Part Three: Building Immunity Through Social Connections and Spirituality

This is part three of the immunity building series, building immunity through social connections and spirituality. Check out Part One: Nutrition and Part Two: Lifestyle Choices if you missed those posts.

Social Connections

We humans are social beings; for the most part we enjoy being with others. Scientist have found the benefits of connecting with others can relieve harmful levels of stress, which can adversely affect coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system. There is research that has shown that “caring behaviors” trigger the release of stress-reducing hormones. So caring for others may be one of the easiest ways to strengthen your immunity. Bonuses are that it is inexpensive, requires no special equipment, or regimen. The sad news is that sociological research suggest that social connectedness is waning at an alarming rate in the United States.

Spirituality

What you believe can have a big impact on your health and longevity. Where ever your spirituality comes from, research suggests there are real benefits.

• People with high levels of religious beliefs or spirituality have lower cortisol responses. Cortisol is a hormone the body releases in response to stress.
• Spirituality and the practice of religion have recently been associated with a slower progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Those who regularly attend organized religious activities may live longer than those who don’t. Regular participation lowers mortality rate by about 12% per year.
• People undergoing cardiac rehabilitation feel more confident and perceive greater improvements in their physical abilities if they have strong faith.
• Spirituality, faith, and church attendance improve immune function in ways that can actually be measured; for instance, increased white blood cells. White blood cells are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.

Wrap up

Often times our social connections and spirituality are interconnected; we will become friends and develop relationships with those we worship with. We can be supportive of each other because of these relationships.

Do you find that you feel stronger and healthier when you have great social connections? Does your spirituality affect your overall health?

I think we all can improve our immune strength with nutrition, lifestyle choices, social connections, and spirituality. Balance in all areas of our lives is the key.

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References:

• Harvard Health Publishing. (2010, December). The health benefits of strong relationships. Retrieved from www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter-article/the-health-benefits-of-strong-relationships.
• Nemac, K. (2011, May 8). Spirituality can boost your health. Total Health Institute. Retrieved from http://www.totalhealthinstitute.com/spirituality-can-boost-your-health/.
• Seppala, E., PhD. Connect to thrive. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com/blog/feeling-it/201208/connect-thrive
• Umberson, D. and Karas Montez, J. (2010). Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy. Retrieved from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158/.