Social connection is known to improve immune system function
By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie).
Your immune system is like a protective shield for the body. A functioning immune system is vital for health. A healthy immune system fights of infections, kills cancer cells, keeps our blood vessels healthy and ensures the healing process runs smoothly and effectively.
People spend millions every year in Ireland on immune system supplements. There is a supplement out there that costs nothing, it nourishes our immune system, and it has amazing healthy side-effects. I am talking about friendship and connection.
Increased Inflammation with Social Isolation
Inflammation is a normal process in the body. It helps us to fight off infections and heal wounds. But too much inflammation over a long period of time is not a good thing. Chronic or systemic inflammation is linked to issues like heart disease, arthritis, mental health problems and dementia.
Social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased inflammation in the body. Leading researchers in this area, including Naomi Eisenberger who is based in California, USA, believe that loneliness can indeed cause inflammation. She explains how, as social creatures, being isolated from others would have increased the likelihood that our ancestors would have been injured or wounded. The body responds to this by pre-emptively raising its inflammatory response – getting a head start in fighting off a potential infection.
Interestingly, things like feeling judged by others, competitive social interactions and social rejection have all been shown in experiments to increase inflammation levels – perhaps because they signal to the body that we may become social castaways and more at risk of injury or wounding.
Improved Immunity with Social Connection
Socially connected people have a greater ability to fight off viral infections. Their immune system is more prepared to detect, remember and fight off these invaders. Common colds, flus and COVID-19 are all viral infections we are all too familiar with.
Experiments show that socially connected people are less likely to get sick when a cold virus is spayed into their nose compared to lonely people.
More social contact with others increases the chances of contact with a virus (such as being in the same room as someone with the flu). Dr Naomi Eisenberger suggests that the body “knows” this and prepares for such things by making sure the immune system is prepared.
This isn’t just about the amount of people we meet – it’s very much to do with how we feel about our level of connection. Research shows that greater feelings of connection and lower levels of loneliness, regardless of the number of social contacts a person has, are linked to greater immunity to viral infections.
This improved anti-viral response is a good thing for health and longevity, and it is associated with lower levels of systemic inflammation. So, it’s a win-win for our health.
Immune System Supplement
A healthy, functioning immune system helps us to feel good – boosting mental health, sociability and energy levels. It also helps to reduce the risk of many long-term health conditions.
If you want a healthy immune system with all the great benefits it brings, know that social connection is a key ingredient for this. It’s not just about the amount of people you know, it’s about how connected you feel. Social connection is one of the main ‘supplements’ that I recommend for caring for our amazing immune systems.
