How to Reduce High ESR Levels in Blood?
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra
Written By Kirti Saxena
on Aug 21, 2023
Last Edit Made By Kirti Saxena
on Mar 18, 2024
Have you recently been found to have a high ESR level in your blood? Are you trying to find remedies to reduce your ESR level? Relax; we have got you covered. In this blog, we will provide you with the best tips to reduce your ESR level by lifestyle modifications.
High ESR levels can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body. The ESR blood test can detect how fast the erythrocytes or red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube.
Various factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, infections like pneumonia, cancers, and heart and kidney diseases, might influence the ESR level. If your doctors suspect a high level of inflammation in your body, they may recommend the ESR blood test.
Symptoms of High/low ESR
If you are experiencing symptoms of inflammation, such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. These symptoms include:
- Joint pain or Stiffness
- Headaches
- Sudden Weight loss
- Digestive disorders like Diarrhea
Risks of High/low ESR
High ESR causes the following health issues
- Arteritis
- Systemic Vasculitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Certain Cancers
- Arthritis
If your ESR levels are high, it’s essential to consult your doctor to identify the cause and explore high ESR treatment options.
Low ESR causes the following health issues
- Polycythemia
- Leukocytosis
- Heart failure
- Certain Kidney and liver diseases
- Sickle cell disease
If your ESR is low, consult your doctor for ESR treatment and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Tips to Reduce High ESR in Blood
If your ESR levels are elevated, it's important to identify the cause, which could be related to inflammation, infection, autoimmune disorders, or other medical conditions. Here are some best tips that might help reduce ESR levels:
- Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can reduce inflammation and maintain nutritional blood parameters. Add plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower ESR levels.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water properly and stay hydrated to keep your blood level and blood circulation optimal. Drinking adequate water throughout the day can help prevent blood viscosity, promoting healthy blood flow, and helping to reduce ESR levels.
- Regular Exercise: Daily to maintain a healthy weight, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. You must do running, jump rope, cycling, swimming, and walking workouts daily for at least 40-45 minutes.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can increase inflammation and negatively impact ESR levels. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness to manage stress effectively.
- Herbal Teas: Certain herbal teas, such as green tea and turmeric tea, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They help regulate the body's inflammatory response and reduce ESR levels.
- Good sleep: Quality sleep is essential for proper immune function and health. Aim to sleep at least 7-9 hours each night to support healthy blood parameters.
- Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and adversely affect blood health. Thus, quitting smoking and moderate alcohol intake can help to reduce ESR levels.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity may cause various health issues. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight can help you to control inflammation. Losing excess weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can positively affect blood parameters.
- Take regular ESR blood testing: If you persistently experience elevated ESR levels symptoms, then consult with your healthcare professional. They can help identify causes by regular testing; you can control the elevated levels of ESR.
Foods to Choose to Reduce ESR Level
Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can help reduce ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) levels. Here are some foods to consider:
- Fatty Fish like mackerel, Salmon, sardines, and trout
- Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
- Leafy Greens like kale, Spinach, and Swiss chard
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Walnuts
- Chia Seeds
- Green Tea
- Olive Oil
- Broccoli
- Nuts
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats
- Dark Chocolates
- Vegetables like Bell peppers and tomatoes.
Avoid or limit processed foods, cookies, salty and sugary snacks, and trans fats, packaged meats, as they can contribute to inflammation.
How to reduce ESR levels with Home Remedies?
To reduce ESR level at home, follow below natural remedies.
- Ashwagandha: It helps to reduce chronic inflammation in the body.
- Shunti: It has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the blood's ESR level.
- Amla: Amla is rich in nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. Eat amla daily to reduce the ESR levels.
- Turmeric and Ginger Tea: Turmeric and ginger have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic Consumption: Add fresh garlic into your meals to benefit from its anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Applying aloe vera gel may relieve inflammation-related skin issues.
What is the Normal ESR Range?
The test is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr). The normal and abnormal level of ESR is mentioned below.
Normal ESR Level | Abnormal ESR Level | |
Females under 50 | 0 to 20 mm/hr | >20 mm/hr |
Males under 50 | 0 to 15 mm/hr | >15 mm/hr |
Females over 50 | 0 to 30 mm/hr | >30 mm/hr |
Males over 50 | 0 to 20 mm/hr | >20 mm/hr |
Children | 0 to 10 mm/hr | >10 mm/hr |
Check your ESR Level with Redcliffe Labs!
Lowering ESR levels naturally involves adopting a holistic approach to your lifestyle. By making healthy choices, you can promote optimal blood health, reduce inflammation risk, and maintain normal ESR levels.
ESR levels can be easily controlled with a healthy diet and exercise, so do not neglect it. Whenever you experience any symptoms that cause worry, seek medical guidance and undergo tests if required. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your lifestyle, especially if you have any health issues. There are many labs nearby your city to check your blood test. Search ESR Test near me to find nearby Redcliffe Labs. Or you can book an online appointment to book your test for ESR. The phlebotomist will come to your home for sample collection within 45 minutes.