’m so sorry to hear this. I can’t imagine how frustrating it is when you can’t figure out why! I hope you figure it out 🙏

[@user-xy7sq6oz2p]

Mine low and I’m young

[@guilene6]

And what if my levels are low for the first time! I am 60 and for 10 years vegetarian!

[@donaldryerson5212]

One thing that no one seems to talk about is only having one kidney..and its effects on measurements..

[@paulpacini]

I'm 37 years old. Urea 120 mg/dl. Creatinine 6.60 mg/dl. Uric Acid 8.44 mg/dl. Meaning?

[@wchacon09]

0.65 creatinine is normal?

[@notpg13]

That is a great number

[@read2gainknowledge]

What does it mean when the doctor tells you 115 when you're mentioning 0.6 to 1.3?

[@pramilakumari1021]

It is protine to Creatinine ratio

[@tonimcdaniel9110]

W