Getting regular blood tests done plays a crucial role in understanding the overall health status and to diagnose any underlying medical condition or nutrient deficiencies. One of the tests that needs to be monitored regularly is the C-Reactive Protein(CRP) levels.

What is CRP?

C-Reactive Protein is a kind of protein produced by the liver in response to any inflammation. When our body comes across some foreign agents like chemicals, viruses, bacteria etc. or in case of injury, it has an innate mechanism to fight against them, thereby producing inflammatory cells and cytokines which show inflammatory response. This response is manifested in the form of pain, soreness or redness in that area and is seen in autoimmune conditions like alopecia, rheumatoid arthritis etc. (read further in our previous blog- https://nutritiontattva.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-nutrition-is-there-a-link/)

So, whenever there is a possible increase in the inflammatory response, the CRP levels may increase. A slight increase is possible due to mild occasional infections, but in case of moderate to elevated levels, it may indicate serious health conditions. So, it’s important to pay a timely visit to the physician and get the underlying diagnosis done. 

Some common symptoms of elevated CRP levels

Though we can identify the levels of CRP with blood tests, here are a few symptoms that may be experienced if the levels are high.

· Fever and chills

·  Rapid breathing or heart rate

·  Nausea or vomiting

·  Rashes or hives

·  Dizziness

·  Severe headache

What causes an increase in CRP levels?

Here are a few conditions where one may experience elevated CRP levels.

1.  When there are bacterial infections like sepsis, viral or fungal infections in the body.

2.  In case of inflammatory bowel disease wherein there is bleeding and swelling of the intestine.

3. Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus.

4. Other conditions like asthma, cancer, bone infection (osteomyelitis), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

5. Pregnancy, cigarette smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity.

6. Intake of estrogen-based medication, birth control pills and also those who are under hormone replacement therapy.

7. In case of already existing injury or trauma. 

Any conclusion to the test results should be done by a healthcare professional and an appropriate treatment plan should be undertaken based on the professional advice. 

However, having a healthy lifestyle and managing the inflammation through right food choices is important. Here are a few foods that may help in reducing the CRP levels and promote positive health: 

  1. Colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, cherries, tomatoes, purple cabbage, red or yellow capsicum, broccoli, papaya, melons, carrots, beetroot, pumpkins etc., have antioxidant compounds which reduce the risk of diseases and also help in the functioning of the immune system. 
  2. Green leafy vegetables such amaranth, spinach, coriander, fenugreek leaves etc., are good sources of micronutrients like vitamin K, which do have anti-inflammatory properties.
  3. Spices and herbs like pepper, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom are also found to have compounds that help in reducing inflammation.
  4. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistas, and seeds, filtered and cold pressed oils, and avocado are also rich sources of omega fatty acids, which may help in reducing inflammation. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines have good amounts of omega 3 fatty acids.
  5. Though increased protein intake may not be associated with increasing CRP levels, inclusion of good sources of protein like pulses, legumes, eggs, fish, chicken in moderate amounts will be beneficial for overall health.

It is good to avoid processed foods, foods with trans fats, and refined carbs which generally increase the inflammation. Along with healthy foods, a good exercise routine too helps in keeping inflammation under control.

Regular monitoring of various parameters in the body is very crucial in early diagnosis of any underlying condition and also overall well-being. Let’s keep ourselves healthy and eventually make society healthy.