Keep Your C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Level Below 1 mg/L

Keep Your C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Level Below 1 mg/L

Did you know that keeping your C-Reactive Protein (CRP) below 1mg/L reduces risk of premature death by up to 75%?

CRP is called an acute phase protein. It is made in the liver, and is a sensitive marker of inflammation throughout the body.

What causes a chronically high CRP, or inflammation? Common causes include:

1. low fiber, low omega-3's, low intake of antioxidants in the diet, and a high intake of pro-oxidants. Pro-oxidants come from red meat, processed meat, and other processed foods. Pro-oxidants generate free radicals in the body which leads to cell damage and activation of the immune response leading to inflammation.

2. abdominal fat which activates the immune response.

3. Insufficient sleep, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, all trigger the sympathetic nervous system. An activated sympathetic nervous system - the "fight or flight response" - elevates cortisol levels, which in turn leads to inflammation throughout the body.

The result of chronic inflammation is referred to as "inflammaging." Inflammation and aging go hand in hand. One example of the specific harm from inflammation is heart disease. Inflammation results in dysfunction of the endothelium (the artery wall). Endothelial dysfunction results in migration of cholesterol and inflammatory cells into the arterial wall, leading to plaque build-up, aka atherosclerosis and subsequent heart attack and stroke.

Despite the serious health risk of a high CRP, 1 in 3 adults have a CRP of greater than 3mg/L, the highest level of inflammation.

But keeping CRP below 1mg/L, minimizing inflammation, sounds like a lot to ask. Inflammation is caused by many aspects of the Western Lifestyle, including lack of sleep, chronic stress, loneliness, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet.

Is there a way to keep CRP below 1mg/L in the modern world? 

There most certainly is! in this course, Dr. Cohen, a primary care doctor in San Francisco, shares with you effective strategies for keeping your CRP below 1mg/L.  

The course begins with an introduction to Biometrics.  Dr. Cohen explains how our food and living environment has made it increasingly difficult to maintain psychological health, eat healthfully and be physically active. He proposes a shift back to connecting with others, establishing balance between work and personal life, preparing our own food, from fresh ingredients we buy, and a shift toward a more active lifestyle including less sitting, more aerobic and resistance exercise. Next, he'll share with you the medical research that shows the benefits of keeping your CRP below 1mg/L. You'll learn about choice architecture for avoiding bad choices.  Finally, you'll hear the answers to frequently asked questions, followed by a summary of the information presented. 

Recommendation #30 of 31 for Optimizing Health and Extending Lifespan

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What you will learn

• Keep Your C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Level Below 1 mg/L

Rating: 4.6

Level: Beginner Level

Duration: 32 mins

Instructor: Nicholas Cohen, MD