Definition

C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation produced by the liver in response to inflammatory signals. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measures low-grade chronic inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease risk. CRP levels rise with infections, autoimmune conditions, obesity, and chronic inflammatory states.

Why It Matters

Elevated CRP indicates systemic inflammation and predicts cardiovascular disease risk independently of cholesterol levels. Monitoring CRP helps assess chronic disease risk, track treatment effectiveness, and guide anti-inflammatory interventions. Reducing CRP through lifestyle and naturopathic therapies lowers disease risk.

Related Conditions

Cardiovascular Disease Autoimmunity Obesity Diabetes Pre Diabetes Inflammation

Related Modalities

Functional Lab Testing Clinical Nutrition Lifestyle Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

For hs-CRP, <1 mg/L indicates low cardiovascular risk, 1–3 mg/L moderate risk, and >3 mg/L high risk. Standard CRP <10 mg/L is normal, but functional medicine targets <1 mg/L. Levels >10 mg/L suggest acute infection or severe inflammation requiring medical evaluation.

Strategies include anti-inflammatory diet, omega-3 fatty acids, regular exercise, weight loss if needed, stress management, adequate sleep, dental health, omega-3 supplements, turmeric/curcumin, and addressing underlying sources of inflammation like gut dysfunction or chronic infections.