What Diseases Are Linked To High Crp Levels
Your CRP levels provide information about the presence of inflammation and your risk of heart disease. However, your CRP blood test result does not indicate a specific disease, as inflammatory activity is common in many medical conditions.
As a standalone test, a CRP blood test is not enough to come up with an accurate diagnosis. Instead, your doctor may request additional tests to determine the definitive cause of the immune response.
Nonetheless, there are several conditions associated with inflammation and, in turn, high CRP levels. The most notable ones are the following:
The Best Foods For Lowering Crp
CRP stands for C-Reactive Protein. This is a type of protein thats made by the body to fight infections. When CRP levels are high, it can be a sign of inflammation. This can lead to inflammation in your body, and it can also cause chronic inflammation. This is considered to be a risk factor for diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimers disease, and even cancer. One of the best ways to keep CRP levels low is to make sure youre getting enough protein in your diet. To keep CRP levels down, try eating more of the following foods:poultry: Foods To Lower CRP: Best Foods For Lowering CRP: Foods to lower your CRP: Foods to Lower CRP Eggs Reducing CRP Eating eggs and fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, can help reduce CRP levels. The fatty acids in fish can help keep your immune system working properly and lower CRP levels. Soy protein can also help lower CRP levels. Soy protein is also a good source of the amino acid tryptophan, which can help lower levels of depression and stress. Chickpeas are also a good source of tryptophan, as well as magnesium and zinc. Magnesium and zinc are also important minerals for a healthy immune system.
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Addressing Your Risk Factors
A number of risk factors may contribute to CRP levels, and there may be benefits to taking steps to reduce your CRP levels. Treatment aimed at lowering CRP levels may reduce cardiovascular risk, but researchers are still working to understand these relationships.
Elevated CRP levels are almost always associated with other risk factors for heart disease, including:
Talk to your healthcare provider about your heart disease risk factors and what can be done to address them and your CRP levels.
This may involve habit changes, weight loss efforts, and/or medication.
Elevated CRP is associated with increased risk of heart disease. While it’s uncertain how much reducing CRP itself can help, elevated levels are a sign that you likely have other risk factors that need to be addressed with aggressive measures.
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Types Of Cancer And How They Differ
Overview and Terms to Know
The are more than 200 different types of cancer, each of which is grouped under a larger cancer category like carcinomas, myelomas, leukemias, and so forth. Because of this, simply learning that you or someone you know has cancer doesn’t tell you a whole lot. Cancer is not a single disease, and different types of cancers have different origins, treatments, and prognoses.
Some cancers are grouped based on the cell, tissue, or body region where they start. Others types of cancer are described by their genetic profile, tumor grade, or cancer stage. Learn all about them here.
How To Lower Your C Reactive Protein Levels
Life Extension Magazine®
Issue: May 2014
Once considered only a marker for inflammation, C-reactive protein now turns out to be a cause of inflammation and associated diseases. A simple CRP blood test can help lower ones risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Scientifically reviewed by: Michael A. Smith, MD, in June 2022. Written by: Susan Simmonds.
Have you had your CRP levels tested? You shouldbecause this simple blood test might just save your life.
C-reactive protein, or CRP, has long been used as a marker of inflammation in the body.1 High CRP levels are found in practically every known inflammatory state. Even if you have no symptoms of disease, elevated CRP levels may signal an increased risk for practically all degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and more.2-6
Now, it turns out that CRP is more than just a marker of inflammationit is also a cause of inflammation.7
Knowing your CRP status puts you in an enviable position. If it is elevated, you can take proactive steps to lower it, thereby slashing your risk of a long list of disorders related to chronic inflammation.
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Should I Be Concerned If My Crp Level Is Abnormal
If your CRP test results reveal that you have high levels of CRP, it doesnt necessarily mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment, especially if theyre only slightly elevated. Several factors, such as smoking, recent injury and certain health conditions, can raise your CRP levels. There couldve also been an error in the collection, transport or processing of the test.
If you have an abnormal result, your healthcare provider will discuss your results with you. They may order additional tests to determine the cause of your abnormal CRP levels.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Seeing an abnormal test result can be stressful. Know that having an elevated CRP level doesnt necessarily mean you have a medical condition and need treatment. Approximately 1 in 20 healthy people will have results outside of the normal range. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need to have further tests to determine the cause of the abnormal level. Dont be afraid to ask your provider questions. Theyre available to help you.
Normal Range Of Crp Found Among Men : 0
Ideal values of CRP depending on age :
| Age |
|---|
| 0.21426 |
*Ideal values are calculated based on our database of patient records
If you want your blood test report to be interpreted by CRP specialist, you can upload your report. Our CRP expert will provide you with the most accurate interpretation of your blood test results and treatment within 12 hours. Upload blood test report now
A video message on the treatment of your high CRP level
If you want your blood test report to be interpreted by CRP specialist, you can upload your report. Our CRP expert will provide you with the most accurate interpretation of your blood test results and treatment within 12 hours. Upload blood test report now
Some examples of conditions that increase or decrease CRP levels include:
- Ulcerative colitis
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Head And Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers can affect any region of the head and neck, from the tongue to the vocal cords. In the past, these cancers were most commonly seen in people who were both heavy drinkers and smokers.
In recent years, however, human papillomavirus has become an important cause of these cancers, with close to 10,000 people developing HPV-related head and neck cancers each year in the United States alone.
Two such cancers are:
- Oral cancer: Roughly 60-70% of all head and neck cancers are oral cancers. These cancers may involve the mouth, tongue, tonsils, throat , and the nasal passageways.
- Laryngeal cancer
Central Nervous System Cancers
Central nervous system cancers include those that originate in tissues of either the brain or the spinal cord. Cancers that spread to the brain are not considered brain cancers, but rather brain metastases, and are far more common than primary brain cancers.
Cancers that commonly spread to the brain include:
Unlike tumors in other regions of the body, brain cancers do not often spread outside of the brain. Overall, however, the incidence of brain cancer has been increasing in recent years. Improving overall cancer survival rates means more metastatic cases .
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What Is The Most Likely Cause
Chronically elevated CRP levels often signal RA or infectious arthritis, which occurs when a joint becomes infected.
Significantly elevated CRP levels tend to occur with severe infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections. Bacterial infection is responsible for about of the cases involving CRP levels higher than 50 mg/l.
Sometimes, higher levels also occur with certain cancers and other conditions that can cause significant inflammation.
How To Treat And Prevent Elevated Levels
C-reactive protein treatment depends on what the underlying cause of the inflammation is. The best way to naturally treat high levels is to uncover the root cause of someones inflammatory response and then make lifestyle or medication recommendations based on that finding.
The same types of healthy habits that help protect against heart disease, such as eating a balanced diet, not smoking and exercising, are also usually involved in treatment for high CRP levels are.
1. Eat An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
In order to protect against the effects of inflammation on your heart and elsewhere, its recommended that you eat a whole-foods diet such as the Mediterranean diet. This type of nutrient-dense diet includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, fresh herbs, fish, whole grains, legumes and nuts.
Eating foods high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, A and E, plusprobiotic foods can help to support your immune system. One study found that high intake of vitamin C helped to reduce CRP levels in people with levels greater than 1 mg/L.
Its also important to address any food allergies you may be suffering from, as well as to avoid foods that trigger flair-ups if you have inflammatory bowel disease. These foods can include: gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol and others depending on the person.
2. Get Regular Exercise
3. Talk to Your Doctor About Your Medication Use
If an infection is the root cause of your elevated CRP, then antibiotics may be needed to help you recover.
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What Crp Level Is Dangerously High
Whether a CRP level is dangerous will depend on the type of c-reactive protein test used, your individual medical history, and the suspected cause of inflammation. Your healthcare provider can best explain the test results to you. In general, anything above 1 mg/dL is elevated and may require intervention. The higher the level, the more likely you will need a diagnosis and treatment for its cause.
What Therapies Does Dr Weil Recommend For Elevated C
Dr. Weil recommends an anti-inflammatory diet that includes two to three servings of fish such as salmon or sardines per week. If you dont eat fish, he suggests taking fish oil supplements. He also recommends taking anti-inflammatory herbs including ginger and turmeric and following your doctors recommendations for heart health. That means quitting smoking, watching your diet , and getting regular exercise: research indicates that as fitness levels decline, C-reactive protein levels go up.
Quispe R, Michos ED, Martin SS, Puri R, Toth PP, Al Suwaidi J, Banach M, Virani SS, Blumenthal RS, Jones SR, Elshazly MB. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Discordance With Atherogenic Lipid Measures and Incidence of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Primary Prevention: The ARIC Study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2020 Feb 4 9:e013600. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.119.013600. Epub 2020 Jan 30. PMID: 32013698 PMCID: PMC7033866. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32013698/mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-reactive-protein/basics/definition/prc-20014480nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003356.htmwebmd.com/a-to-z-guides/c-reactive-protein-crp
Reviewed by Benjamin S. Gonzalez, M.D., May, 2016. Updated August 2022.
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Learn More About Pritikin
What Not To Do
Run from a low-carb, high-fat diet like Atkins. In a study published in 2007, scientists at Virginia Tech put mostly obese women on an Atkins-style diet. The women lost on average about eight pounds, but CRP levels shot up an average 25%.
Losing Weight and Lowering CRP
In the same study, the researchers also put the women on a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, like the Pritikin Program, and found that the women lost on average nearly six pounds and CRP plummeted 43%, and in just four weeks.
Studies on men, women, and children attending the Pritikin Longevity Center have yielded similar benefits. The Pritikin Program was documented to dramatically reduce CRP levels in just two to three weeks: a 45% reduction in CRP levels for women, 39% reduction in CRP for men, and 41% reductions for children.
Bottom Line
A diet that reduces weight does not necessarily reduce heart disease risk factors. Some, like the Atkins diet, actually appear to raise them.
Yes, theres been media hype of late on studies that suggest that high-fat Atkins-style diets do not adversely affect cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors, but all of these studies had very poor compliance, points out Dr. Kenney.
And now new research, like this Virginia Tech study, are finding that high-fat, low-carb diets are also detrimental to heart-health because they raise CRP levels.
Protect Against Alzheimers Disease
Changes in brain health and cognitive decline are common side effects of aging. Still, several studies show that omega-3s may protect brain health while aging and lower the risk of Alzheimers disease.
One systematic review found that omega-3 supplements may help improve cognitive performance in people with mild Alzheimers disease symptoms.
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When A Doctor May Order A Crp Test
Your physician may order a C-reactive protein test if you have symptoms of a serious bacterial or viral infection, such as:
- Fever or chills
- Irregular heart rate
- Rapid breathing
Your physician may also request a CRP test to monitor ongoing treatment if youve been diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis to monitor for level of current inflammation. If treatment is working, inflammation and C-reactive protein levels should drop.
Typically, CRP tests are fast and accurate. However, if you have only slightly elevated C-reactive protein levels, the test can be challenging to interpret because of numerous potential conditions that can cause this effect. High CRP is a biomarker, meaning its one factor to consider when assessing someones health, but it does not give a source of inflammation. A high CRP level is not a stand-alone diagnosis.
Because primary healthcare providers cannot always draw solid conclusions from levels of C-reactive protein alone, they may also order other tests to provide a more comprehensive overview of your health.
What Does A High Level Of C
A high level of C-reactive protein in the blood is an indication of inflammation, which a reaction by your bodys immune system. Inflammation can develop when the immune system triggers numerous physical reactions in response to infection or physical injury. Wounds, infections, and tissue damage heal through the inflammatory response. When a particular part of your body gets injured or affected by a harmful substance, inflammation helps to heal and protect the body by delivering more nourishment and defensive activity to the affected area.
However, when inflammation persists after the healing process, it can do more harm than good. In fact, chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancer that can cause damage. The various symptoms of chronic inflammation include fatigue, chest pain, joint pain, fever, mouth sores, abdominal pain, and rash.
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Foods To Avoid With High C
Related Articles
The C-reactive protein is an inflammatory marker often checked in blood tests to determine levels of inflammation in the body. Produced by the liver, it becomes elevated with a variety of inflammatory conditions, including digestive, heart and joint problems. Research has shown that lowering the levels of inflammation in the body can greatly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Inflammation can be reduced with a variety of lifestyle strategies, including the reduction of certain foods in the diet.
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What Are The Risks With The Crp Blood Test
There is typically negligible risk associated with this test. The least complications one can encounter are as follows:
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Infection at the puncture site
C reactive protein treatment
The treatment of an elevated C reactive protein for cardiovascular disease, may be meaningless. Instead, appropriate treatment & prevention of the underlying risks and conditions need to be the primary focus for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Here are some of the effective and reliable ways to reduce cardiac factors for C reactive protein treatment:
- Regular exercise
- Cigarette smoking cessation
In the C reactive protein treatment, the CRP level can be reduced in individuals with known cardiovascular disease who begin with aspirin therapy. The use of aspirin is not generally recommended to those without known cardiovascular disease or significant risk factors for it. In some of the cases, diabetes medications have also been used to lower the CRP levels in people with or without diabetes mellitus.
It is necessary to note that in extreme cases, the person might go for a customized C reactive protein treatment as per a physicians suggestion.
What is Rheumatoid arthritis ?
It is a type of arthritis that can affect anyone at any age. But, it is most prevalent among middle aged women. It causes severe pain and swelling in the joints.
Heres the list of criteria for diagnosing C reactive protein Rheumatoid Arthritis :
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A Study On Type 2 Diabetic Patients Showed That Using Standardized Extract Of Ginseng For 8 Weeks Could Significantly Decrease Crp Levels
You should always consult a healthcare practitioner about diagnosing and treating any health-related problems.
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