Inflammation is one of the common causes of various degenerative diseases, including heart illness. Moreover, other health issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease or cancer, are more likely if inflammation is increased.
So, in addition to measuring your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, your doctor may offer a test to determine the level of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is an inflammatory protein that is one of the best methods to measure your inflammation levels. It also necessary to control your chronic diseases and get regular checkups in your doctor’s office.
Here is how to lower your CRP
1. Quit smoking
Smoking damages the arteries and can send your CRP levels surging. But experts say that you can reverse all the negative effect to your arteries within ten years of quitting.
2. Get enough sleep
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A recent study shows that older adults with high blood pressure who sleep less than 7,5 hours each night have significantly elevated chances of a sudden cardiac death or having a stroke. Other researchers have demonstrated that lack of sleep or too much leads to more inflammation.
3. Minimize stress
High levels of stress hormones can result in the release of excess inflammatory chemicals. Allow at least 15 minutes per day for relaxations. There are various ways to deal with stress so that you can choose the best one for you. It can be meditation, deep breathing, or a bubble bath.
4. Check your hormones
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Hormonal health is very important when we are talking about CRP levels. High levels of leptin and estrogen are both associated with increased CRP. Hormonal imbalances can have minor symptoms, so see your doctor if you suspect that you have it.
5. Eat more fish, olive oils, and nuts
People with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis were able to reduce their CRP levels by including more omega fats into their diet. A Mediterranean-style diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and olive oil can also lower the inflammation.
6. Be physically active
Not everyone likes to exercise, but it is an excellent way to lower inflammation without side effects of medications. But remember that too much exercise can raise inflammation, so the great aim is 30 to 45 minutes per day.
7. Vitamin D
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Vitamin D seems to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Your body produces vitamin D as a response to sun exposure, so if you live in a northern climate or work indoors, you may be deficient in vitamin D. The only way to find out for sure is a blood test.
8. Stay positive
As it turns out, pessimists are shown to have higher CRP levels. So, staying in toxic relationships or being around negative people can raise your inflammation levels too.
9. Avoid saturated fats
Talk with your doctor about reducing saturated fats. Common sources of saturated fats are red meats, cheeses, bacon, and butter.