Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a better marker for inflammation than CRP. This inflammatory cytokine has a strong association with heart disease and asthma.
Interleukin-6 Test
Interleukin-6 is the precursor of C-reactive protein. Thus, IL-6 is a better marker for inflammation than CRP.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) stimulates the liver to produce a C-reactive protein (CRP). IL-6 is a better marker for inflammation than CRP; because it is the precursor. This inflammatory cytokine has a strong association with heart disease and asthma. Asthma characterized by the airway swelling and constriction; inflammation is behind this.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties.
After exercise (especially aerobic exercise) IL-6 elevated. If exercise increases IL-6 inflammatory markers; then, how can you say exercise is healthy. Well, when you exercise, your muscles release anti-inflammatory (not inflammatory) IL-6; it is beneficial.
IL-6 levels increased in nearly all sickness and diseases. Your immune cells (macrophages) release pro-inflammatory IL-6. Il-6 is undetectable in the blood or is present in low quantities. Any serum level of ≥ 4.30 pg/mL defined as elevated.
- Optimal: 0 to 14 pg/mL
- High risk: more than 14 pg/mL
Increased levels of IL-6 associated with obesity, type II diabetes, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Different health conditions may elevate IL-6. These conditions are chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, certain cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. Elevated levels of IL-6 associated with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
7 Common causes of high IL-6
The most common causes for elevated IL-6 are
- Obesity/overweight,
- Chronic stress,
- Sleep deprivation - too little sleep,
- Eating too much - sugar or refined foods,
- Smoking,
- Excess alcohol drinking,
- Too much of exercise - more than 2 hours of intense exercise per day.
Danger of high IL-6
- IL-6 may cause feelings of “hopelessness”.
- IL-6 may elevate blood sugar levels.
- Studies found IL-6 aggravates the stress hormones (CRH) effects on gut mucosa. This chronic effect leads to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- IL-6 may cause leaky gut.
- People with the major depressive disorder have elevated IL-6. And it raised IL-6, this likely contributes to a worse mood.
- IL-6 is the most potent inducer of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker.
- It creates and worsens food sensitivities and autoimmune issues.
Fasting is not a needed for this test. Can take all prescribed medications, but do not take supplements on the morning of the test.
How do you lower Interleukin-6?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), omega-3, turmeric, and black pepper help lower your Interleukin-6.
In a trial published on February 16, 2012, in the journal Nutrition. The researchers compared the effects of CoQ10 supplementation. The dosage is 60 or 150 mg/day for 12 weeks; given to men and women with coronary artery disease. "150 mg CoQ10 supplementation appears to decrease the IL-6 in coronary artery disease patients."
Studies show Omega-3 fatty acids inversely related to IL-6. It is useful to lower inflammation and reduce your heart attack risk.
Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis found omega-3 intake as un-fried fish was inversely related to IL-6. A study in Norway gives salmon (omega-3 fatty acids) to heart disease patients. The results showed people who ate the high omega-3 containing salmon had a reduction in IL-6. “Omega-3 fatty acids may be both protective; stop inflammation as well as reduce inflammation.”
Omega-3 fatty acids rich foods are
- Oily fish (salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and tuna),
- Flaxseed, and
- Walnuts.
Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory combination of turmeric & black pepper help lower inflammation. And thus, it lowers IL-6.
"Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcuminoid-piperine combination in subjects with metabolic syndrome. A randomized controlled trial and an updated meta-analysis." Published in Clinical Nutrition, December 2015Volume 34, Issue 6, Pages 1101–1108. Short-term curcuminoid-piperine supplementation significantly betterment oxidative and inflammatory status in patients with metabolic syndrome. Curcuminoids could regard as natural, safe and effective CRP-lowering agents.
9 Simple Lifestyle changes to lower IL-6
IL-6 is an inflammatory marker. You can lower IL-6 by avoiding inflammatory and including antioxidant & anti-inflammatory.
The lifestyle modification may have an anti-inflammation effect:
- Reduce or stop eating sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Eat more antioxidant foods such as berries, cherries, apples, artichokes, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, nuts, beans, whole grains and dark chocolates.
- Manage stress with the help of mind-body practices likes yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi. According to a 2010 study, people who do yoga have dropped in interleukin-6 (41%) compared to others. Meditation boosts feel good alpha brain wave activity. Listening relaxation music might be helpful.
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Regular moderate exercise.
- Getting optimal sound sleep
- Eating anti-inflammatory foods; pumpkin, sunflower or sesame, nuts such as macadamia and walnuts.
- Plan to take herbs turmeric, ginger, basil, oregano, sage, and thyme.
IL-6 appears to play a role in depression. It suggests that the state of mind plays a role in inflammatory conditions. On this basis, herbs with an antidepressant action may help; you may take St John's wort. Additionally, take anti-inflammatory foods and supplements.