Homocysteine, Fibrinogen, Lipoprotein (A) and C-Reactive Protein
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid that promotes free radical production. It also elevates trglycerides and cholesterol levels. Studies have indicated that high homocysteine levels are directly related to strokes, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Reasons that Homocysteine levels may be elevated
• Coronary artery disease
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Drugs
• Elevated testosterone levels in women
• Hereditary predisposition
• Hypothyroidism
• Menopause
• Osteoarthritis
• Renal failure
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Smoking
• Toxins
Eliminating alcohol, birth control pills, caffeine, diuretics, niacin, and tobacco can help decrease homocysteine.
Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is a clot-promoting substance in your blood. Elevated levels of fibrinogen can cause a heart attack.
Ways to lower fibrinogen levels
• Bromelain
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Estrogen hormone replacement
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Ginkgo
• Stop smoking
• Vitamin E
Lipoprotein (A)
Lipoprotein (a) is a small cholesterol particle that can cause inflammation and clog blood vessels when present in the body in elevated levels. High lipoprotein (a) levels can also greatly increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease. Along with diabetes and menopause, taking statin medications and eating soy has been shown to increase this particle’s presence in the body.
C-Reactive Protein
c-reactive protein is a protein found in the blood. Its levels become elevated when the body detects an infection or need for inflammation. C-reactive protein levels can also rise due to a previous infection, obesity, depression, or diabetes mellitus. In addition, raised levels may be indicative of future problems including cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
Besides the supplements, exercise and the Metagenics product UltraInflamX can help lower elevated c-reactive proteins levels. One baby aspirin a day may also be effective, but check with your doctor regarding usage before starting this regimen.
Causes of increased C-reactive protein levels
• Depression
• Diabetes mellitus
• Inflammation
• Obesity
• Previous infection
Supplements to lower C-Reactive Protein levels
• Coenzyme Q10
• Curcumin
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Grapeseed extract
• Green tea
• Quercetin
• Rosemary
