How to Lower CPK Levels Naturally and Safely

How to Lower CPK Levels Naturally and Safely

Creatine kinase (CK or formerly CPK) is an enzyme found in various muscles and organs throughout the body, such as striated muscles, the brain, and the heart. It plays an important role in metabolism, but when its level is high, it may indicate that you have a nerve or muscle (or neuromuscular) disease. By lowering your CK levels, you should reduce your risk of developing heart, muscle, and other neuromuscular problems.

Use natural remedies


 Foods that lower cholesterol also help prevent heart disease. Heart disease is one of the most common reasons for high CK levels, so keeping your heart healthy will keep your CK levels low.
  • Try Red Yeast Rice (a Chinese remedy): By consuming a moderate amount of red yeast rice in your daily diet, you will keep your cholesterol levels at a normal level.
  • Eat walnuts and almonds :  Eating these nuts daily is believed to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.
  • Eat two to three artichokes a week: Artichoke leaf extract helps your body process and release cholesterol, which helps lower cholesterol levels.
  • Eat foods rich in soluble fiber: Foods like oats , vegetables, prunes, apples, carrots , and broccoli prevent your intestine from absorbing too much cholesterol. Eating 10g of fiber-rich foods every day can lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by 5%.

Eat more garlic . Garlic has long been known to promote heart health. It is also known to lower cholesterol, which prevents clogged arteries. Garlic contains allicin, which helps control and treat many ailments.
  • You can eat up to one clove of garlic per day. If eating garlic isn't really your cup of tea, you can also take garlic supplements sold at pharmacies.

 Gingko biloba is a plant known for its properties that help the heart function normally. In particular, Gingko biloba helps cleanse the arteries of the heart, preventing them from becoming clogged and causing heart problems.
  • You can get them in health food stores, drugstores and pharmacies.

 This herb has antioxidant properties and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol while also helping treat thyroid problems. These all lead to elevated CK levels.
  • You can add one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder in milk and drink it every night before going to bed.

 This vitamin is an antioxidant known to help keep your immune system functioning properly. It also plays a role in keeping your heart healthy. A healthy heart means low CK levels. Aim to get at least 45 mg of vitamin C per day .
  • You can take vitamin C through dietary supplements or eat foods like oranges, lemons, and strawberries.

Take vitamin A supplements or eat sweet potatoes . Like vitamin C, vitamin A plays a role in keeping your heart healthy. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, so eat them often. You can also take vitamin A supplements or multivitamins that contain a daily dose of vitamin A.

 Magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps or spasms that elevate CK levels. Try taking 50g of magnesium daily, either through a dietary supplement or by eating magnesium-rich foods like pumpkin , bananas, beets , spinach , and other leafy vegetables.


Drink more green tea . Green tea is very beneficial for health, the most important benefit for someone trying to lower their CK levels is that green tea is very effective in lowering cholesterol levels. A study done in Brazil showed that people who took green tea capsules every day had a 4.5% reduction in their cholesterol levels.
  • You can take green tea extract capsules or drink one to two cups of green tea daily.

Change your diet

 The Mediterranean diet is known for its heart-healthy foods that also build muscle. It involves eating five small meals a day instead of three large meals. It also relies on using olive oil instead of butter, as olive oil is made up of monounsaturated fats (aka good fats ).
  • Meals are typically made up of lean proteins such as fish, grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
  • The diet also calls for reducing the amount of fatty meat and carbohydrates you eat each day.

  1.  Don't be fooled by the term fatty acids . Omega-3s and omega-6s are essential fatty acids for a healthy body. These two nutrients work together to promote muscle health. When your muscles are strong and you exercise, they can better withstand the stress and your CK levels won't be as high.
    • Omega 3s are found in fish such as sardines , anchovies and salmon , but also in eggs , milk, dairy products, flax seeds and nuts.
    • Omega 6 is found in eggs, avocados , nuts, whole grain bread and most vegetable oils.
 As mentioned earlier, blood pressure and heart disease can raise CK levels. You can lower your blood pressure by limiting your daily salt intake to 1,500 mg per day. Fatty foods are generally high in salt, but they are also often responsible for obesity, which can lead to serious heart problems. Try to eat low-fat or fat-free products to maintain a healthy weight and a healthy heart.
  • Eat low-fat or fat-free products like skim milk, 0% fat yogurts, and cheese.
  • Avoid very fatty foods like butter, sauces and bacon.

 Increasing your muscle mass can also raise your blood CK levels. And since a high-protein diet can increase muscle mass, it's best not to do so. However, don't eliminate all protein from your diet. If you eliminate all sources of protein, it can lead to muscle wasting since the body will get the protein it needs from the muscles. Muscle wasting can lead to muscle breakdown, which can then raise your CPK levels .
  • Foods rich in protein include: beef , pork , chicken , turkey , fish , cheese , eggs, tofu , beans , milk, yogurt , nuts and seeds.
  • The recommended daily protein intake for adults aged 19 to 70 is 46g for women and 56g for men. Adolescents need 46g for girls and 52g for boys.


 Another reason CK levels can rise is alcohol. This is especially true after getting drunk. Alcohol raises CK levels by affecting muscle tissue. After drinking alcohol, muscle tissue is put under stress because it is exposed to a high amount of alcohol in the body.

Pay attention to the intensity of physical activities


 High CK levels can be linked to very intense physical activity. Another common cause of high CK levels is intense physical activity. Any form of activity ( aerobics , stretching , or lifting weights ) can cause elevated CK levels in your blood, as you are exercising your muscles and increasing your metabolism.
  • Weight lifting and downhill running are the activities that raise CK levels the most.
 Avoid strenuous exercise for five days before having your CK level tested. This type of exercise is often the cause of falsely elevated CK levels in patients having blood tests. Therefore, it is very important to avoid exercising for 5 days before your blood tests to avoid having a falsely elevated CK level

 Before any intense physical activity, remember to stretch your muscles well. Warming up your muscles , either by stretching them, or by doing a light jog or a little cycling, helps stretch the muscles to avoid injuries (even minor ones) before doing intense activities . Here's how to warm up properly.
  • Jogging or cycling a bit to gradually increase your heart rate can be a good warm-up.
  • Start your workout with light weights to increase blood circulation to your muscles before lifting heavier weights.

Lower your blood pressure by reducing stress . Stress can have a physical effect on your body, but it also increases your blood pressure. When your blood pressure rises, there's a good chance your CK levels will too. Therefore, it's important to stay relaxed   .
  • Try meditation or yoga . Both of these activities can help you relax by teaching you breathing techniques and helping you focus on the present rather than all the things that are bothering you.
  • Try passionflower, valerian, linden, and lemon balm. These are all calming herbs that will help you relax.

Avoid certain medications


 Statins are very effective drugs for lowering cholesterol. However, one of their side effects is rhabdomyolysis, or the breakdown of muscle tissue caused by inflammation. These drugs therefore lead to elevated CK levels. Examples of statins include  :
  • simvastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin.

 If you are taking any of the medications listed below, they may cause your CK levels to rise. Therefore, ask your doctor about other medications to treat your condition. Other medications that can increase CK levels include  :
  • amphotericin B (an antifungal)
  • ampicillin (an antibacterial)
  • certain anesthetics
  • blood thinners such as aspirin, heparin, and warfarin
  • dexamethasone (a steroid)
  • clofibrate (a cholesterol-lowering drug).
  • furosemide (a diuretic)
  • morphine (a painkiller)


 If you are taking any of the medications listed above and have high CK levels, it is best to try other medications. Ask your doctor for advice about changing your medication since your CK level is high.
  • If you cannot take other treatment, your doctor will work with you to find another way to lower your CK levels.

Advice

  • If you are concerned about your CK level and think it may indicate a heart problem, consult your doctor immediately.
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