IL6 encodes the IL-6 inflammatory cytokine. Variants in IL6 may increase inflammation in the brain and thereby increase the severity of PTSD symptoms. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by blocking IL-6 production and reducing inflammation in the brain.
L-6 is typically increased when the body is diseased or stressed. Conditions associated with increased IL-6 include obesity, chronic stress, too little sleep, overeating sugar, smoking, excess alcohol, and overly strenuous exercise [R, R, R, R, R, R, R].
One variant in the IL6 gene has been associated with increased severity of PTSD among those with the condition. This variant, rs1800795, is well-known to increase IL-6 production and overall inflammation [R].
People with PTSD tend to have increased inflammation in their whole bodies, and especially in their brains. It may simply be that more IL-6 in the brain leads to worse symptoms [R].
SD