Can This Gene Protect You From Lung Failure? (IL17A)

Sun Exposure

Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D and has other crucial health benefits. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased rates of respiratory infections. What’s more, both sun exposure and vitamin D may reduce the activity of Th17 cells, which produce IL-17 [R, R, R].

People deficient in vitamin D are more likely to get tuberculosis. Limited research suggests supplementation may prevent tuberculosis or shorten the disease duration by strengthening the immune response [R, R, R].

A couple of studies revealed that vitamin D supplementation, especially over the winter months, may protect children against the flu and respiratory infections. The evidence for supplementation in adults is less consistent [R, R, R, R, R].

Moderate sun exposure improves overall health and boosts vitamin D, which helps prevent respiratory infections. Both sunlight and vitamin D can reduce IL-17 levels.

Avoid Cigarette Smoke

Smoking increases the production of IL17 (and other inflammatory cytokines) in the lungs, which is associated with COPD progression [R, R, R]. 

ARDS may arise as a complication of COPD, which is why smoking has been reported to increase the risk of this condition[R]. 

Whether you are concerned about your chances of developing ARDS or not, giving up smoking is always a good idea to improve your overall health.

Smoking increases lung inflammation, contributes to respiratory infection, and impairs overall health.

Avoid Air Pollution

Pollution increased airway inflammation and the levels of IL-17 and other inflammatory markers in children with lupus and mice with COPD [R, R].

Multiple studies have associated long-term exposure to high air pollution levels with increased chances of developing ARDS and dying from it [R, R, R]. 

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet has potent anti-inflammatory effects. In a trial of 450 adults, it was able to reduce the levels of IL-17 [R].

The potential respiratory benefits of the Mediterranean diet have not been studied. However, it may support the immune function in people with chronic inflammatory diseases and improve lung function in smokers [R, R].

Zinc

Zinc is essential for the normal development and function of many immune cells. Even a mild deficiency can impair immune function and increase the risk of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections [R, R].

In malnourished infants and children, zinc administration reduced the duration, severity, and incidence of respiratory infections [R, R, R].

Zinc may help improve health outcomes in severe forms of pneumonia. Zinc deficiency, which is common in older people, reduces immune defense and increases the risk of walking pneumonia and other infections [R, R, R, R].

According to animal research, zinc suppresses STAT3 and lowers IL-17 levels [R].

In a study of 116 people, those who developed ARDS had lower blood zinc levels. The same study found that zinc deficiency stimulated the development of lung injuries due to mechanical ventilation in mice [R].

Zinc-rich foods include seafood (especially oysters), liver, beef, pork, and pumpkin seeds [R, R, R].

Adequate levels of zinc ensure robust immunity and help prevent respiratory infections. The best dietary sources include seafood, meat, beans, and seeds.

NAC

N-acetylcysteine or NAC is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can suppress airway inflammation, partly by blocking the Th17 cells and lowering IL-17 [R, R, R].

In one study of 262 older people, NAC cut the risk of catching the flu by 54% [R].

Doctors often add NAC to standard treatments for respiratory inflammation and infections. It helps break down mucus and replenish glutathione in the lungs, thus reducing airway damage and breathing difficulties [R, R, R].

NAC improved lung function and reduced oxidative stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), alone or in combination with vitamin C and oxygen [R, R, R].

In two trials of 159 people with ARDS, intravenous NAC improved oxygen supply and reduced the ventilator use. It also reduced lung injury in one trial but not in another. Further research is warranted [R, R].

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) suppresses airway inflammation and lowers IL-17. According to preliminary research, it may help with different respiratory conditions, including ARDS.

Asian Ginseng

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), also known as red or Korean ginseng, can suppress the STAT3 pathway and reduce IL-17 levels [R, R].

According to a review of 12 studies involving 1,560 COPD patients, Asian ginseng may improve the quality of life and lung function. It also enhanced the effectiveness of drug treatment [R].

In a trial of 227 people, those who took 100 mg of a ginseng extract (G115) were less likely to catch a cold or flu. The ginseng group also had higher levels of NK cell activity [R].

Asian ginseng may reduce IL-17 and help with respiratory conditions such as COPD and flu.

Probiotics

Supplementation with different species of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium lowered IL-17 levels in people with different inflammatory conditions such as eczema, gum disease, and juvenile arthritis, and in preterm babies [R, R, R, R].

Interventions with these probiotics reduced the incidence and duration of respiratory tract infections in multiple studies on both adults and children [R, R, R, R, R, R].

Vitamin D and Zinc

For the reasons mentioned above, vitamin D and zinc are vital nutrients for immunity and respiratory protection. If you’re struggling to maintain the optimal levels with sun exposure and a balanced diet, consider taking supplements. In the case of zinc, supplements could be beneficial even if you are getting enough.