How can I reduce my CRP or hs-CRP level?

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

Internal Medicine

The high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) blood test lets you know the amount of inflammation in your body. Inflammation can affect the arteries and immune system. Chronic infections are common and often cause elevated hs-CRP levels.

You can reduce your hs-CRP level if you have an infection with a two-week course of antibiotics that eradicates low-grade nonspecific bacterial infections, such as inflammation of the gums, prostate, or urinary tract. In addition, exercise, aspirin and aspirin- related drugs, and statin drugs all help decrease hs-CRP. Reducing hs-CRP may be the most prominent effect of statin drugs. Having a normal C-reactive protein level -- meaning, one that is normal in your doctor's office and on three different occasions over a two-year period -- will make your RealAge (physiologic age) four years younger.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Protein

We hardly ever eat straight protein, but get it from foods like meats, fish, and soy, along with fats and carbohydrates in a protein package. Almost all reasonable diets provide enough protein for your body to break down into the building blocks knows as amino acids. Recent interest in protein has been created by studies showing that diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates are at least as effective as low fat higher carbohydrate diets. Severe lack of protein can cause malnutrition diseases, but there is little evidence that high levels of protein do anything harmful.

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