C-reactive Protein | A Metabolic Plan

Jul

5

5. Homocysteine

High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, have been associated with increased risk of heart attack, bone fracture and poor cognitive function. In fact, in the case of heart attack risk, research has shown that the risk is more than three times as great over a period of five years. It is also a risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke.

High levels of homocysteine in conjunction with low vitamin B12 has also become recognized as an increased risk factor for bone fractures. Homocysteine levels is a significant risk factor for hip fractures in older people. While folic acid supplements can effectively reduce homocysteine levels, it is not known if that therapy will reduce the risk of fracture.

Elevated homocysteine levels have recently been linked to other disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and depression. Deficiency of folic acid, a B vitamin, plays and important role in mood and homocysteine breakdown and therefore may be the link between depression and elevated homocysteine. Finally, cognitive decline in normal individuals between the ages of 30 and 80 has been associated with elevated homocysteine concentrations.

Homocysteine levels play a significant role in overall health and the addition of folic acid can help to control those levels.

6. C-Reactive Protein

Increasingly, medical science is discovering that inflammation within the body can lead to many life-threatening, degenerative diseases such as coronary heart disease, other diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, macular degeneration, cognitive decline, arthritis, cancer and autoimmune conditions. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. However, the cardiac CRP test detects even smaller levels of inflammation than the basic CRP test, so it is therefore able to identify at-risk patients earlier, even among apparently healthy people.

The high-sensitivity cardiac CRP may predict risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and sudden cardiac death among healthy individuals with no history of cardiovascular disease, as well as predict recurrent events and death in patients with acute or stable coronary diseases.

Increased levels of C-reactive protein have previously been strongly linked with a greater risk of developing type II diabetes. These results were confirmed in a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health in which healthy women with high CRP levels were found to be at greater risk, thus establishing the link between type II diabetes and inflammation.

C-reactive protein is also associated with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and major depression in men.

Natural therapies, such as fish oil, L-carnitine and soluble fiber before meals may help to optimize CRP levels, along with exercise and proper diet.

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1 Comment

Apr

20

Continuing on the subject of inflammation there is more and more evidence that the risk of heart disease and/or diabetes can be greatly reduced by lowering inflammation.

Are you at high risk for heart disease or diabetes? During your yearly blood work, note the level of CRP (C-reactive Protein). This is a measure of hidden inflammation – it shows if there is inflammation active in your blood vessels, for instance. If the levels of CRP are high (>3.0 mg/L) the risk of a heart attack can double or triple. This is something you need to discuss with your doctor to understand what your individual risk is.

There are, however, several lifestyle changes one can make if you are at high risk and everyone should follow as a matter of staying healthy.

Exercise: 30-60 minutes/day has been shown in studies to significantly reduce inflammation – this should include aerobic as well as strength training.
Weight loss improves insulin response and lowers inflammation.
Eating Healthy – one diet that seems to be an overall diet to follow is the Mediterranean diet. It is primarily fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, nuts and fish with basically no processed foods.

Besides these three critical things to do, supplements of fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids) and Vitamin D can greatly reduce inflammation as well as improve other important functions. There are many other supplements that have been found t o reduce inflammation as well, such as DHEA, chromium, white bean extract, magnesium and flavinoids. Flavinoids are found in green tea, dark chocolate, apples and cinnamon as well as red wine which contains resveratrol.

Start making small changes in your lifestyle now and you will over time make large changes in the quality of life you will experience. Of course, you should discuss with your doctor the changes you are making as you may have special needs.

Confused About What Your Blood Chemistry is Telling You? part 3

5. Homocysteine

6. C-Reactive Protein

Lowering Your Risk of Heart Disease or Diabetes

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