ESR
ESR (sedimentation rate) measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube, a general measure of inflammation.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube over an hour. Proteins that rise during inflammation make the cells clump and sink faster, so ESR is a general, non-specific measure of inflammation in the body. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
A recent cold or other infection, a minor injury or hard training can raise ESR for a while. It also tends to be somewhat higher in women, rises gradually with age and is higher during pregnancy. The number of red blood cells affects the result too.
Foods that help
Fatty fish, vegetables, leafy greens, berries, nuts and olive oil are part of an anti-inflammatory eating pattern.
Foods to limit
Ultra-processed food, a lot of sugar, fried food and alcohol.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →