An act of kindness can not only induce a feeling of well-being but also benefit physical and mental health. And for good reason, helping others would reduce inflammation, according to a recent study.
- Inflammation is a natural mechanism that takes place when the organism undergoes an attack.
- Helping others could lower interleukin-6 levels and fight inflammation.
Holding a door, making maraudes, carrying a stroller in transport… These gestures can brighten the day of those who receive help but they also allow those who bring it to enjoy better health. According to a study published in November in the journal Bran, Behavior and Immunitybeing altruistic is associated with lower levels of chronic systemic inflammation.
To reach this conclusion, American researchers analyzed data from 1,054 adults who participated in a large study called the “National Survey of Midlife Development in the US (MIDUS II).” Participants had to answer questions about their interactions, social integration and how they help others. They also provided blood samples to measure levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker of chronic systemic inflammation.
Lower interleukin-6 levels in altruism
The scientists found that interleukin-6 levels were lower in people who helped others and provided social support to loved ones than in participants who were not altruistic. “Preliminary evidence indicates that the effects of willingness to help others may be different by gender. They were significant only in women”can we read in the research.
The authors of the study pointed out that helping others could be an effective remedy for inflammation. They recalled that “Higher levels of IL-6 are associated with an increased risk of many diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer.”
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