The Genetic Link Between Inflammation and Lung Failure (IL8)

Sleep deprivation and a disrupted circadian rhythm can wreak havoc on the immune system and promote inflammation. In one study, people who worked 24-hour shifts had significantly higher IL-8 levels [R, R, R, R].

Rest is crucial both for preventing respiratory infections and for recovery if you are sick. Try to maintain proper sleep hygiene to boost your immunity and ward off harmful microbes [R, R, R, R].

Eat More Garlic

Different garlic components may reduce oxidative stress and lower the levels of IL-8 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines [R]. 

In test tubes, garlic extract was active against several viruses that cause respiratory infections [R, R].

In a study of 120 people, aged garlic extract reduced the severity of colds and the flu. It increased the number of immune cells (T cells and NK cells) while lowering inflammatory cytokines [R].

In another clinical trial of 146 healthy volunteers, an allicin-containing garlic supplement helped prevent the common cold and reduce its duration [R].

Garlic may reduce IL-8, strengthen the immune response, and help prevent respiratory infections. 

Avoid Selenium Deficiency

Selenium blocks the activation of NF-kB, the key controller of inflammation in the body. As a result, fewer inflammatory substances are released into the bloodstream, including IL-8 [R, R].

Selenium deficiency impairs immune function, while supplementation stimulates the immune system, even in people who are not deficient. Lymphocytes of people who supplemented with selenium (200 µg/day) were more efficient at destroying pathogens and tumor cells [R].

Lack of selenium can set off the immune system and cause even harmless viral infections to progress and become dangerous. Scientists have observed this phenomenon for different viruses [R, R, R, R, R].

A study of 40 people linked selenium deficiency with flu infection and pneumonia. In a clinical trial on 75 children with lower respiratory diseases caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), selenium supplementation promoted a faster recovery [R, R].

It’s fairly easy to meet your daily selenium requirements (50 mcg/day) through diet by eating more fish, seeds, and Brazil nuts [R].

Selenium can reduce IL-8 and other inflammatory cytokines. Getting enough selenium from Brazil nuts, fish, and seeds will help boost your immunity and prevent viral infections.

Astragalus

Polysaccharides are active compounds in astragalus, responsible for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. They can reduce inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 [R, R, R, R].

According to animal and cell studies, astragalus may inhibit different respiratory viruses, which affect the sinuses, throat, airways, or lungs [R, R, R, R].

Astragalus may help improve lung function, primarily by reducing airway inflammation and protecting against tissue damage [R, R].

In a meta-analysis of 9 trials and 660 patients with chronic lung disease (COPD), an herbal mixture with astragalus was able to reduce the symptoms and improve lung function. The evidence for other respiratory conditions is inconclusive [R].

Astragalus can reduce IL8-mediated inflammation, help prevent respiratory infections, and improve lung function in COPD patients.

Echinacea

In mice infected with the influenza virus, echinacea extract reduced IL-8 and IL-10 levels in the lungs. Another echinacea extract (Echinaforce) reversed the production of IL-8 and different cytokines caused by infection with multiple viruses [R, R].

People take echinacea to promote overall immune function and reduce inflammation. A study of 282 patients pointed out that echinacea is most effective at the beginning of a cold [R, R].

According to most studies, echinacea extracts may also help prevent colds, shorten their duration, and reduce painkiller use [R, R].

A meta-analysis found that echinacea reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and their complications [R].

Echinacea may lower airway inflammation, partly by inhibiting IL-8. It supports the immune response to microbes and may help with different respiratory infections.

Curcumin

Curcumin supplementation lowered IL-8 (and other inflammatory markers) in multiple trials on people with different inflammatory conditions [R, R, R, R, R].

In mice with acute lung injury caused by severe bacterial infections, curcumin (either injected, as a nose spray, or directly delivered into the lungs) prevented its progression to ARDS by reducing lung inflammation, swelling, and damage [R, R, R, R, R].

A recent study in mice suggested that curcumin protects from ARDS in part by promoting the development of anti-inflammatory Tregs [R]. 

Curcumin also reduced lung damage and inflammation caused by air pollution, different chemicals, diabetes, and lung transplantation in animal studies [R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

Curcumin may lower lung inflammation by blocking IL-8 and potentially help prevent acute lung failure.