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IL1RN and Inflammation: How Your Genotype May Affect Immune Balance

The immune system protects the body by identifying and responding to harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Inflammation is a key tool the immune system uses to heal and fight infection. When working properly, inflammation resolves once the threat is controlled. Sometimes inflammation becomes overactive or chronic, which can contribute to allergies, sensitivities, and other health concerns.

The IL1RN gene makes a protein called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. This protein acts as a natural brake on inflammation by blocking pro-inflammatory signals from proteins such as IL-1. Variations in IL1RN can influence how well this brake functions and therefore how strongly your body tends to respond to inflammatory triggers.

What this means for you

Your IL1RN genotype at rs419598 can indicate a different baseline potential for inflammatory response. Knowing which genotype you carry can help guide lifestyle choices aimed at supporting balanced inflammation, including diet, supplements, exercise, sleep, stress management, and avoidance of smoking. The recommendations below are educational and intended to help you discuss options with your healthcare provider.

2 effect alleles — TT (higher inflammatory potential)

With the TT genotype at rs419598 you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a greater potential for an increased inflammatory response. Your immune system still protects you from infections, but its inflammatory signaling may be more vigorous or prolonged in response to triggers.

Practical steps to support balanced inflammation

  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern: emphasize colorful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, berries, and whole grains.
  • Focus on healthy fats: include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds to increase omega-3 and monounsaturated fat intake.
  • Use inflammation-friendly spices: incorporate turmeric (curcumin), ginger, garlic, and cinnamon into meals.
  • Limit inflammatory foods: reduce processed foods, refined sugars, excessive red or processed meats, and trans fats.
  • Consider supplements after consulting your healthcare provider: omega-3 fish oil, vitamin D if deficient, and a standardized curcumin extract may help modulate inflammation.
  • Exercise regularly: aim for a mix of aerobic activity and resistance training most days of the week to support immune balance and healthy body composition.
  • Prioritize sleep: target consistent, restorative sleep (7 to 9 hours per night for most adults) to reduce inflammatory signaling.
  • Manage stress: use practices such as mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, or behavioral therapies to reduce chronic stress, which can amplify inflammation.
  • Avoid smoking and limit excessive alcohol intake, both of which can worsen inflammatory responses.
  • Work with your provider on targeted testing: consider checking vitamin D status, fasting markers of metabolic health, and inflammatory markers if clinically relevant.
1 effect allele — CT (moderately increased inflammatory potential)

With the CT genotype at rs419598 you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype suggests a somewhat increased potential for heightened inflammatory responses compared with the non-effect genotype. The effect tends to be milder than with two effect alleles but still worth addressing with supportive lifestyle choices.

Recommended supportive strategies

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory diet similar to the TT recommendations: plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats from fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
  • Include regular servings of fatty fish or consider an omega-3 supplement after discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • Add turmeric and ginger to meals; cooking with black pepper enhances curcumin absorption.
  • Limit refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and ultra-processed foods that can promote inflammation.
  • Maintain regular physical activity and a healthy body weight to reduce inflammatory load.
  • Support sleep hygiene and stress reduction strategies to keep immune signaling balanced.
  • Discuss testing for vitamin D and personalized supplementation with your healthcare provider if indicated.
0 effect alleles — CC (standard inflammatory regulation)

With the CC genotype at rs419598 you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This suggests typical IL1RN function and standard genetic capacity to modulate inflammation at this location. You are likely to have normal regulation of inflammatory responses related to this gene.

Maintenance and prevention

  • Maintain a balanced, whole-foods diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber to support overall immune health.
  • Continue regular physical activity, good sleep habits, and effective stress management.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Periodic assessment of vitamin D status and general preventive care with your healthcare provider remains appropriate.

Diet and supplement guidance

An anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods. Key elements

  • Fruits and vegetables: aim for a variety of colors to provide diverse antioxidants and phytonutrients.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: include fatty fish twice a week or consider a marine omega-3 supplement if intake is low.
  • Healthy fats: use extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados rather than refined vegetable oils and trans fats.
  • Spices and botanicals: turmeric (with black pepper), ginger, garlic, and cinnamon can be useful culinary tools.
  • Limit: processed foods, high-sugar beverages, refined grains, and excessive red and processed meats.

Supplements to discuss with your healthcare provider

  • Omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA) for inflammation support.
  • Vitamin D if testing shows deficiency or insufficiency.
  • Curcumin extracts with enhanced bioavailability if considering targeted anti-inflammatory supplementation.

Lifestyle factors that reduce inflammatory risk

  • Exercise: regular moderate aerobic exercise plus resistance training helps regulate immune function and reduce chronic inflammation.
  • Sleep: prioritize consistent, adequate sleep as poor sleep increases inflammatory markers.
  • Stress management: chronic stress potentiates inflammatory signaling; practices such as meditation, cognitive behavioral strategies, and social connection help.
  • Weight management: maintaining a healthy weight reduces pro-inflammatory signals from adipose tissue.
  • Avoidance: do not smoke and limit excessive alcohol intake.

When to talk with your healthcare provider

  • If you have persistent allergy-like symptoms, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune concerns, discuss personalized evaluation and testing with your provider.
  • Before starting any supplements, especially if you take medications or have chronic health conditions, consult your healthcare professional for dosing and safety guidance.
  • Consider targeted blood tests if clinically appropriate, such as vitamin D status, metabolic markers, and inflammatory markers, guided by your clinician.

PlexusDx provides education about genetic predispositions and how they may relate to lifestyle and wellness choices. This information is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized recommendations based on your full medical history and current health status.