In Episode 15 of Kid’s Corner, explore how chronic inflammation affects kids’ health—and how simple, targeted nutrients can support recovery in conditions like PANDAS, long COVID, and mold illness, with help from genetic insights.

When it comes to chronic illness, one principle holds true across the board: chronic inflammation is at the root of chronic disease. This inflammation doesn’t arise from a single cause—it’s often the result of a perfect storm of stress, poor sleep, diet, dysbiosis, inactivity, chronic infections, and even emotional isolation. Reducing that underlying inflammation can be a powerful way to support healing.

The immune system’s job is to protect us. It does that by triggering inflammatory genes to fight off threats. But when this response goes unchecked—like in a cytokine storm—it can do more harm than good, leading to tissue damage and long-term symptoms.

This is where genomics comes in.

By looking at specific genetic variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we can better understand an individual’s natural tendencies toward inflammation. In other words, your genes may be whispering clues about why inflammation keeps hanging around—and how best to calm it.

Some SNPs, like NLRP3, are known to ramp up inflammatory signaling and reduce immune tolerance, creating an environment of constant immune activation. Targeted nutrients like curcumin, omega-3s, sulforaphane, and quercetin can help modulate this response.

Other SNPs—such as HLA-DRB1*13, TLR4, and CD14—point to heightened sensitivity to environmental triggers like mold or toxins. These individuals may struggle to clear biotoxins effectively, which can worsen chronic symptoms. Helpful supports in these cases include luteolin, bioflavonoid binders, black seed oil, and again, quercetin.

There are also genes that influence mast cell activation, which can cause flares, poor tolerance to supplements or treatments, and persistent inflammation. For these patients, calming compounds like EGCG, pycnogenol, vitamin C, quercetin, and luteolin may offer relief.

These genomic insights are becoming more central in treating complex chronic conditions like CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), PANDAS, and Long COVID. All of these share a common thread: immune dysregulation rooted in inflammation. Understanding the genetics behind it can help tailor safer, smarter interventions for long-term recovery.