You have known, probably since you have been a small child, that loneliness or lack of social interaction takes a toll on you. Studies have shown that stress takes it is toll as well. But two new studies link the two and show how they can adversely affect you.
In one study, first-year college students who had few human interactions or felt lonely had a weakened immune response to the influenza vaccine.
A second study showed that men who feel socially isolated have higher markers of inflammatory chemicals in them. Interestingly, the finding suggested that loneliness was the perception, and not necessarily lack of interaction.
In other words, you might have lots of friends, but if you still feel lonely, even with many people around you, the damage still occurs.
In the first study, cortisol levels were higher in the lonely group. Cortisol is an adrenal hormone that goes up in response to stress. Elevated cortisol levels are connected with a myriad of health-related problems, including osteoporosis, weakened immune system, tissue breakdown, higher blood sugar, aging, and more.
The second study was conducted on over 3,000 men. It showed that those men with the lowest level of social involvement had the highest levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 is a marker for inflammation, as is C-reactive protein. These men were more likely to be unmarried or have fewer people to confide in.
The most important thing for a baby beyond food and clothing is human contact. As adults, we might think we have outgrown that need, but it is always with us. Be sure to give and receive all the nurturing you can. Your participation in church, charitable, community events, and service to others can make a huge difference in your health.
Ref: Bhattacharya, Shaoni. NewScientist.com news service, May 2, 2005; presentation at the American Heart Association May 1st meeting in Washington.