Stress And Illness With autumn just around the corner, this is a perfect time to find
ways to relax and take it easy. In the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, I came across a
study that demonstrates the positive effects that stress management
can have on levels of antibodies; the proteins produced by the
immune system to fight disease.
UK researchers recruited 43 subjects over the age of 65, who also
cared for spouses with dementia (a high-stress duty that's
associated with a vulnerability to colds and flu). Half the subjects
attended a stress management course for two months. At the
conclusion of the course, all 43 subjects were given flu shots. An
additional control group of 43 subjects was also given shots. The
subjects in this group were of the same age and relative health, but
didn't provide special care for family members.
50 percent of the stress-management group produced antibody
counts believed to be high enough to effectively protect against the
flu virus. Only 7 percent of the group that didn't take the course
produced the same high levels of antibodies. Most interesting was
the response from the control group. Less than 30 percent of that
group matched the best antibody levels of the stress-management
group.
In short: Learning how to smooth out those stressful kinks could
make for a flu-free flu season.
As the days grow shorter and we advance further into the "bug"
season, I'll keep a lookout for other research and commentary on
ways to help make your immune system a strong first line of
defense.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
Sources:
"Aging: A Lesson for the Immune System" John O'Neil, The New
York Times, 9/23/03, nytimes.com
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