Foods That Influence the ESR: Which Food Causes ESR?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, chronic inflammation is linked to some of the most challenging diseases of our time, and the foods we eat play a significant role. When people ask, "Which food causes ESR?" they are actually seeking to understand the connection between diet, inflammation, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test.

Quick Summary

An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a marker for inflammation, not a specific disease. Certain dietary patterns can either promote or combat inflammation, thereby influencing ESR levels. Highly processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats are associated with higher inflammation, while an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods, omega-3s, and antioxidants can help lower it.

Key Points

No Single Food Causes High ESR: An elevated ESR reflects general inflammation and is not caused by a single food item.
Inflammatory Foods Raise ESR: Diets high in processed sugars, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, and processed meats can promote chronic inflammation, leading to a higher ESR.
Anti-inflammatory Foods Lower ESR: Foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber, such as fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, can help reduce inflammation and support a healthy ESR.
Dietary Patterns Matter: The overall dietary pattern, like the Mediterranean diet, has a more significant impact on inflammation than any single food.
ESR Is Nonspecific: The ESR test can be affected by many factors besides diet, including infections, autoimmune diseases, age, and pregnancy; it is not a diagnostic tool for a specific disease.
Consult a Professional: Due to the complexity of ESR results, any dietary changes or concerns about elevated levels should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

The Connection Between Food, Inflammation, and the ESR

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test measuring how quickly red blood cells settle in an hour, indicating inflammation when the rate is faster than normal. Inflammatory proteins cause red blood cells to clump, increasing their weight and settling speed. ESR is a non-specific marker, signaling inflammation from various causes like infections or autoimmune disorders.

No single food directly "causes" a high ESR, but dietary choices can significantly impact systemic inflammation and, consequently, ESR levels. Some foods promote inflammation, while others are anti-inflammatory. Managing diet in consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for influencing ESR through dietary means.

Foods and Dietary Patterns That Promote Inflammation

A Western diet high in processed foods, certain fats, and sugars can exacerbate chronic inflammation by triggering immune responses.

Foods linked to increased inflammation include:

Processed and sugary foods: Items like white bread, pastries, and sugary drinks cause rapid blood sugar spikes, promoting inflammation.
Trans fats: Found in many fried and packaged goods, these fats raise inflammation and harmful cholesterol.
Red and processed meats: High intake is associated with elevated inflammatory markers.
Certain vegetable oils: Those high in omega-6 fatty acids can contribute to inflammation when not balanced with omega-3s.
Excessive alcohol: Can lead to chronic inflammatory responses.

Foods and Diets That Fight Inflammation

An anti-inflammatory diet emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods can help reduce systemic inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory foods include:

Fatty fish: Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Fruits: Berries, cherries, and oranges provide antioxidants.
Leafy greens: Offer nutrients like vitamin K that combat inflammation.
Nuts and seeds: Provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and garlic have known anti-inflammatory effects.
Olive oil: Contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

How Diet Influences the Inflammatory Response


Inflammatory Foods	How They Affect the Body	Anti-inflammatory Foods	How They Benefit the Body
Processed Sugars	Trigger inflammatory cytokines via blood sugar spikes.	Whole Fruits	Neutralize free radicals with antioxidants.
Trans & Saturated Fats	Increase LDL and activate pro-inflammatory substances.	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Reduce inflammatory protein levels.
Refined Carbohydrates	Contribute to excess fat and metabolic issues linked to inflammation.	Whole Grains	Stabilize blood sugar and support beneficial gut bacteria.
Processed Meats	Activate inflammatory processes.	Lean Proteins & Legumes	Provide nutrients without pro-inflammatory saturated fats.

Other Factors Affecting ESR

Many factors beyond diet influence ESR results. Doctors consider these when interpreting tests:

Age and sex
Pregnancy
Anemia and other medical conditions (kidney/liver disease, infections, autoimmune disorders, cancers)
Medications
Lifestyle (obesity, smoking, alcohol, exercise)

Conclusion

While no single food causes a high ESR, diet significantly impacts bodily inflammation, which the ESR measures. Inflammatory diets (high in processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats) can raise ESR, while anti-inflammatory diets (rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts, fatty fish) can help lower it. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of elevated ESR, as diet is one part of managing inflammation and overall health. Exploring the Mediterranean diet is a good starting point for anti-inflammatory eating patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, diets high in processed foods, which often contain added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, can promote systemic inflammation and may contribute to an elevated ESR reading.

High consumption of red and processed meats is linked to increased levels of inflammatory markers in the body. For this reason, a diet high in red meat can contribute to an elevated ESR.

An anti-inflammatory diet can help lower ESR by reducing systemic inflammation. This includes foods like fatty fish rich in omega-3s (salmon, sardines), fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), nuts, and olive oil.

An elevated ESR indicates inflammation but is not always a sign of a serious condition. Many factors can influence it, including minor infections, pregnancy, and aging. It should always be interpreted in the context of other lab results and clinical symptoms.

The impact of diet on ESR levels can vary. While anti-inflammatory dietary changes are beneficial long-term, significant changes in ESR are often tied to treating the underlying cause of inflammation, which your doctor will address.

Yes, alongside diet, other lifestyle factors like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing excessive alcohol consumption can help lower inflammation and, consequently, a high ESR.

Certain supplements, such as omega-3s and curcumin (from turmeric), have anti-inflammatory properties that may help. However, you should always consult a healthcare provider before taking new supplements, as they can interact with medications.