There is a protein produced by the body that correlates directly with cancer risk. It is called C-Reactive Protein, or CRP, and there is also a simple blood test you can take to determine if your levels are elevated. Periodic testing for CRP is extremely important on the Healthy Breast journey and is a great way to monitor your progress.
C-Reactive Protein and Cancer
C-Reactive Protein is produced by the immune and fat cells and processed in the liver. High amounts of it equals high levels of inflammation occurring somewhere in the body. Inflammation is connected to almost every disease condition, including Breast Cancer.
In conventional medicine, CRP has long been linked to cardiovascular disease. Recent research, however, has shown that high CRP levels also point to the possible presence of cancer. A 2006 study published by the American Association of Cancer Research is just one of many that makes this connection. Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health put it simply:
“Our results confirm the important role of inflammation in human cancer and suggest that plasma CRP level is a potential marker of increased cancer risk.”
What’s more, a 2011 Danish study published in the journal Cancer Research found that, of the roughly 3,000 women with invasive Breast Cancer surveyed, those with elevated C-Reactive Protein levels had the highest mortality rate from the dis-ease.
How to Lower Inflammation (and CRP) in the Body
Lifestyle and diet play the pivotal role in the body’s inflammatory responses. Lack of sleep, stress, allergen exposure and eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) can all contribute to high amounts of C-Reactive Protein in the blood.
The dangers occur when chronic inflammation reaches a tipping point. This can lead to mutations which can cause tumor growth.
You can turn this situation around! One huge way is to follow my 7 Essentials System ®.
Especially important for lowering chronic inflammation in the body is the following:
- Eat a healthy, cancer-fighting diet. This should consist of lots of greens, cruciferous vegetables and superfoods such as nuts as well as healthy oils like olive oil.
- Get enough quality sleep. Did you know that one in three Americans are sleep deprived? There is a direct correlation between lack of sleep, inflammation and cancer. In fact, not enough shut-eye can actually turn off cancer-protective genes.
- Get rid of toxins. Reducing your toxic load by going organic and non-GMO as well as removing toxic cleaners and sundry products from your household can do wonders for lowering inflammation levels in your body. In addition, make sure to remove amalgams and root canals that can add significantly to your toxic load.
- Finally, consider including inflammation-reducing foods into your daily routine. These include curcumin and matcha green tea, for example. Matcha tea contains a powerful phytonutrient called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that has been shown to lower CRP levels, Supplementing with magnesium, vitamin D and zinc are also very important.
Cannabis has also been shown to be a substance that can lower CRP levels. A recent study done by Michigan State University found that “CRP evidence points toward possible anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis smoking.”
Take the CRP Blood Test
Even if you are relatively healthy, getting your CRP levels tested every once in a while is a good idea. Most conventional medical doctors, hospitals and labs can provide this inexpensive test for you and it is also covered under most insurance providers.
If you are not at risk for heart disease, it may take a little explanation to your doctor why you need this test. No problem. Just show them the many references cited in this blog!
October 30, 2018
© 2018 Dr. Veronique Desaulniers – All Rights Reserved
Submitted for publication to Kettle Moraine Publications by the author, Dr. Veronique Desaulniers, better known as Dr. V, is the founder of The 7 Essentials System ™, a step-by-step guide that teaches you exactly how to prevent and heal Breast Cancer Naturally. To get your F.R.E.E. 7 day mini e-course, and to receive her weekly action steps and inspiring articles on the power of Natural Medicine, visit http://breastcancerconqueror.com/.