CRP and hsCRP Explained Simply
What is CRP?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a substance made by the liver. Its level increases when there is inflammation in the body. Inflammation can occur due to infection, injury, or long-term health problems. CRP is part of the body’s natural defense system and helps fight harmful germs and clean up damaged cells.
How is CRP Produced?
When the body senses infection or injury, immune cells release chemical messengers called cytokines. These signals tell the liver to make CRP. One cytokine called Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays the biggest role, while others like TNF-alpha and Interleukin-1 beta also contribute.
What Does CRP Do in the Body?
CRP helps the immune system in several ways. It attaches to bacteria and damaged cells so immune cells can remove them easily. It also activates another defense system called the complement system, which helps destroy harmful organisms. CRP also helps clear dead cells and prevents excessive immune reactions that could damage healthy tissue.
CRP vs hsCRP – What’s the Difference?
Both CRP and hsCRP measure the same protein, but they are used for different purposes. Regular CRP tests are used to detect sudden inflammation, such as during infections or injuries. High-Sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is a more precise test that detects low levels of long-term inflammation. High hsCRP levels are linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions.
Why Does hsCRP Increase?
hsCRP levels rise when the body has ongoing, low-grade inflammation. Common causes include excess body fat (especially belly fat), insulin resistance, poor diet, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. These conditions keep inflammatory signals active, causing the liver to produce more hsCRP.
How Diet Affects CRP and hsCRP
A Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat (LCHF) diet can help lower inflammation. By reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates, insulin levels become more stable, which lowers inflammatory signals in the body. This diet also helps reduce belly fat, a major source of inflammation.
Stable blood sugar levels reduce oxidative stress, which protects blood vessels and lowers CRP levels. When carbohydrate intake is very low, the body produces ketones. One ketone, called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), has strong anti-inflammatory effects and helps calm the immune system.
Other Benefits of an LCHF Diet
LCHF diets usually improve the balance of fats by increasing omega-3 intake and reducing omega-6 fats found in processed foods and seed oils. This shift further reduces inflammation. Removing processed foods and sugars also improves gut health, which lowers inflammation throughout the body.
How Quickly Can CRP Levels Improve?
Many people see improvements in inflammation within a few weeks of changing their diet. Larger drops in hsCRP often occur within 2–3 months, especially in people with obesity or metabolic problems. Long-term healthy eating helps maintain low inflammation and supports heart and metabolic health.
Key Takeaways
CRP and hsCRP are markers of inflammation in the body. High levels often reflect poor metabolic health and lifestyle factors. Improving diet, especially by reducing sugar and processed foods, can significantly lower inflammation. An LCHF diet, combined with healthy fats, proper sleep, stress management, and targeted supplements, can help keep CRP and hsCRP levels under control.
- LCHF significantly reduces both CRP & hsCRP by lowering insulin resistance, visceral fat, and oxidative stress.
- Ketones (BHB) have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that suppress CRP & hsCRP production.
- Eliminating seed oils, sugar, and processed carbs further reduces inflammation and improves metabolic health.
- Combining an LCHF diet with omega-3s, curcumin, vitamin D, and magnesium enhances inflammation control.