If you find yourself suffering from anxiety, joint pain, brain fog, thinning hair, or extreme fatigue, and none of your doctors or specialists can diagnose your issues, it is likely time for you to have your inflammatory markers checked. Chronic inflammation is tricky and can lie undetected behind vague symptoms that can get misdiagnosed, and if not treated properly, can result in serious health complications like a heart attack, autoimmune disease, or even dementia. Let’s break it down. Here are six powerful blood tests that could be the missing puzzle piece in your health journey.
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1. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
Why it matters: CRP is a protein produced in response to inflammation by your liver. The high sensitivity version (hs-CRP) is 10x more accurate and catches subtle, chronic inflammation much earlier.
Optimal level: Less than 1.0
If this is elevated, your inflammation is more likely to worsen, placing your tissues at a greater risk of damage. It’s also predictive of future disease risk more than primary autoimmune markers like a positive ANA.
2. Ferritin
Why it matters: Ferritin is known as the body’s storage tank for iron, but it also participates in the differentiation of inflammation from other processes in the body.
Target range:
- Women: 50–150 ng/ml
- Men: Up to 250 ng/ml
If you have high ferritin levels or low ferritin, it might indicate something deeper, like an autoimmune disease or persistent inflammation.
3. Homocysteine
Why it matters: This amino acid positively impacts heart health, brain function (even strokes), along with several cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. High levels of homocysteine can be problematic because of the MTHFR gene, which determines how you process B vitamins (folate and B12).
Goal: Under 7 μmol/L
If strokes or dementia are in your family history, it is worth it to bring this inflammatory marker up with your doctor if you have never tested it before.
4. Fibrinogen Activity
Why it matters: Fibrinogen is a clotting factor, and high fibrinogen levels can mean there is greater blood viscosity, and the risk of stroke and heart attacks is higher, even in the younger population.
The presence of a positive ANA (an autoimmune marker) means there is a greater risk and, therefore, a greater need to control fibrinogen.
5. Insulin
Why it matters: Most people associate insulin with blood sugar; however, it is also a hormonal marker of inflammation. High insulin = hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and autoimmune activity brewing behind the scenes.
If you're always tired, gaining weight easily, or battling brain fog, insulin could be the culprit. Read More: “Blood Sugar, Dementia & the B12 Connection”
6. Vitamin D
Why it matters: This vitamin does wonders beyond enhancing bone health. Vitamin D also regulates the expression of a number of genes that control inflammation, including a gene called NF-kappa B.
Perhaps chronic low levels indicate a deficiency, but then it could also represent a deeper inflammatory struggle your body can't seem to shake.
Inflammatory Markers: The Takeaway
If you relentlessly bounce from one provider to another, are told your labs are normal, but feel as though you want to do more, it’s time to dig deeper. These 6 inflammatory markers are better at finding unresolved issues than normal reactors.
How about a starting point? We provide telehealth consults focused on identifying root causes and helping you implement a practical, personalized plan. With the right labs, you can find the source of your inflammation, take action, and regain your health. Get started and reach out to Dr. Autoimmune today!
