Our health is an intricate world of its own. Every so often, our bodies send us subtle signals that indicate something is wrong with our health – those signals are referred to as symptoms. Yet, before a symptom manifests itself, some internal workings of our body can be early warning signs and help us detect changes in our body in time. “Inflammatory markers” are such an insightful indicator that can give us a glimpse of what is going on in our bodies. These biomarkers are detected through blood analysis and provide invaluable insights into the state of our immune system and overall health.
Published in General Health
12 min read · Dec 21, 2023
Before delving into the nitty-gritty details of inflammatory markers, let's first understand what they are.
Inflammatory markers are biomarkers and can be determined through blood analysis. Think of biomarkers as tiny biological signposts that help scientists understand what's happening inside your body. These markers are biochemical, molecular, or cellular alterations that are measurable in biological tissues, cells, or fluids. They act as clues telling us about your health.
Biomarkers are extremely useful because they can reveal various biological processes in your body and even predict what might happen in the future. For example, checking your blood sugar is using such a biomarker (your blood sugar) to see if you might have diabetes.
Scientists use biomarkers to narrow down diagnoses, detect medical conditions or catch diseases early. So, these tiny markers are like health detectives, helping us keep an eye on our well-being!
Inflammatory markers refer to substances in your body that signify the presence of inflammation — a response of the immune system to various stimuli, such as infections, injuries, or chronic conditions. These inflammatory markers act as messengers, communicating an ongoing battle between your immune system and potential threats or injuries.
The primary players of inflammation that act as inflammatory markers include C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and plasma viscosity (PV). [1]
These markers can be assessed through different blood tests, offering physicians and healthcare professionals a glimpse into your body's inflammatory landscape.
Since inflammatory processes affect different aspects of our body and influence numerous biological processes, there are different tests available that can test for inflammatory markers.
At CARE, we use the CBC to detect and interpret your inflammatory markers. This test allows us to test for several biomarkers at once, and the potential connections between your inflammatory markers and other biomarkers can give us important and comprehensive information about your health status.
Nevertheless, we will introduce you to the ESR test, the C-reactive protein test (CRP), the CBC, and the PV test. All these tests are capable of detecting inflammatory markers in a slightly different manner. All these tests are non-specific tests, which means they simply let us know that there is inflammation somewhere in your body, but it doesn't show us what is causing the inflammation. [2]
Further tests and diagnoses are typically required to narrow down the cause of inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by a mild cold or a more serious cause. [2]
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate test, casually referred to as sed rate, is a blood test indicating inflammation. The sed rate evaluates the rate at which your red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a thin tube. [2]
When your blood is placed in a tall, thin tube, the red blood cells gradually fall to the bottom (sedimentation). Inflammation can cause the cells to clump together. Since these clumps are heavier than individual red blood cells, they settle to the bottom more quickly. [2]
Therefore, the sedimentation rate correlates with the presence of inflammation in your body. It serves as a valuable tool for screening inflammatory conditions, infections, and certain cancers. [2]
Your body produces proteins as part of a response to infection or inflammation. One of these proteins is called C-reactive protein (CRP), which is produced by the liver. CRP is released pretty quickly at the start of infections or inflammatory conditions and is, therefore, a reliable indicator of inflammation. [1]
The CRP test measures the levels of C-reactive protein in your blood. Its applications range from detecting acute inflammation and chronic inflammation to monitoring autoimmune conditions and assessing cardiovascular risk.
The CBC is a comprehensive examination that scrutinizes the number and types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and hemoglobin, crucial for immune responses in your body.
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) can indicate inflammation by revealing an elevated white blood cell count (leukocytes), particularly an increase in neutrophils, which are immune cells that respond to inflammation and infection. Additionally, an elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP), often measured alongside a CBC, further confirms the presence of inflammation in the body. [3]
The CBC offers a broad overview of your overall health, highlighting potential inflammation or infection.
The plasma viscosity test assesses the thickness and flow of blood, which can be influenced by inflammation. Inflammatory processes typically lead to changes in blood thickness (viscosity), and the PV test measures these alterations. This is done by calculating the force needed to send plasma, the liquid part of your blood, down a thin tube during a specific amount of time. During inflammation, this thickness increases because lots of different protein levels rise in the blood, which makes it harder for the serum to flow. [1]
Elevated plasma viscosity can indicate the presence of inflammation, helping healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or certain infections.
Procalcitonin is a protein that tends to rise in response to bacterial infections, making it a valuable biomarker for distinguishing bacterial infections from viral ones. This is especially important if a doctor wishes to administer antibiotics and needs to distinguish between a viral and bacterial infection. [4]
The PCT test measures the levels of procalcitonin in your blood, helping medical professionals identify the cause of an infection and determine the most appropriate treatment. [4]
Understanding what constitutes a “normal” range is crucial for interpreting inflammatory marker results. While specific ranges may vary slightly among laboratories, generally accepted norms provide a baseline for assessment:
The revelation of high inflammatory markers in your blood can be akin to a red flag waving within your body's fortress.
Elevated levels of CRP, ESR, or white blood cells may signal various underlying conditions, which can be mild, like a common cold, or even more serious, like chronic conditions.
A sudden spike in inflammatory markers can indicate an ongoing infection, prompting the immune system to mount a rapid response. If you have been sick lately, say with the flu or a common cold, it is common to have inflammatory markers in your blood due to the immune reaction of your body to fight the cold. If you recently had surgery, inflammatory markers can be present in your blood due to the internal reparation works of your immune system to heal your wounds.
The majority of high inflammatory markers in blood tests do not indicate a serious illness like cancer or chronic disease and can instead be identified as false positives. [7]
If serious underlying conditions can be ruled out and your high inflammatory markers persist in the absence of infection or threat, chronic inflammation can be the cause for that. [8]
Persistent elevation of inflammatory markers may point toward chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or lupus. A comprehensive evaluation by a specialist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management. If serious chronic conditions can be ruled out, chances are that your lifestyle conditions are the cause of your high inflammatory markers.
Chronic inflammation can be perpetuated by various social, environmental, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Air pollution [9], a diet rich in processed foods [10], or stress [11] can cause inflammation in your body.
Elevated inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma viscosity, are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Chronic inflammation contributes to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, monitoring and managing inflammatory markers can be crucial in assessing cardiovascular risk and implementing preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular events. [12]
Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, are crucial for maintaining heart health and preventing heart disease or cardiac events.
The strategic use of inflammatory marker blood tests is a cornerstone of preventive and diagnostic healthcare and can be advantageous in various scenarios.
Inflammatory markers are crucial for preventive healthcare as they serve as early indicators of potential health issues, allowing for proactive intervention before conditions escalate.
Regular inflammatory marker blood tests at CARE enable you to detect underlying inflammation early and provide you with an opportunity to address potential health risks and implement preventive measures. This helps you in fostering a proactive approach to maintaining long-term health and preventing the onset of chronic diseases.
Incorporating blood tests that can determine your inflammatory markers into routine health check-ups, especially as you age, allows for the screening of underlying inflammatory conditions even in the absence of symptoms and detects changes in your body early on. [1]
At CARE, we specialize in comprehensive blood analysis as one of our tools of preventative care to allow you to detect changes in your body early. This helps you to maintain and improve your health.
Investigating the cause of unexplained symptoms like persistent fatigue, joint pain, or fever warrants seeking medical attention. Testing for inflammatory blood markers aids in early diagnosis and intervention of chronic disease or other causes of inflammation. [1]
Do you already have a chronic condition? Regular monitoring of inflammation levels in people with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease helps adjust treatment plans for optimal disease management. [1] [7] [8]
Addressing elevated inflammatory markers involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at both the underlying cause and overall health optimization. Most of the blood tests that detect inflammatory markers are non-specific and do not reveal the cause of inflammation.
Therefore, further diagnosis is required to determine the root cause of your inflammation.
Once you have found out what is causing your inflammatory markers to increase, your treatment varies based on the specific condition causing inflammation. Consulting with a healthcare professional is imperative to identify and address the root cause of the inflammation in your body.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate inflammation.
Embracing a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress through relaxation techniques are pivotal to keeping your inflammatory markers in balance.
Avoid ultra-processed foods and environmental toxins like smoking tobacco or drinking too much alcohol, as these factors can lead to inflammation in your body. [10] [13]
In certain cases, often in chronic diseases like arthritis and abnormal immune response, medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed to treat the inflammatory processes in your body. [14]
Strict adherence to prescribed medications under medical supervision is crucial.
If your blood test results revealed high inflammatory marker levels in the absence of autoimmune disease, chronic conditions, or other threats, adjusting certain lifestyle factors might be advisable to balance your inflammatory response.
A major game changer for inflammatory processes in your body can be an adjustment of your diet by incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your meals.
Anti-inflammatory foods are not just a trend; they represent a scientifically grounded approach to nurturing our bodies and balancing our body's inflammatory processes.
Certain foods possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help quell the flames of chronic inflammation, promoting a balanced immune response. [15]
Let's explore some key players in the anti-inflammatory food arsenal:
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3s play a crucial role in reducing the production of inflammatory molecules. [15]
Vegetables like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients combat oxidative stress and contribute to an anti-inflammatory environment. [15]
Packed with flavonoids, berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation at the cellular level. [15]
These spices are not just culinary delights; they boast potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin, found in turmeric, has been extensively studied for its ability to modulate inflammatory pathways. [15]
Italians have a reputation for aging gracefully and healthily. Extra virgin olive oil might be their secret, as it is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory effects. Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved heart health. [15]
While inflammatory markers provide invaluable insights, they have limitations, as we have already mentioned.
Elevated inflammatory markers may indicate inflammation, but pinpointing the exact cause requires additional investigations to diagnose the cause of inflammation accurately. A comprehensive assessment, including imaging and other specialized tests, is often necessary. [2]
Normal ranges for inflammatory markers can vary among individuals, making interpretation complex at times. Considering individual health history and consulting healthcare professionals for personalized insights is paramount.
Inflammatory markers can temporarily rise due to factors like strenuous exercise or mild seasonal infections like the common cold. Repeat testing and considering contextual factors are necessary for an accurate interpretation of your blood result. Most inflammatory markers tests are false positives rather than indicating a serious illness. [7]
Elena is an enthusiastic Health Coach and blog writer at CARE, with a passion for holistic medicine and health. Previously, Elena worked for almost five years as a coach leading retreats, workshops, and seminars. These included mind-body therapy: breath work, meditation, and massage; as well as energy force therapy: reiki, and qi gong; and third expressive therapy: movement, writing and support groups. Elena shares exciting articles on the blog, on the topic of where the alternative and traditional medicine intersect with Western Medicine. Elena is also the driving force behind the CARE community. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling to remote locations and dancing. You might also see her on the lake of Zurich as a coast guard. Join her on her journey to learn more about health and discover the world of preventive medicine! Visit all articles written by Elena!
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