I write about chronic inflammation, which has long been recognized for its role in contributing to metabolic dysfunction, neurodegenerative disease, certain types of cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Given the focus on prevention and early detection, I tracked an inflammation biomarker that I could measure on a regular basis (I do my blood tests once every 3 months) and experimented with my lifestyle habits to see if that could help bring my inflammation under control.
The biomarker C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is produced by the liver and rises rapidly in response to acute inflammation, such as during an infection, injury or immune related diseases. While hs-CRP ( high sensitive CRP) is particularly useful because it can detect even low levels of chronic or long-term inflammation that may be associated with conditions like cardiovascular disease, or metabolic syndrome, it is not specific to any one type of disease or condition. There are other markers of inflammation, such as Lp-PLA2, which are more specific to a disease (in this case to atherosclerosis).
It is important to state that inflammation by itself is not a bad thing; the body produces inflammation as a defense mechanism to protect itself from infections and injuries, promote healing, and maintain overall health. However, the balance of inflammation must be carefully regulated to prevent chronic or excessive inflammation, which is the real issue.
My goal was to find what lifestyle changes I could make to address chronic inflammation. Here are the changes I focused on, that led to improvements in my hs-CRP levels:
1. Diet: I eat fruits (1-2 servings a day), vegetables (as colorful as possible), whole grains, lean proteins (chicken in my case), and healthy fats (mixed nuts, avocado, olive oil, etc.). Fish, such as mackerel and salmon, are excellent sources of healthy fats but I am not a fish eater. I incorporated turmeric and ginger into my meals. I cut out sodas completely and reduced ultra-processed food (apart from a Krispy Kreme donut once in a rare while). I haven’t cut out sugars but I have found that eating it with fiber and protein while also doing my post-meal walk allows me to deal with it.
2. Regular Exercise: I engage in regular physical activity, including both cardiovascular exercises (soccer and walking while on calls) and strength training (3x - 4x a week).
3. Limiting my Alcohol Consumption: I have basically eliminated this to the point of no more than one glass of alcohol a month in the worst case. I have found that drinking a large glass of water, if I am tempted to have my favorite Mimosa, ensures I lose any interest in having it.
4. Adequate Sleep: When there were periods of poor sleep, I did see my hs-CRP levels go up significantly. My goal was to have my combined Deep and REM sleep together be at about 30% of my total sleep.
5. Stress Management: I don’t do this too well but if you can, it is expected to help with reducing inflammation.
27 comments
Rohan Bhate: Superb post, realised I’m doing most of the diet, exercise you mentioned, phew, just need to reduce the weekend alcohol, though it’s not huge amounts, to be honest! 😊
Nickhil Jakatdar: Rohan thanks. You are a source of inspiration to many of us. I would love to see your epigenetic age test result. You are probably 30!
Rohan Bhate: Thanks for the good words Nickhil Jakatdar, forgive the ignorance but how do I do the test?
Nickhil Jakatdar: Rohan you could do it when you are in Pune next through GeneClinicX or you may find something similar being done in Australia. It’s typically an at home blood test. It should be the DunedInPACE test that tests for your methylation pattern changes to determine your rate of ageing.
Rohan Bhate: Nickhil Jakatdar sounds good, will check and let you know, thanks!
Preeti Ghare: Very informative as always! Thanks, Nickhil!
Nickhil Jakatdar: Preeti thanks. Glad you found it helpful!
Alex Joseph: Try eating Mackerel in a coconut curry. Secrets of the Blue Zone – Netflix- do watch.
Nickhil Jakatdar: Alex I loved that show! Will try your recommendation.
Swapna Gadgil Gambhir: That show is superb.
Sameer M-Pathak: Thanks very much for sharing Nickhil! I wish my PCP gave me all this information! The chat we had last year was a game changer for me.
Nickhil Jakatdar: Sameer thank you and so glad you are seeing the impact due to your efforts.
Nitasha Malhotra: Thank you so much for sharing Nickhil, very helpful information.
Nickhil Jakatdar: Nitasha you are welcome. Hope you are well!