Immune System | IL6 (rs1800795)

If you have the CC genotype at rs1800795, you carry two copies of the effect allele associated with lower IL-6 production. Lower baseline IL-6 does not mean your immune system is weak. Instead it may mean there is less of the IL-6 signal that helps moderate and resolve certain inflammatory reactions. That can result in a tendency for more pronounced immune responses to allergens and environmental irritants in some situations.

Consider these supportive actions:

• Follow an anti-inflammatory diet: emphasize colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and sources of healthy fats such as oily fish, avocado, nuts, and olive oil.
• Limit highly processed foods, refined sugars, excess alcohol, and trans fats that can increase inflammatory signaling.
• Support gut health: include fiber-rich foods and fermented foods or targeted probiotics as advised by your provider to promote a balanced microbiome.
• Consider supplements under professional guidance: omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D if deficient, curcumin for targeted anti-inflammatory support, and probiotics that support gut immune function.
• Manage stress through meditation, breathing practices, or psychotherapy because chronic stress can dysregulate immune responses.
• Prioritize 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night and regular moderate exercise to support immune regulation.
• Reduce exposures to known environmental triggers such as smoke, strong chemical irritants, and allergens when possible.
• Work with your healthcare provider to monitor symptoms and consider targeted testing if you have frequent allergic reactions or ongoing inflammatory conditions.

If you have the GC genotype at rs1800795, you carry one copy of the effect allele and one non-effect allele. This genotype is generally associated with slightly lower IL-6 levels compared to those with no effect alleles. The reduction is modest, and for many people this will not cause noticeable symptoms. However in some contexts it can be linked with a moderately increased tendency for noticeable immune responses to allergens or irritants.

Practical suggestions:

• Adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern similar to the Mediterranean diet with an emphasis on whole foods and healthy fats.
• Include antioxidant rich foods such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, and brightly colored vegetables to help manage oxidative stress that can amplify inflammation.
• Keep active with regular moderate exercise. Aim for a mix of cardiovascular, strength, and mobility activities most days of the week to support immune resilience.
• Consider vitamin D testing and supplementation if levels are low because vitamin D supports balanced immune responses.
• Maintain hydration and reduce processed food and added sugar intake to lower background inflammatory load.
• Talk with your clinician before starting supplements such as omega-3s, curcumin, or probiotics to determine dose and safety for your situation.

If you have the GG genotype at rs1800795, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is typically associated with higher baseline IL-6 levels relative to the effect allele carriers. In this case IL-6 signaling tends to be robust, which helps promote both the initiation of inflammation to fight threats and the resolution of inflammation to limit tissue damage. This balance can support a typical immune response to infections and environmental exposures.

Recommendations to maintain balanced immune function:

• Continue a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet to prevent excessive chronic inflammation despite higher baseline IL-6 signaling.
• Monitor for factors that can excessively raise IL-6 such as chronic stress, obesity, sleep deprivation, and inactivity. Addressing these areas helps keep IL-6 activity healthy and regulated.
• Maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise because adipose tissue can produce inflammatory mediators that further increase systemic inflammation.
• If you have chronic inflammatory symptoms, autoimmune disease, or other immune-related conditions, work closely with your healthcare provider to tailor strategies that modulate inflammatory pathways safely.