In a Forum thread titled "C Reactive Protein," an HSI member named Rachael poses a simple question that leads to a discussion (with a lot of names we'll all recognize) about a wide range of topics, including cardiovascular health, infection, antibiotics, Coenzyme Q10, anti-inflammatory foods, the immune system, omega-3 fatty acids, and cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. (In fact, this thread serves as a nice companion piece to yesterday's e-Alert "Valentine in July" - see below.)

In the e-Alert "Burst of Inflammation" (11/21/02), I told you how C-reactive Protein (CRP) is produced in the liver in response to inflammation and provides us with a reliable marker for cardiovascular distress.

In the "CRP" thread, a member named Gerry points out that CRP is a defense mechanism, and says, "Don't bother with trying to lower CRP. There is the concept that infection is involved in atherosclerosis. If you want to deal with anything when you see your CRP rise, it would be to deal with the infection."

In response, Lance offers that statins are being prescribed to lower CRP. And to that, a member named Hoggman offers his own personal experience with statins and CRP, with this concise statement: "On statin, CRP was 11.1! Off statin, CRP is .49. Go figure. CRP should be less then 1.0"

And then Lance jumps in again with his take on adopting an "anti-inflammatory lifestyle by avoiding fatty foods, refined carbohydrates (including sugars). Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and Omega 3 oils. Smoking, excess coffee, and certain medications such as estrogen drugs can increase CRP levels. Proteolytic enzymes have been clinically proven to reduce CRP levels. If you are overweight, lose it. There have been studies that indicate vitamin E supplements can significantly lower CRP levels."

This is a fascinating thread - great reading - and I highly recommend it.

Other topics of interest on the Forum this week include:

• A thread titled "Growing Wheatgrass" in which members discuss the best ways to grow and maintain this food - rich in enzymes, vitamins and chlorophyll.
• "Canola, another dangerous product rubber stamped by the FDA" is a thread whose title speaks for itself.
• A member named Titus starts off a thread in which Lola, Patrick, Kathy and other members discuss natural ways to cope with "Acid Reflux."

If you'd like to read or join in with any of these conversations, just go to our website at www.hsibaltimore.com and click on "Forum."