To be healthy, it is necessary to eat well, move well, sleep well and… think well! A study conducted by researchers at the University of California has just shown that seeing life in pink could save us a lot of diseases.
The academics questioned 200 young adults about their daily feelings (enthusiasm, fun, satisfaction, etc.) and took tissue samples from their gums and cheeks.
More positive emotions, less disease
Result: volunteers who experienced the most positive emotions, but also surprise and fear, had lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, markers of inflammation associated with many diseases (Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoarthritis, depression…).
Note that cytokines also play a role in the fight against infections. However, too high levels of these markers are associated with poorer health.
Be curious, don’t be afraid!
If being happy has a direct influence on health and life expectancy, what about fear, which is also associated with a drop in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines?
“Fear is associated here with curiosity and a desire to explore, suggesting opposite behavioral responses to those seen in inflammatory disorders in which individuals isolate themselves from others,” says study lead author Jennifer Stellar. .
These results should be confirmed by other studies. In the meantime, listen to music, go for a walk in nature or go see an exhibition!
Read also :
Happiness: why happy people are healthier?
Depressed: 7 simple ways to think happy
