How can I keep my C-reactive protein (CRP) level within normal limits?
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Dr. Michael T Murray answered:At the Hunger Free Forever program we recommend that part of your annual physical exam include blood work to determine your CRP levels. The goal is to keep your CRP level below l.O mg/L. At this level, there is little silent inflammation occurring. If your CRP is between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L, that is a major caution. If your CRP is higher than 3.0 mg/L, it is a serious red flag.
Dietary interventions alone have been shown to lower CRP levels. In particular, the Mediterranean diet can be quite effective in lowering CRP levels to normal. If you follow its basic dietary recommendations, your CRP level should easily fall into the normal range. In addition, recent population-based studies have shown carotene-rich foods are protective against a decline in muscle strength and walking disability as we get older. Good sources of carotenes include dark-colored vegetables such as carrots, squash, spinach, kale, tomatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes; and fruits such as tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, apricots, and citrus.
At the Hunger Free Forever program we recommend that part of your annual physical exam include blood work to determine your CRP levels. The goal is to keep your CRP level below l.O mg/L. At this level, there is little silent inflammation occurring.... More
