I'm a 40-year-old woman, and last week I had a viral fever. I had a CBC blood test afterward, and my ESR level is 36. I've also been experiencing frequent headaches. Could this be related to my ESR level being higher? Are there any specific foods or diets I could follow to help reduce the ESR level?

Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 5+ Yrs

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Elevated ESR can be a non-specific indicator of inflammation in the body, which could be due to various reasons including infections, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory conditions. In your case, the viral fever you had could have contributed to the elevated ESR level. However, it is important to investigate further to determine the exact cause of the elevated ESR and your persistent headaches. To help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially lower ESR levels, you can consider incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet. These include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fatty fish like salmon), fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants (such as berries, spinach, and kale), nuts and seeds, and whole grains. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar intake can also help in reducing inflammation. For your persistent headaches, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Answered 04/07/2025