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Creatinine Level 1.35: What It Means

Know what it means when creatinine levels are 1.35 mg/dL. Identify the symptoms, causes and learn how to reduce the creatinine levels naturally.

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Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu

Reviewed by Dr. M L Ezhilarasan MBBS

Last updated on 20th Aug, 2025

Creatinine Level

Introduction

If you’ve recently had a blood test and your creatinine level is 1.35 mg/dL, you might be wondering what this means for your health. Don’t worry—this article will help you understand what creatinine is, why it matters, and what steps you can take to keep your kidneys healthy.

What Is Creatinine?

Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal breakdown of muscles in your body. Your kidneys filter it out of your blood and remove it through urine. Measuring creatinine levels helps doctors assess how well your kidneys are working.

Normal Range:

  • Men: 0.7 – 1.3 mg/dL
  • Women: 0.6 – 1.1 mg/dL

A level of 1.35 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range, which could indicate mild kidney stress or other factors affecting kidney function.

What Does a Creatinine Level of 1.35 Mean?

A creatinine level of 1.35 mg/dL may suggest:

  • Early kidney dysfunction
    Your kidneys may not be filtering waste as efficiently as they should.
  • Dehydration
    Not drinking enough water can temporarily raise creatinine levels.
  • High protein intake
    Eating too much meat or protein supplements can increase creatinine levels.
  • Muscle mass 
    Athletes or very muscular individuals may naturally have higher creatinine.
  • Medications
    Some drugs (like certain antibiotics or painkillers) can affect kidney function.

While a slight elevation isn’t always alarming, it’s important to monitor it and discuss it with your doctor.

Symptoms to Watch For

If your kidneys aren’t working optimally, you might experience:

  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Swelling in feet, ankles, or face (oedema)
  • Changes in urination (foamy, dark, or less urine)
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea or loss of appetite

If you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor for further evaluation.

Possible Causes of High Creatinine

Several factors can contribute to elevated creatinine levels:

  • Kidney Disease
    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI) can impair filtration.
  • Dehydration
    Low fluid intake reduces kidney efficiency.
  • High-Protein Diet
    Excess protein increases creatinine production.
  • Strenuous Exercise
    Intense workouts can temporarily raise creatinine.
  • Certain Medications
    NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), some antibiotics, and blood pressure drugs may affect the kidneys.
  • Infections or Blockages
    UTIs or kidney stones can impact kidney function.

Consult Top Nephrology Doctors for Best Advice

How to Lower Creatinine Levels Naturally?

If your creatinine is slightly high, these lifestyle changes may help:

1. Stay Hydrated

  • Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
  • Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

2. Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Reduce salt 
Excess sodium strains the kidneys.

Limit protein
Cut back on red meat, eggs, and dairy if levels are high.

Eat more fibre
Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains support kidney health.

Avoid processed foods
They often contain hidden salts and additives.

3. Exercise Moderately

  • Avoid extreme workouts that increase muscle breakdown.
  • Opt for walking, yoga, or light cardio instead.

4. Manage Underlying Conditions

  • Control diabetes and high blood pressure, as they harm the kidneys over time.
  • Avoid unnecessary painkillers like NSAIDs

5. Herbal Support

  • Consult a Doctor First. Some natural remedies, like nettle leaf tea or cinnamon, may help, but check with your doctor before trying them.

When to See a Doctor?

If your creatinine level is 1.35 mg/dL, your doctor may recommend:

  • Repeat tests 
    To confirm if levels stay elevated.
  • Urine tests
    To check for protein or other abnormalities.
  • Kidney function tests (eGFR)
    Measures how well your kidneys filter waste.
  • Ultrasound or scans
    If structural issues are suspected.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

  • Severe swelling
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Extreme fatigue or confusion

Can Apollo 24|7 Help?

If you’re concerned about your creatinine levels, Apollo 24|7 offers:

  • Online doctor consultations – Discuss your results with a nephrologist or general physician.
  • Home blood tests – Get kidney function tests done conveniently.
  • Personalised health plans – Receive guidance on diet and lifestyle changes.

You can easily book a consultation or lab test through the Apollo 24|7 app or website.

Final Thoughts

A creatinine level of 1.35 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not necessarily dangerous. It could be due to dehydration, diet, or early kidney changes. By staying hydrated, eating wisely, and monitoring your health, you can support your kidneys.

Consult Top Nephrology Doctors for Best Advice

Consult Top Nephrology Doctors for Best Advice

D. Akshay Zalavadiya, Nephrologist

D. Akshay Zalavadiya

Nephrologist

3 Years • MBBS, MD, DM Nephrology

Ahmedabad

Beacon kidney consult, Ahmedabad

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Siddharth Herur, Nephrologist

Dr. Siddharth Herur

Nephrologist

4 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Nephrology

Kurnool

Medicover hospital and Gurudatta poly clinic, Kurnool

300

Dr. Anantha Rao, Nephrologist

Dr. Anantha Rao

Nephrologist

7 Years • MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), DNB (Nephrology)

Kurnool

Aakash hospital and KIMS hospital, Kurnool

300

Dr. S Bipin Kumar, Nephrologist

Dr. S Bipin Kumar

Nephrologist

13 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM, Nephrology

Rajamahendravaram

SG KIDNEY CARE, Rajamahendravaram

875

500

Dr. Tanmay Mukherjee, Nephrologist

Dr. Tanmay Mukherjee

Nephrologist

13 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DNB (Nephrology)

Kolkata

Foresight Clinic and Diagnostic, Kolkata

1000

800

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Nephrology Doctors for Best Advice

D. Akshay Zalavadiya, Nephrologist

D. Akshay Zalavadiya

Nephrologist

3 Years • MBBS, MD, DM Nephrology

Ahmedabad

Beacon kidney consult, Ahmedabad

1000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Siddharth Herur, Nephrologist

Dr. Siddharth Herur

Nephrologist

4 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Nephrology

Kurnool

Medicover hospital and Gurudatta poly clinic, Kurnool

300

Dr. Anantha Rao, Nephrologist

Dr. Anantha Rao

Nephrologist

7 Years • MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), DNB (Nephrology)

Kurnool

Aakash hospital and KIMS hospital, Kurnool

300

Dr. S Bipin Kumar, Nephrologist

Dr. S Bipin Kumar

Nephrologist

13 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM, Nephrology

Rajamahendravaram

SG KIDNEY CARE, Rajamahendravaram

875

500

Dr. Tanmay Mukherjee, Nephrologist

Dr. Tanmay Mukherjee

Nephrologist

13 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DNB (Nephrology)

Kolkata

Foresight Clinic and Diagnostic, Kolkata

1000

800

No Booking Fees

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