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The Secret Is Out: Do You Know Your Inflammation Number?
Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read
July 2026
Conscious Health
What if one of the greatest threats to your health could be silently progressing for years before you ever felt it?
In 2004, TIME Magazine featured inflammation on its cover as "The Secret Killer." More than twenty years later, the science has only confirmed the strong links between inflammation and chronic diseases.
For decades, inflammation has been called the "secret killer" because it quietly damages blood vessels, the brain, joints, kidneys, and virtually every organ system long before symptoms appear.
The secret, however, no longer has to remain a secret.
This month I had the privilege of discussing inflammation on Suncoast View, where we explored why measuring inflammation should become as familiar as knowing your cholesterol or blood pressure.
I also returned to Empowering Voices with Renee James Gilmore, where we shared practical nutrition strategies and delicious meal ideas that help create a body where inflammation has difficulty thriving.
But perhaps the most exciting part of this month's story didn't happen on television.
It happened inside our practice.
Several individuals working on their health through Lifestyle reduced their inflammation through intentional lifestyle changes.
This 71-year-old gentleman with established cardiovascular disease lowered his hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) from 1.2 to 0.8 mg/L through intentional lifestyle changes.
This 51-year-old woman transformed one of the most important markers -hidden inflammation- in just over three months. Her hs-CRP fell from 3.2 mg/L (high inflammation) to 0.5 mg/L (optimal) through consistent lifestyle changes.
Their stories remind us of an important truth: Chronic inflammation is not something we just have to live with.
They didn't rely on medication to lower a laboratory number. They changed the environment inside their bodies.
Inflammation can be measured and more importantly, it can often be improved.
Why Should We Measure Inflammation?
Most people know their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar.
Very few know their inflammation level.
Yet chronic inflammation has been linked to:
Heart attacks and strokes
Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline
Diabetes
Many cancers
Arthritis and chronic pain
Autoimmune conditions
Fatty liver disease
Depression
Accelerated aging
Inflammation itself is not the enemy.
The problem is chronic low-grade inflammation that never completely turns off.
That persistent internal fire slowly damages tissues every day without producing obvious symptom or pain.
What to Measure:
Blood test called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
This inexpensive test provides valuable insight into how much inflammation may be present throughout the body.
As a general guide:
Less than 1.0 mg/L: Lower inflammatory risk
1.0–3.0 mg/L: Moderate inflammation
Above 3.0 mg/L: High inflammation
Knowing your number helps you follow progress over time and celebrate when your hard work creates improvements.
The Secret Is Out:
Measure the conditions that creates disease long before symptoms develop.
Health Action -For Inflammation:
✔ Ask your healthcare provider whether measuring high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is appropriate for you.
✔ Fill half your plate with colorful vegetables at lunch and dinner.
✔ Aim for at least 30 grams of fiber daily.
✔ Include omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, or flaxseed.
✔ Take one intentional walk each day.
✔ Protect your sleep as carefully as you protect your schedule.
Every healthy choice helps quiet inflammation—and every step toward lowering it is a step toward protecting your heart, brain, metabolism, and future health.
To your health,
Dr. Coeurlida Ashby, M.D., DipABLM Conscious Health Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Ashby’s wholistic lifestyle approach is designed to empower patients to take control of their health and experience measurable improvements that can be sustained over time.
Let these stories inspire you as you consider your health goals for the rest of the year.
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