Reduce Your CRP Level – Some Tips and Advice

If you have a high CRP level, it means you have a higher degree of inflammation in your body. Regardless of the illness, there may be an interest in lowering the CRP level simply to reduce inflammation and feel better.

We will take a closer look at what you can do on your own to lower your CRP level, which can have a very positive effect on further treatment options and, of course, on how you feel. But first, let's touch on an exciting aspect that not everyone is aware of: there are actually instances when higher CRP levels can be good news.

Higher CRP Can Actually Be Good

We have previously discussed CRP and autoimmune diseases, showing that CRP is not always high in autoimmune diseases. An example of this is the disease SLE, where the immune system reacts to genetic material from the body's own cells and forms autoantibodies.

It is when these autoantibodies react with material from dead cells that the production of interferon kicks in. Interferon, together with other signaling substances, will then create inflammation.

Patients with SLE have inflammation in their bodies, but their CRP is lower than expected. Animal studies have shown that the addition of the CRP protein could alleviate the disease progression. This is because the CRP protein can dampen the interferon that triggers inflammation.

This is the opposite of what happens in other diseases where interferon is needed in higher doses to slow infection and make it harder for the virus to spread in the body. When we realize this, we should also understand that the CRP level does not necessarily need to be lowered to reduce inflammation.

However, with that said, it is also known from experience that many medical conditions improve with reduced inflammation in the body. So let's take a look at how you can reduce your CRP level and thereby also the inflammation in your body.

Focus on an Anti-inflammatory Diet

Nowadays, it is known that your diet can affect how you feel in a fantastic way. It is not just about getting energy or eating things that are good for your stomach. When you choose a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, this can significantly reduce inflammation.

Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants and polyphenols that tackle oxidative stress and inflammation. Choose especially fruits and vegetables with deep, rich colors to get plenty of polyphenols.

Get Your Omega-3

Omega-3 is a fatty acid you have probably heard of. It is found in fattier fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. You can also get the acid through flaxseeds and walnuts, so even a vegan can ensure they get plenty of omega-3 through their diet.

It has been shown that this fatty acid works against inflammation, so regular intake is recommended. If it is difficult for you to get the fatty acid through your diet, you can look at supplements. There are several brands that produce high-quality omega-3 supplements.

Whole Grains Are Good When You Want to Reduce Inflammation

With whole grains, you get more fiber, and an increased intake of fiber has been shown to reduce CRP levels. You should choose products like whole grain rice, quinoa, whole grain flour, and oats instead of refined grains.

Many who make this shift from, for example, white rice and flour to whole grain variants notice a difference in how they feel quite soon. Additionally, a diet rich in whole grains can be good for those who feel low on energy, which often goes hand in hand with inflammation in the body.

Eat Plenty of Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds have healthy fats. Not just omega-3 in walnuts. There are also other types of fats as well as proteins and fiber that together have a dampening effect on inflammation. When choosing a suitable snack, it can be wise to replace a cinnamon bun with a handful of nuts and seeds instead.

Be Aware of Your Weight

Being overweight is concerning, especially when it is around the abdomen. This is associated with increased inflammation and higher CRP levels. By losing weight, you can significantly lower your CRP levels.

Even if you are not overweight, you should be aware of visceral fat, the abdominal fat that sits directly on the organs. Being slim does not mean you do not need to look over your diet for health's sake. People with normal weight also suffer from autoimmune diseases, so take measures to help the body burn visceral fat by eating insulin-friendly food and possibly with intermittent fasting.

Regular Exercise Does Wonders

Regular exercise is an effective way to reduce inflammation. It is primarily about activities like brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling for 30 minutes several days a week. If you do this, you can quickly see a difference in your CRP level.

Work on Stress

It can be difficult to never stress, but you can do something about it with a more reasonable schedule and more help when needed. You can also work with meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and breathing exercises to reduce stress. These are measures that can quickly reduce inflammation in the body.

What Should You Avoid?

When it comes to food, it is good to avoid refined products that contain a lot of sugar. You can completely eliminate white sugar as you get enough glucose from fruit as well as whole grain products. A common tip is to eat as close to nature as possible. The more a food product has been processed, the greater the risk that it contains substances that can have an inflammatory effect on the body.

It is, of course, also recommended that you quit smoking and cut down on alcohol consumption. Both smoking and alcohol are well-known factors for increased inflammation. If you completely stop both, it can dramatically lower your CRP level.

Last but not least, you can also look at supplements that can help with inflammation. We have mentioned omega-3, but it can also be beneficial to use turmeric, vitamin C, and vitamin E to get a powerful antioxidant effect in the body. This is useful even for other types of infections such as herpes and gonorrhea.