More reasons to increase your fiber intake
- 1. More reasons to increase your fiber intake...
The Cardiac Killer...C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver
in response to inflammation. Other names for CRP are high-sensitivity C-reactive
protein (hs-CRP) and ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP).
A high level of CRP in the blood is a marker of any condition that causes
inflammation, from an upper respiratory infection to cancer. High CRP levels can
indicate that there is inflammation in the arteries of the heart, which can mean a
higher risk for heart attack. It is important to remember, however, that CRP is an
extremely nonspecific test and can be elevated in any inflammatory condition.
PURPOSE: To determine if increased dietary or supplemental intake of fiber
slows or prevents inflammation as evidenced by high-sensitivity C-reactive
protein (hs-CRP) values.
DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, Medline, Health Source, Nursing/Academic Edition,
and the Cochrane Library.
CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this review suggested significant associations
between fiber consumption and decreased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease
as evidenced by a decrease in hs-CRP levels. Six of the seven articles reviewed
showed statistically significant decreases in hs-CRP levels as dietary fiber was
increased.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Fiber in the diet may play a strong role in CV
health as evidenced by six clinical trials completed using amount of fiber intake in
relation to inflammation, particularly hs-CRP levels. Patients need to be educated
to adhere to a high fiber diet, either by dietary or supplemental means, using the
recommended 25-30 g of fiber per day.
©2010 The Author(s) Journal compilation ©2010 American Academy of Nurse
Practitioners.
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