Picture this – you and your friend want to decrease inflammation so you decide to make better lifestyle choices and change the foods you eat.
After a few weeks, you still feel sluggish, bloated and achy.
However, your friend is thriving and already feeling their best.
Now, the first question that arises in your mind is, “What am I doing wrong?”.
It may not be anything that you're doing, in may be your DNA (the material in your cells that tell your body how to function).
Inflammation is a vital part of your body’s natural immune response against infection, injured cells/tissues or allergens. It is essential for healing and protecting your body from harmful pathogens. But, when inflammation becomes uncontrolled, it can lead to a negative impact on your body.
Rather than being protective, inflammation can become destructive.
Left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to chronic conditions like arthritis, IBS, eczema, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and obesity.
60% of people living with osteoarthritis are women
70% of people living with rheumatoid arthritis are women
Did you know that you could be more prone to chronic inflammation because of your DNA?
That’s why it is important to know what changes or variations you have in your DNA so that you know where you are vulnerable.
Armed with that information, you can make the necessary diet and lifestyle changes to support YOUR body’s optimal functioning.
What works for your friend, may not work for you because your DNA is different!
Here are 3 genes that, if you have a change, can increase your risk of inflammation:
IL-1 (Interleukin-1): This gene codes for IL-1 which is a protein that controls the immune system and inflammation process. It also triggers other inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).
Variant: If you are IL-1 positive, you have higher levels of inflammation signals. You also have an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease and severe gum disease.
What to eat: Focus on polyphenol-rich foods (green tea, turmeric and extra virgin olive oil). These foods have properties which can suppress IL-1 activity naturally.
IL-6 (Interleukin-6): This gene codes for IL-6. It’s a protein that plays a balancing role between the immune response and recovery. Increased levels will lead to chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders and poor muscle recovery.
Variant: The “C” variation of the IL-6 gene has been shown to be associated with increased IL-6 and CRP levels. Result: increased risk for obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.
What to eat: Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts)
IL-6R (Interleukin 6 Receptor): This gene codes for a piece of the IL-6 receptor complex. The receptor is the gatekeeper to IL-6 and controls how the body responds to it.
Variant: The “C” variation of IL-6R gene doubles the amount of the soluble form of IL-6R. Result: more inflammation throughout the body. This could result in increased risk of inflammation in the brain and increase potential for Alzheimer’s disease.
What to eat: Focus on anti-inflammatory spices (turmeric, ginger), flavonoids, and high-fiber foods to reduce inflammation in the body.
Superfoods to reduce inflammation:
Dark chocolate: potentially inhibit the activity of IL-1
Tomatoes: able to block the increased production of IL-6
Mushrooms: can modulate the signaling pathway of IL-6R
Pomegranate: can overall suppress multiple inflammatory responses collectively
As you can see, changes in your DNA can play a significant role in your body’s inflammatory response.
Through genetic testing, you can uncover your unique genetic vulnerabilities and make the changes your body needs to decrease inflammation, enhance recovery, and help prevent disease.
Inflammation is not simply about avoiding unhealthy foods.
It’s about tailoring the food you eat to suit your genetic makeup.
Understanding your genetic changes in IL-1, IL-6, and IL-6R, and other genes, enables you to choose foods that reduce inflammation and promote lasting health.
So, why not harness the power of your genes to take control of your health?
With the right nutritional choices, you can unlock your body’s potential for better wellness.
Click the button below to book a call with our Precision Health Pharmacist to learn more about genetic testing for your nutrition and wellness.
References
Li, W. W. (2019). Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself. Grand Central Publishing.
Pyrillou K, Burzynski LC, Clarke MCH. Alternative Pathways of IL-1 Activation, and Its Role in Health and Disease. Front Immunol. 2020; 11:613170. Published 2020 Dec 18. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.613170
Kornman, K. (2006). Interleukin 1 haplotypes and cardiovascular risk. Cytokines and Inflammation.
McElvaney, O., Curley, G.F., Rose John, S., McElvaney, N.G. (2021). IL-6: obstacles to targeting a complex cytokine in critical illness. Lancet Respir Med. 9(6):643-654.
Harrison SC, Smith AJ, Jones GT, et al. Interleukin-6 receptor pathways in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Eur Heart J. 2013;34(48):3707-3716. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehs354
Elgaddal, N., Kramarow, E., Weeks, J., & Reuben, C. (2024). Arthritis in adults age 18 and older: United States, 2022. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:145594
World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, June 28). Rheumatoid arthritis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/Rheumatoid-arthritis
World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2023b, July 14). Osteoarthritis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis/