Can 6 For Life Supplement Lower Inflammation Marker CRP?

6 For Life Dietary Supplement and C-Reactive Protein

6 For Life is a dietary supplement claimed to offer anti-inflammatory benefits and support healthy cardiovascular function. It contains a proprietary blend of 6 all-natural ingredients, including turmeric, ginger, tart cherry, citrus bergamot, resveratrol, and omega-3 fish oil.

The makers of 6 For Life state the supplement can lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation. Elevated CRP is linked to increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. By reducing CRP, 6 For Life aims to improve overall health.

But can this supplement really impact C-reactive protein and inflammation? Let's take a closer look at the evidence behind the ingredients in 6 For Life.

What is C-Reactive Protein (CRP)?

CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. When there is inflammation triggered by injury, infection, or chronic disease, CRP levels rise. That's why it is used as a non-specific indicator of systemic inflammation.

Doctors may test CRP levels when evaluating risk for heart disease. Research shows higher CRP levels correlate with greater risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke.

Other conditions associated with increased CRP include autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Lowering elevated CRP through diet, lifestyle, and possibly supplementation may help reduce disease risk.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice derived from theCurcuma longa plant. Its active compound curcumin has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies suggest curcumin can significantly decrease CRP levels. A 2012 trial in people with type 2 diabetes found taking curcumin supplements lowered CRP by 48% compared to placebo.

Curcumin appears to reduce CRP and other inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-kB pathway involved in inflammation. Turmeric's ability to target multiple drivers of inflammation likely contributes to its cardioprotective effects.

Ginger

Ginger is another spice loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, shogaols, and paradols. Human and animal research indicates ginger has potential to lower CRP.

In a 2015 study, people who took ginger supplements for 3 months had a significant 28% reduction in CRP compared to baseline. Effects were most pronounced in those with high baseline CRP.

Ginger also reduced inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6). The anti-inflammatory mechanisms likely involve suppressing the COX and lipoxygenase enzyme pathways.

Tart Cherry

Tart cherry juice contains high levels of anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that give cherries their vibrant color. Tart cherries and their juice have been shown to reduce inflammation.

A 2010 study had healthy adults drink tart cherry juice twice daily for 2 weeks. At the end of the trial, participants had significantly lowered CRP levels compared to baseline.

In marathon runners, tart cherry juice consumption was linked to faster recovery times attributed to reduced inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be due to inhibition of COX enzymes and nitric oxide production.

Citrus Bergamot

Citrus bergamot is a citrus fruit commonly grown in Italy. Its oil is a rich source of flavonoids and polyphenols.

Human studies reveal citrus bergamot can improve blood lipid levels and lower markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. One trial found 1000 mg daily reduced CRP by 38% after just one month.

The powerful antioxidant properties of citrus bergamot provide cardiovascular benefits by reducing inflammation and cholesterol oxidation. This may account for its ability to lower CRP.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural compound abundant in grape skins, red wine, and other plant sources. It has beneficial effects on inflammatory factors and CRP.

A meta-analysis of 11 trials concluded resveratrol supplementation significantly reduces CRP levels. The average CRP reduction was 20% in people taking resveratrol.

Experts believe resveratrol decreases inflammatory markers by lowering the production of cytokines like IL-6 that stimulate CRP production in the liver.

Omega-3 Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA found in fish oil have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s can lower production of inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines.

In a study of healthy adults, those who took omega-3 supplements for 6 months experienced a significant 18% decrease in CRP levels. Effects seem most pronounced in those with high inflammation.

By lowering systemic inflammation, the omega-3s in fish oil supplements can help reduce cardiovascular disease risk markers like CRP.

The Potential Benefits of 6 For Life

The natural ingredients in the 6 For Life formula all have demonstrated ability to lower inflammation markers like CRP:

• Turmeric curcumin dramatically reduces CRP and inflammatory cytokines
• Ginger decreases CRP, especially in those with elevated baseline levels
• Tart cherry anthocyanins significantly lower CRP
• Citrus bergamot flavonoids can reduce CRP by up to 38%
• Resveratrol cuts CRP levels by approximately 20% on average
• Omega-3s in fish oil lower inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines to reduce CRP

By combining all these potent anti-inflammatory compounds, 6 For Life supplement may offer synergistic benefits beyond the individual ingredients.

Lowering chronic inflammation has widespread health benefits, as inflammation is at the root of many diseases. A supplement capable of reducing inflammatory status may improve overall wellness.

More specifically, decreasing CRP appears protective against cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmunity. A supplement like 6 For Life may aid in disease prevention by targeting CRP and inflammatory drivers.

Other Lifestyle Factors that Lower CRP

In addition to targeted supplementation, lifestyle factors can significantly impact CRP levels:

Weight loss

Losing excess body fat reduces inflammation and can dramatically lower CRP. Even 5-10% weight loss can decrease CRP levels in overweight individuals.

Exercise

Regular physical activity has anti-inflammatory effects. All types of exercise may lower CRP, with greater benefits seen in those with high inflammation.

Balanced diet

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fats can reduce inflammatory markers like CRP.

Not smoking

Smoking raises CRP levels. Quitting smoking can lower CRP and improve cardiovascular disease risk profile.

Stress management

Chronic stress takes a toll on inflammatory status. Relaxation practices like meditation help reverse stress-induced inflammation.

The Bottom Line on 6 For Life and CRP

Elevated CRP indicates increased systemic inflammation and greater risk for chronic diseases. The ingredients in the dietary supplement 6 For Life have clinically demonstrated abilities to lower CRP.

However, research on the efficacy of the specific proprietary blend in 6 For Life is limited. Some ingredients also lack optimal absorption.

A supplement may be a useful addition to other lifestyle strategies that reduce inflammation. But more studies are still needed to confirm if 6 For Life offers meaningful CRP-lowering and health benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.