Health Gallery Nutrition Center

Box 283, Gold Beach, Or 97444
1-541-247-7077

drhealth@getwel.com * drhealth's getwel.com Home Page http://www.getwel.com

How About C-REACTIVE Protein???

Better diagnostic tool than cholesterol for predicting cardiovascular disease risk!

Mainstream medicine has adopted cholesterol-lowering therapies as its first-line defense as its first-line defense against heart attack. Millions of people swallow drugs each day to keep their cholesterol low, and drug companies continue to campaign aggressively to get more people to take these medications. A review of the scientific evidence, however, shows that measurements of an inflammatory marker in the blood called C-reactive protein can yield better diagnostic information than measurements of cholesterol. The C-reactive protein test is inexpensive and simple, but most physicians don't yet prefer it. When doctors for George W. Bush measured his C-reactive protein levels, they had to consult with a research team to find out how to analyze his results!

A chronic inflammatory state, as evidenced by elevated C-reactive protein, results in significant damage to the arterial system. Inflammation accelerates the production of free radicals. When inflammation is limited, free radicals can be controlled by antioxidant defenses, in fact, the free radicals help the body get rid of pathogens and make way for healing. But when inflammation is chronic or intense, free radicals can do more harm than good. They can do significant damage to tissues and set in motion harmful chain reactions.

Allergies, asthma, eczema, autoimmune disease and some types of arthritis are chronic forms of low-grade inflammation. The immune system mounts defenses that go beyond what is necessary, reaching an elevated plateau where inflammation becomes damaging to otherwise healthy tissues.

Inflammation may explain why women taking Premarin have slightly increased risk of heart attack; Premarin causes C-reactive protein levels to climb. Data from the Framingham cohort correlated high C-reactive protein with calcification of the coronary arteries.

Research on C-reactive protein indicates that cholesterol-filled plaques in blood vessels may not pose any real danger unless they are affected by inflammation. Inflammation weakens plaques, making them more vulnerable to bursting or pinching off a clot that can then block coronary vessels.

What is the source of this inflammation? One theory is that plaques are actually an attempt on the part of the immune system to repair some sort of damage to vessel walls. Other theories implicate pathogens, including Chlamydia pneumoniae and the ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori. Well-established cardiac risk factors such as obesity, smoking, hypertension and chronic periodontal disease all increase inflammation and C-reactive protein levels in the body. Fat cells literally pump out C-reactive protein, which could explain why being over-weight is so bad for the heart.

If you are forty years or older, suggest you ask your doctor to prescribe a C-reactive protein test the next time you have a blood test or cholesterol check.

What can you do to control C-reactive protein? An anti-inflammatory diet includes abundant fresh vegetables and fruits, small servings of whole grains and protein from fish (especially salmon, mackerel, cod, sardines and other deep-sea-dwelling species). Pumpkin seeds, walnuts and flaxseeds are excellent sources of omega-3 fats. Stay away from hydrogenated oils. Instead, use olive or canola oil when added fats are called for. If you must use butter, do so moderately. A low-glycemic diet and fasting both lower C-reactive protein levels.

Vitamin E and aspirin are thought to protect against heart disease because their blood-thinning (anti-platelet) effect to which this decrease in risk has been attributed. However, they both have anti-inflammatory activity which may be their true value in reducing heart disease. Vitamin C and fish oil supplements taken daily are also helpful in controlling inflammation. All antioxidant supplements help to control free radicals produced by inflammation.

For more information about C-reactive protein give me a call or stop by the Health Gallery.

Ed. note: Bovine colostrum has identical immune factors to human colostrum, yet in much higher concentrations. Walt says, "No matter what your age, taking colostrum supplements gives your immune system a boost by increasing levels of antibodies and other immune factors. If flu shots turn you off, consider colostrum to enhance your immune system, especially for the Holiday Season."

Thought For The Day... Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to Love and to work and to play and to look at the stars, and for those of us who live in Gold Beach, walk the beach. Drive safely and Happy Holidays to you all!