C-Reactive Protein: Fit in a Minute

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, February 1 and November 5, 2006
Show 306

Have you ever heard of C-reactive protein? It just might predict your risk for heart disease. There is a new blood test for C-reactive protein which is a measure of the amount of inflammation you have in your body, and that is important. We are learning more and more every day about how excess inflammation can cause diabetes, or a heart attack. There is substantial evidence that exercise, weight loss, eating fruits and vegetables, and even taking a good multi-vitamin may reduce the amount of C-reactive protein found in your blood. A study at the Cooper Institute found that a multi-vitamin did reduce the amount of inflammation found in the blood. While these results are exciting, the use of a multi-vitamin is just one part of a comprehensive preventive medicine program. Daily exercise and healthy eating are the cornerstones for minimizing inflammation, and reducing your risk of heart disease. Check with your doctor to see if a C-reactive protein test is right for you.