Latest news with #CRP
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Do you floss your teeth properly? Doctor explains how it can lower heart disease risk
Flossing your teeth can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine physician, shared an Instagram post on June 19 in which he shared that research suggests that regular flossing can lower the risk of stroke and heart disease by reducing inflammation and preventing bacterial buildup in the mouth. Also read | Should you floss before or after brushing? Dentist shares what your ideal oral care routine should be In his caption, Dr Sood wrote, 'Can flossing reduce risk of heart disease? Share to help someone cut both gum and heart risk.' Saying how 'gums set off body-wide alarms', he said: 'Plaque trapped between teeth sparks gingivitis, letting Porphyromonas gingivalis and other microbes slip into the bloodstream. Those invaders crank up C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 —the same inflammatory messengers that thicken arterial plaque and boost clotting risk.' Dr Sood added that 'flossing disrupts the oral-heart highway'. 'Adding floss to twice-daily brushing removes up to 80 percent of interdental plaque — far more than brushing alone. In a seven-year study of 40,000+ adults, flossing at least once a week was linked to: 22 percent lower ischemic-stroke risk, 44 percent lower cardio-embolic-stroke risk, and 12 percent lower atrial-fibrillation risk.' A post shared by Kunal Sood, MD (@doctorsoood) Explaining why frequency — and timing — matter, Dr Sood said, 'Every floss session breaks up biofilm before it inflames gum vessels. Even weekly flossing trims systemic inflammation, but daily use keeps the bacterial 'drip' shut off almost completely.' He also shared: 1. Floss daily (string, picks, or water-flosser); if that's tough, aim for several times per week — consistency beats perfection. 2. Brush twice daily and book professional cleanings every six months; scaling alone can drop CRP within weeks. 3. Spot warning signs — bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, looseness — then schedule a periodontal check-up. 4. Reinforce the win with cardio basics: quit smoking, manage blood sugar, move daily. The same habits that protect gums fortify arteries. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
2 basic blood tests that can indicate a future heart attack
Heart attack risk When heart attacks strike, they rarely come without warning. The human body whispers before it screams, and modern medicine is learning how to listen. While cholesterol and blood pressure numbers are familiar territory, there are two quiet blood markers that can reveal much more than meets the eye: Homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP). These aren't buzzwords cooked up for wellness fads. They're scientifically backed indicators that can point toward hidden inflammation and damage brewing silently inside blood vessels. And what makes them even more powerful? They're surprisingly simple to test, but often left out of routine check-ups. Homocysteine Homocysteine sounds like just another fancy chemical in the bloodstream. Technically, it's an amino acid produced during the digestion of protein. Normally, it gets converted into harmless substances with the help of B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folic acid. B Vitamins, especially B6, B9 (folate), and B12, help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and prevent nerve damage in the eyes. They also lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to eye-related diseases. It's often said that high homocysteine levels can clog arteries and lead to a heart attack. That's not an exaggeration. High levels of homocysteine can irritate the inner lining of blood vessels, making them more prone to plaque build-up and clots, both major contributors to heart disease. A review highlighted that elevated homocysteine is linked to a 1.7-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo It's not just a marker—it's a risk factor in itself. Yet, it remains one of the most under-checked elements in routine blood tests. Why high homocysteine often goes undetected It's strange but true, most health check-up packages don't include a homocysteine test. Maybe it's because cholesterol still steals the spotlight, or maybe because the test isn't as widely discussed. But here's what matters: homocysteine levels can rise silently, especially in people with poor diet, smoking habits, or certain genetic mutations (like MTHFR gene variants). And the fix? It's often as simple as correcting B-vitamin deficiencies. When caught early, homocysteine levels can be lowered, possibly preventing future cardiac damage. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) CRP is the body's built-in warning system. Produced by the liver, it shoots up whenever there's inflammation in the body, even if that inflammation is deep inside the blood vessels and doesn't cause symptoms. A raised CRP level means a heart attack might be on the horizon. That's not just a theory. A study found that people with high CRP levels had twice the risk of future heart attacks, even when cholesterol levels were normal. Especially important is the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test, which can detect even minor increases in inflammation. This version is considered more precise for predicting heart risk than the standard CRP test. Chronic low-grade inflammation doesn't get enough attention, but it's a dangerous undercurrent in heart disease. The arteries don't always show obvious blockages. Instead, what happens internally, small, inflamed areas along vessel walls, can make them more vulnerable to rupture and clots. CRP acts as a mirror to this hidden inflammation. And if CRP levels are consistently high, it's a signal worth acting on, even if everything else appears 'normal.' Warning signs before a heart attack Why these tests matter more than ever It's easy to get lulled into a sense of security when blood pressure and cholesterol seem fine. But heart disease isn't always loud or direct. Sometimes it's slow and silent. Homocysteine and CRP don't just add to the picture, they complete it. They shine light on risks that may be missed by traditional testing. And for someone with a family history of heart disease or unexplained fatigue or dizziness, these tests could uncover problems years before a cardiac episode ever occurs. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
7 Foods With As Many Anti-Inflammatory Benefits as Spinach
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-GarciaSpinach is packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, reducing the risk of disease. There are many other foods with a similar amount—or more—of anti-inflammatory benefits. Fill up on these seven anti-inflammatory foods, including berries, flax seeds and with its gorgeous shades of jewel-green, is rich in beta-carotene, lutein and flavonoids—all of which have antioxidant properties that help fight cell-damaging free radicals and reduce inflammation. But there's a whole list of foods that belong alongside spinach as inflammation-fighting powerhouses with similar or even higher levels of antioxidants. Read on to learn about seven foods and drinks that offer as much (or more) anti-inflammatory benefits as spinach—and add them to your meals and snacks today. Brussels sprouts belong to the cruciferous vegetable family alongside broccoli and cauliflower. These veggies provide a slew of nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties like carotenoids, fiber, vitamin C, flavonols and glucosinolates. Speaking of glucosinolates, these phytochemicals may help improve blood sugar management, blood pressure and blood lipid levels, as well as help preserve cognitive health and regulate mood. Cabbage is another cruciferous veggie that offers glucosinolates, but it also contains a pretty big nutrient perk: Its bright red-purple hue is a sign that it contains anthocyanin, an antioxidant compound. These compounds have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and may protect against neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Whether you love blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or blackberries, they're all packed with anti-inflammatory potential. Berries are bursting with antioxidant plant compounds like anthocyanins, flavanols and phenolic acids. These compounds in berries have been shown to reduce levels of inflammatory markers and improve lipid levels and blood vessel function for better cholesterol and blood pressure. It's not just their antioxidants, either. Berries also have fiber, vitamins, and minerals that decrease the activity of inflammatory pathways and support healthy immune system function. If you love coffee, there's no need to break the morning brew habit. Java is rife with compounds with antioxidant potential—caffeine, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, to name a few. That may be why coffee consumption is associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), one marker of inflammation. This is significant, as coffee may be helpful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. When it comes to coffee, however, too much can be detrimental to your health. The FDA recommends sticking to about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee per day, as more than that can cause negative side effects like jitters and anxiety. There's a reason why chocolate—more specifically, dark chocolate—is a dietitian's favorite dessert: The sweet treat is packed with health benefits, including reduced inflammation. Research shows that consuming cocoa (what makes chocolate 'chocolate-y') is associated with lower inflammatory proteins like CRP and IL-6. Dark chocolate is a higher source of antioxidant polyphenols like catechin, procyanidins and theobromine compared to milk chocolate, which has a lower cacao percentage. Chocolate also has some caffeine, which is also an antioxidant. Even more impressive: Chocolate contains a higher amount of flavonoids (plant antioxidant compounds) per serving compared to red wine, apples and tea. Bring on dessert! It's common to think of fruits and vegetables as being packed with antioxidants that can quell inflammation. But nuts like pistachios provide a source of many of the same types of phytochemicals found in produce. Think: Polyphenols like catechins and lutein, a carotenoid. The good news is that research shows that whether you like your pistachios raw or roasted, both versions are packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants. (Although raw has higher total antioxidant activity, roasting enhances certain compounds like catechins, so there's benefit to both.) Beyond antioxidants, pistachios are nuts that provide healthy unsaturated fatty acids, protein, and fiber, a recipe that bolsters satiety and satisfaction. Flaxseeds may be tiny, but they deliver a mighty hit to inflammation. A meta-analysis and review concluded that adding flaxseed to one's diet reduced levels of the inflammatory proteins CRP and IL-6. These inflammatory markers have also been linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. It's not yet totally clear why flaxseed is so anti-inflammatory, but it contains 'good' unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids called alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which may be behind its many benefits. Spinach is a great food that's packed with antioxidants and thus may help reduce inflammation, a common contributor to chronic disease. And while the public may have crowned spinach with superfood status, there are so many other plant-based foods that deliver a similar amount—or more—anti-inflammatory benefits. Fill up on fruits like berries, vegetables like Brussels sprouts and red cabbage, nuts and seeds like pistachios and flax, and don't forget to ask for coffee and chocolate to bring the fun. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Scroll.in
5 days ago
- Business
- Scroll.in
IBPS releases revised CRP 2025 exam calendar: check details here
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially released the revised tentative calendar for the 2025-26 recruitment cycle for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). Candidates can view the revised calendar at the official website According to the updated calendar, the preliminary exams for CRP PO/MT-XV will be held on August 17, 23, and 24, 2025, while the main examination is scheduled for October 12, 2025. For Specialist Officers under CRP SPL-XV, the preliminary exam will take place on August 30, 2025, and the single/main examination is set for November 9, 2025. As per a report by Times of India, the entire registration process for IBPS CRP 2025 exams will be conducted online only. Candidates are required to complete a single registration for both Preliminary and Main exams, wherever applicable.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
IBPS revises 2025–26 recruitment calendar: Check exam dates for PO, SO, Clerk, and RRB posts
IBPS exam schedule 202 5 : The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has officially released the revised tentative calendar for the 2025–26 recruitment cycle for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). The updated schedule affects candidates applying for positions including Probationary Officers (PO), Management Trainees (MT), Specialist Officers (SPL), Customer Service Associates (CSA), and various RRB officer/assistant roles. T he calendar revision includes updated dates for preliminary, main, and single examinations, along with critical instructions regarding the online application process. IBPS CRP 2025 exam schedule: Important dates Candidates can check the list of important dates provided here to check the IBPS CRP exam schedule 2025: Recruitment Process Post Preliminary Exam Main/Single Exam CRP PO/MT-XV Probationary Officers / MT 17th, 23rd, 24th August 2025 12th October 2025 CRP SPL-XV Specialist Officers 30th August 2025 9th November 2025 CRP CSA-XV Customer Service Associates 4th, 5th, 11th October 2025 29th November 2025 CRP RRBs-XIV Officer Scale I 22nd, 23rd November 2025 28th December 2025 CRP RRBs-XIV Officer Scale II & III Not Applicable 28th December 2025 (Single Level) CRP RRBs-XIV Office Assistants (Multipurpose) 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th December 2025 1st February 2026 Candidates can click on the link provided here to check the official notice regarding the IBPS CRP exam schedule 2025. IBPS CRP application 2025: Important guidelines The registration process for all IBPS CRP exams will be conducted exclusively through online mode. Candidates must complete a single registration for both Preliminary and Main examinations, wherever applicable. During the application, applicants are required to upload their photograph, signature, thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration in specified file sizes and formats. Additionally, a live photograph, captured via webcam or mobile phone, must be uploaded as part of the identity verification process. Candidates are advised to stay tuned to the official website to get the latest updates regarding the IBPS recruitment process. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
