Do You Need To Take Medicine For Kidney Disease With Low Creatinine? These 3 Situations Are Not That Simple!

Some kidney patients asked, if I have chronic kidney disease but my creatinine is normal, is my condition relatively safe? Can I not take medicine?

First, let's review the relevant knowledge of serum creatinine.

Click to Cistanche for kidney disease

Serum creatinine (Cr) is mainly the final product of creatine metabolism in skeletal muscle. It is a waste in the body. It is filtered by the glomerulus and excreted in the urine. The renal tubules basically do not reabsorb it. The amount of creatinine excreted in the urine of normal adults is relatively constant. Serum Cr detection is to measure the content of Cr in serum, and the test results are expressed in micromoles of Cr per liter of serum (μmol/L).

With increasing age, creatinine levels tend to increase, and different age groups have their own biological reference intervals.

Generally speaking, when blood creatinine exceeds the normal range, it is necessary to consider whether the patient has already developed renal failure.

For patients who have been confirmed to have chronic kidney disease, as long as blood creatinine has been in the normal range, it can be said to be relatively safe. However, in theory, all chronic kidney diseases have the risk of gradual progression; in practice, even very mild glomerular lesions or microlesions can lead to uremia in very few patients.

Therefore, treatment should not be determined solely based on whether the creatinine value is within the normal range. Several common conditions of the actual condition should also be considered, such as whether the condition is mainly hematuria or proteinuria, and whether it is accompanied by hypertension?

1. Normal creatinine, but high proteinuria

The urine protein of patients with kidney disease has remained high, which may be caused by lack of active treatment or poor treatment effect. Both of these conditions will increase the blood creatinine of patients with kidney disease. Even if the blood creatinine is normal, it will increase due to long-term damage to the kidneys caused by urine protein.

Therefore, if the amount of proteinuria is greater than 1 gram, it must be taken seriously and treated actively. Try to reduce the 24-hour urine protein to below 0.3-0.5 grams. Only in this way can kidney patients be relatively safe.

2. Normal creatinine, but high blood pressure

Whether it is renal hypertension secondary to chronic kidney disease or primary hypertension (which may also be complicated by hypertensive renal damage), blood creatinine can be kept low in the early stage, but in both cases, blood pressure needs to be lowered and controlled to meet the standard. The blood pressure control target is <130/80mmHg. Otherwise, hypertension will further damage the kidneys and other organs, which will also lead to increased creatinine.

In addition to blood pressure, increased blood sugar and hyperuricemia are also unsafe factors that affect blood creatinine. If blood creatinine exceeds the normal range, coupled with hypertension, hyperglycemia or hyperuricemia, the patient's condition is more dangerous. The more blood creatinine exceeds, the less safe the patient is. Active treatment such as lowering blood pressure can greatly improve the patient's safety factor.

3. Normal creatinine, hematuria with proteinuria/hypertension

If the patient simply has a little hematuria, without proteinuria, hypertension, or impaired renal function, it usually occurs in diseases such as urinary tract infection and kidney stones. At this time, the focus of treatment should be on anti-inflammatory treatment, rather than simply eliminating hematuria. Ordinary anti-inflammatory treatment is sufficient, and no kidney disease medication is given. But it is best to check at least every 3 months.

However, if hematuria, proteinuria, and hypertension occur at the same time, it means that renal function has been damaged and must be treated in time. Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor without delay.

How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?

Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.

Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.

Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of inflammation mandatory pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.

Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.

Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.

In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is particularly important in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.

In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.