How Feelings of Awe Lower Inflammation
Cytokines are proteins that signal the immune system to work harder. They are vital in that they help us fight off infections, trauma, and viruses; however, an overproduction of them leads to chronic inflammation, which in turn contributes to a variety of negative health outcomes, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and many mental health disorders.
The good news is that we have more control over our health than previously thought. Research is mounting that good health stems not only from our diet and exercise habits, but also from our emotions and state of mind. In fact, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley just found that feelings of awe are linked to a powerful anti-inflammatory action in the body. Good feelings, in other words, are like the emotional version of fish oil supplements.
“That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests that the things we do to experience these emotions – a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art – has a direct influence upon health and life expectancy,” said co-author Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at the UC, Berkeley, in a press release.
For the study, more than 200 young adults reported the extent to which they had experienced positive emotions on a particular day, such as amusement, awe, compassion, contentment, joy, love and pride. On the same day, researchers took samples of the participants’ gum and cheek tissue, known as oral mucosal transudate. Those who experienced more positive emotions, particularly awe, wonder and amazement, had the lowest levels of the cytokine Interleukin 6, a marker of inflammation.
The researchers can’t say for sure which comes first – the low cytokines or the positive feelings: “It is possible that having lower cytokines makes people feel more positive emotions, or that the relationship is bidirectional,” said lead author Jennifer Stellar, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto. But whichever direction it flows, the link between the two is significant.
Make awe a daily habit in your life by taking the time to really look at the awesome beauty of the world in which we live. For starters, pick a song, a work of art, or even an old tree that you have seen many times, and experience it with new eyes, as if you are seeing (or hearing) it for the first time. As you make this practice a part of your daily life, witness your sense of wonder increase and your levels of inflammation go down.
The UC, Berkeley study is published in the journal Emotion.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” —W.B.Yeats
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes:
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.
Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.
Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules. Today Be 100% Satisfied Or Receive A Full Money Back Guarantee Order Yours Today By Following This Link.