What is CRP and why do you need to measure it?
The less common blood marker you want to know about.
Arthritis is caused by inflammation in the joints, which can lead to stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research that suggests inflammation may play a key role in the development and progression of arthritis.
Most of us know we need to get regular bloodwork, especially once you get past 50. The types of regular medical screenings change in both type and importance as you get older. One important marker of inflammation that is often measured in people with arthritis is C-reactive protein (CRP).
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of measuring CRP in people with arthritis and discuss the latest scientific research into inflammation and its correlation to this condition, as well as share information about the drugs on the market currently being described for arthritis sufferers.
What is CRP and why is it important?
CRP is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. It is often used as a marker of inflammation because levels of CRP in the blood can rise rapidly in response to inflammation. This makes it a useful tool for identifying inflammation in people with arthritis, as well as other conditions such as infections and autoimmune diseases.
In people with arthritis, measuring CRP levels can be particularly important because it can help to determine the severity of the inflammation. High levels of CRP are associated with more severe inflammation, which can lead to more severe symptoms and a greater risk of joint damage over time. By measuring CRP, doctors can get a better understanding of how active the inflammation is and tailor treatment accordingly.
There is also growing evidence to suggest that inflammation may play a key role in the development and progression of arthritis. Inflammation can cause damage to the joints over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can also contribute to the development of other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. By measuring CRP levels, doctors can get a better understanding of how much inflammation is present in the body, which can help to inform treatment decisions and improve outcomes for people with arthritis.
The link between CRP markers and heart disease
This Hopkins Medicine article includes important connection between the CRP markers an cardiovascular disease.
Recent scientific research has also shed light on the complex relationship between inflammation and arthritis. For example, a study published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy found that people with rheumatoid arthritis who had high levels of CRP were more likely to experience joint damage over time, compared to those with lower levels of CRP. This suggests that measuring CRP levels could be an important tool for predicting disease progression and identifying people who may benefit from more aggressive treatment.
To dig a little deeper into the scientific research, this fascinating article includes a diagram to illustrate the impact of CRP in the body. A functional medicine doctor once said that it’s like measuring the “stickiness” of the cholesterol – how much build up are you getting in your blood vessels. (I can’t help picturing a build up of gunk in drain pipes…it’s just as yucky. Maybe getting a mental picture of your arteries would slow you down a bit next time you’re thinking of wolfing down a second donut!)
Is Chronic Inflammation Avoidable?
Chronic Inflammation is a condition well known to many arthritis sufferers – it’s the cause of your discomfort. This article gives you some great deep-dive information about inflammation.
It has been found that inflammation plays a key role in the development of osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis. Inflammatory molecules produced by cells in the joints can contribute to the breakdown of cartilage, which is a hallmark of osteoarthritis. This highlights the importance of identifying and treating inflammation early on in the course of the disease.
The body uses inflammatory responses to guard against disease in your body. When it gets out of control, it can become harmful. This is one of the most important reasons we formulated Haraka. Unlike a powerful medication that can eliminate the problem (like a SWAT team!) but in the process, destroy healthy body functions, Haraka works with your body in a supportive role, helping to regulate the production and efficacy of the prostaglandin response to inflammation.
For those suffering from psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, I was surprised by the side effects of Humira – a common medication being used in this instances. Knowing, too, that other pharmaceutical companies are now bringing alternatives to Humira to the market, indicates how pervasive the use of pharma to treat symptoms of arthritis is becoming.
How about Indocin – another medication being prescribed to treat arthritis? Read about that here. We live in an age, sadly, where taking drugs to fix us is the norm. While I recognize that at times, there is a very helpful, and essential, use of medication – I will continue to stress the importance of whole-body health. Patient agency -- feeling and being responsible for your own health – is a critical aspect to a healthy life.
What can you do?
If you’ve never measured your CRP levels – that could be a first step toward taking ownership for your health. Have a heart-to-heart conversation with your doctor too, if you are taking medications that may be causing harmful side effects. Read more of our blogs about exercise, diet, and whole-life wellness. Starting with just a simple blood test, you could take back the ownership of your health.
Supplementation is also essential to managing the levels of inflammation in the body. Make sure to read our next blog that addresses this topic in the context of seasonal changes. Consider adding Haraka to your supplement regimen, if you haven't already.
In summary, measuring CRP levels can be an important tool for identifying inflammation in people with arthritis and tailoring treatment accordingly. It can also help to predict disease progression and identify people who may benefit from more aggressive treatment. The latest scientific research has highlighted the complex relationship between inflammation and arthritis, underscoring the importance of early identification and treatment of inflammation to improve outcomes for people with this condition. If you have arthritis or are at risk of developing it, talk to your doctor about measuring your CRP levels and other markers of inflammation to help manage your condition effectively.
Till next time, here's to YOUR Limber Life!