Q: I gained 37 pounds as soon as I hit menopause. My homocysteine level was 13, and I began taking 800mcg of folic acid, and it has reduced to 11 (slowly but surely). However, my CRP levels went from 2 to 3. Ironically, when I was drinking 3 cups of green tea daily, my cholesterol dived to 175. I don't drink green tea as often but do plan to go back. Would green tea capsules help with CRP levels and is there any danger in taking them?
A: To reduce homocysteine most effectively, take B6 (4 mg) and B12 (400 mcg) along with folate (800 mcg). If these don't work to get it below 9, you can add betaine. But these supplements should lower, not raise, the CRP level (the number that measures inflammation). CRP independently predicts arterial aging (and heart disease, memory loss, impotence, stroke, and wrinkling risk). So an elevated CRP level means you should look for hidden infections such as gingivitis (infections of your gums are the leading culprit) and urinary tract infections that could cause higher levels of inflammation.
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