ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

Routine annual

also sed rate

What it isA measurement of how fast red blood cells settle in a vertical tube over one hour. Inflammatory proteins make cells clump together and fall faster.

DoesProvides a non-specific window on systemic inflammation that responds more slowly than CRP.

GoodA low ESR signals quiescent systemic inflammation.

BadElevated ESR flags chronic inflammatory disease, autoimmune disorders, infection, or rarely malignancy. Very high ESR is a giant-cell arteritis red flag.

Standard

Men <22 mm/hr; women <29 mm/hr.

Optimal

0–8 mm/hr (lower is good)

Modifiers

Rises with age, pregnancy, anemia; women generally higher than men.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Address chronic inflammation drivers; sleep, stress, visceral fat, quit smoking.
Diet: Mediterranean pattern; cut ultra-processed food, refined carbs, seed oils.
Supplements: Omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day), curcumin (500mg 2×/day), vitamin D3.
Peptides: BPC-157, thymosin alpha-1.
Drugs: Treat underlying cause.

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