Cystatin C Test: How to Improve Kidney Function and Prevent Kidney Disease

Cystatin C: Supercharging Your Kidney Health and LongevityKidneys are vital to longevity, and monitoring them early can prevent serious health problems. The Cystatin C test is a powerful tool for early detection of kidney disease, helping you take control of your health. Learn how to improve kidney function naturally, support your kidneys with the right foods, and avoid long-term complications.

TLDR: Cystatin C is a more reliable marker of kidney health and longevity than creatinine.

• Cystatin C is a more accurate indicator of kidney function than creatinine.
• High Cystatin C may signal early stages of kidney disease.
• The Cystatin C test is recommended annually or more frequently for at-risk individuals.
• How to improve kidney health: eat a kidney-healthy diet, stay active, and manage blood pressure.
• Reducing Cystatin C levels may help prevent kidney failure.

Why Kidney Function Matters: How to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Disease

Healthy kidneys are vital for:

• Filtering waste and toxins from your blood
• Regulating your blood pressure
• Synthesis of Vitamin D
• Production of red blood cells
• Balancing your body's electrolytes and fluids

As you age, your kidney function naturally declines, reducing their ability to filter effectively.

Moreover, diabetes and high blood pressure are major causes of kidney disease; Singapore ranks among the highest in the world for diabetes induced kidney failure.

It's essential to monitor your kidney health and take action to safeguard your future.

What is Cystatin C?

Cystatin C is produced at a constant rate by all nucleated cells in the body and filtered freely by the kidneys.

Cystatin C Is a Better Marker of Kidney Function Than Creatinine

Cystatin C is a more sensitive biomarker for detecting changes in kidney function compared to creatinine, the traditional marker.

How to Improve Kidney Function Naturally

There are many safe, effective ways to improve kidney function, especially when caught early. Here are top strategies:

• Follow a kidney-healthy diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and plant-based proteins.
• Drink plenty of water daily to support filtration and reduce toxins.
• Avoid processed foods, excess salt, and added sugars.
• Engage in regular physical activity to reduce kidney strain and lower blood pressure.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol to reduce kidney damage risk.

These natural approaches support healthy Cystatin C levels and may help prevent kidney failure over time.

Independent of Muscle Mass

For creatinine, lower muscle mass can falsely lower levels, while higher muscle mass can falsely indicate kidney disease.

Cystatin C is produced by all nucleated cells, so its levels are not affected by muscle mass or diet. This makes it ideal for monitoring kidney function in the athletic, elderly, obese or malnourished.

Creatinine, on the other hand, is influenced by factors like muscle mass, diet, and exercise, limiting its accuracy.

Earlier Detection of Kidney Decline

Cystatin C can spot declining kidney function at an earlier stage than creatinine, allowing for timely treatment and management.

According to studies, cystatin C is more sensitive for detecting mild to moderate kidney disease.

More Predictive of Other Health Risks

Some studies show that higher cystatin C levels are associated with greater risks of kidney disease progression, cardiovascular events and mortality.

Ideal Cystatin C Levels for Healthspan and Longevity

To optimize your kidney health and longevity, maintaining an ideal level of cystatin C is critical.

Ideal: 0.62-1.15 mg/dL

At this range, your kidney health is optimal, and filtering cystatin C from your blood at an ideal rate.

How Often You Should Test Cystatin C Levels

Annual Screening for Most Adults

For the general population of working adults interested in optimizing their kidney health and longevity, annual screening of cystatin C levels is recommended.

6-12 Months for At-Risk Groups

Certain individuals may require more frequent cystatin C testing, such as every 6-12 months.

This includes those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease.

Frequent testing in these at-risk groups allows for closer monitoring, slowing the progression of kidney damage through proactive treatment and management.

Testing in Response to Lifestyle or Health Changes

Major changes in diet, exercise, medication use, or health status may also warrant re-testing cystatin C levels.

For example, initiating a high-protein diet or supplement regimen could impact kidney function, as could taking certain medications like diuretics or ACE inhibitors.

On the other hand, losing a significant amount of weight or improving blood pressure control may benefit kidney health, which follow-up testing could confirm.

Mito Health's flagship package, priced at $399, offers testing for Cystatin C as well as 100+ other carefully curated biomarkers that allows for early detection of cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes and more. 

In addition to testing, you will receive:

• personalized health optimization plan from our doctors incorporating supplements, nutrition, exercise and sleep strategies
• discounted pricing for specialized additional tests
• access to exclusive health and longevity events.

Best Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Improve Kidney Function

Dietary Changes

The foods you eat can have a significant impact on your cystatin C levels and kidney health. A balanced diet low in sugar, salt, and red meat is recommended. Increase your intake of the following kidney-friendly foods:

• Plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, and nuts. These provide protein without the high amounts of phosphorus found in meat and dairy.
• Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants such as blueberries, cranberries, and leafy greens. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage in the kidneys.
• Healthy fats such as olive oil, flax seeds, and fatty fish. These provide anti-inflammatory effects and help reduce cholesterol buildup.
• Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Proper hydration is essential for kidney health and managing cystatin C levels.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise provides many benefits for kidney health and cystatin C optimization. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. Recommended exercises include:

• Walking, jogging, biking, and swimming. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the kidneys.
• Yoga or Tai Chi. Gentle stretches and balance exercises reduce stress and improve flexibility and strength.
• High intensity interval training (HIIT) 2-3 times a week. Short periods of intense exercise followed by recovery periods promote kidney health. Always check with your doctor before starting any intensive exercise program.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact your kidneys and cystatin C levels.

• Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling.
• Limit unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol or tobacco use, which further damage the kidneys.
• Getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies are other excellent ways to lower your stress levels.

Making long term changes to diet, exercise, and stress management are the keys to optimizing your cystatin C levels and supporting overall kidney health and longevity.

Conclusion

The Cystatin C test is a smart step toward early detection and prevention of kidney disease. When combined with lifestyle improvements, it can significantly help you increase kidney function, avoid complications, and enhance your overall health. If you’re wondering what can you do to improve kidney function, this is where to start.

At Mito Health, we specialize in advanced health diagnostics to test your Cystatin C levels (along with 100+ other biomarkers) - to form a science-based, personalized health plan to help you optimize your health. Sign up for our flagship package today to take control of your health and your future.