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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

Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar, Nephrologist

Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar

Nephrologist

18 Years • MBBS, DNB, DM ( Nephrology)

Pune

Apollo Clinic, Viman Nagar, Pune

1210

1210

Dr. Deepesh V, Nephrologist

Dr. Deepesh V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS MD DNB

Bengaluru

Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru

1000

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

Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar, Nephrologist

Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar

Nephrologist

18 Years • MBBS, DNB, DM ( Nephrology)

Pune

Apollo Clinic, Viman Nagar, Pune

1210

1210

Dr. Deepesh V, Nephrologist

Dr. Deepesh V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS MD DNB

Bengaluru

Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru

1000

Consult Top Nephrology Doctors for Best Advice

Dr Gayatri Pegu, Nephrologist

Dr Gayatri Pegu

Nephrologist

15 Years • MD (General Medicine) DM(Nephrology)

Guwahati

Apollo Clinic Guwahati, Assam, Guwahati

900

Dr Madhav Desai, Nephrologist

Dr Madhav Desai

Nephrologist

22 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (Nephrology)

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

1000

Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar, Nephrologist

Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar

Nephrologist

18 Years • MBBS, DNB, DM ( Nephrology)

Pune

Apollo Clinic, Viman Nagar, Pune

1210

1210

Dr. Rajesh Pk, Nephrologist

Dr. Rajesh Pk

Nephrologist

15 Years • MBBS, MD, MRCP (UK), DM

Kannur

Apollo Clinic Kannur, Kannur

400

Dr. Deepesh V, Nephrologist

Dr. Deepesh V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS MD DNB

Bengaluru

Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru

1000

Consult Top Nephrology Doctors for Best Advice

Dr Gayatri Pegu, Nephrologist

Dr Gayatri Pegu

Nephrologist

15 Years • MD (General Medicine) DM(Nephrology)

Guwahati

Apollo Clinic Guwahati, Assam, Guwahati

900

Dr Madhav Desai, Nephrologist

Dr Madhav Desai

Nephrologist

22 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (Nephrology)

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

1000

Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar, Nephrologist

Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar

Nephrologist

18 Years • MBBS, DNB, DM ( Nephrology)

Pune

Apollo Clinic, Viman Nagar, Pune

1210

1210

Dr. Rajesh Pk, Nephrologist

Dr. Rajesh Pk

Nephrologist

15 Years • MBBS, MD, MRCP (UK), DM

Kannur

Apollo Clinic Kannur, Kannur

400

Dr. Deepesh V, Nephrologist

Dr. Deepesh V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS MD DNB

Bengaluru

Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru

1000

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