How can i lower my esr rates naturally

Posted By Ann (Eu) on 03/13/2015

Hi, I have raised ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Does anybody know how to reduce this naturally? I have been prescribed steroid tablets, but would much rather use something natural. I am 38. Any advice on addition/elimination from the diet, lifestyle tips etc, supplements etc. Thank you.
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Replied by Bill (San Fernando) on 03/14/2015

Hi Ann...ESR(Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is really just the build up or clumping together of red blood cells and is normally a marker used for inflammation in medicine.

Pro-sedimentation forming factors are mainly due to excess fibrinogen(protein) in the blood. This can also be caused or aggravated by inflammatory problems.

A factor which prevents or resists sedimentation is mainly the strength of the negative charge or zeta potential on the red blood cells. So, a higher or stronger negative potential on your red blood cells means less clumping and less sedimentation.

So what you first should try and do is reduce any excess dietary protein intake in your diet which might cause excessive protein levels in the blood. You could also take bromelain 3 times a day outside mealtimes. You can also use nattokinase but bromelain is much cheaper. When absorbed into the blood, this bromelain enzyme would help to dissolve and digest any excess fibrinogen involved in the sedimentation.

Secondly, you should promote the strengthening of the red blood cell zeta potential or negative charge in your blood cells to prevent clumping and sedimentation. You can do this in several ways.

You could try taking niacin -- about 500 mgs 2 times a day at meals. Please also be aware that niacin will give you the niacin-flush which can be unpleasant -- so perhaps start with a smaller dose and work up. You could also perhaps take an aspirin 20 mins before you take the niacin to reduce the flush. The niacinamide form of B3 is no good -- has little effect on the blood. The niacin form of B3 should act to also unclump your blood and prevent excessive levels sedimentation.

Third, you should take at least 1000 mgs of Vitamin C as ascorbate 3 times a day. Take this outside mealtimes. To make this drink, just add 1/4 tsp Ascorbic acid powder to a half glass of water and then add baking soda(Arm & Hammer brand is fine to use) until the fizzing stops. This drink will help to supply and strengthen the negative or zeta potential required by your red blood cells which should also act to help reduce or prevent any excessive clumping and sedimentation occurring in your blood.

Iodine is another one that helps to make transport and excretion of proteins (as well as fats) more efficient in your body. So you could take 3 or 4 drops of lugols iodine per day or perhaps take a good liquid kelp extract to also achieve this.

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Replied by Ann (Eu) on 03/14/2015

Bill, thanks very much for your thorough reply. I am wondering if there is anything there that would flush out meds as I do need to take some. I also hear that ginger is a great anti inflammatory, but am unsure of how much you should use. I have some ground ginger and raw ginger, but am not sure if you could add a spoonful to soups or cooking or even raw ginger itself, and especially what amounts to use. Also, would ginseng be helpful for this ailment. You state about Vitamin C, and I am wondering would taking raw fruit be as beneficial, say in a smoothie, and what particular fruits might be used, I find bananas, tomatoes to be beneficial. I am wondering if mammograms or anything like this could have an effect on this ESR number/inflammation, as I have not really felt 100% since having one. I am finding that the use of the steroids makes me feel quite exhausted/and prone to sweats so I am grateful for your help. Many thanks
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Replied by Rohit (Mumbai, India) on 09/10/2016

Isnt there herbal ways to solve this rather then taking Niacine etc raw. Can someone please suggest herbal ways as these can be adopted in daily life for longer benifits.
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Replied by Abdulrahman (England) on 05/08/2017

Dear Rohit,

Take kale, spinach, brussels, sprouts, alfafa sprouts, Brocoli flowers, beets, redbell peppers, onions corn, eggplant

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