The mind and chronic inflammation
Recent research has revealed that certain social, environmental and lifestyle factors, including psychological stress, can promote systemic chronic inflammation that can, in turn, lead to diseases that represent the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders [Furman et al., 2019]. The association between chronic disease and inflammation is widely recognized. Healthcare systems are buckling due to the cost of treating a worldwide population burdened by these chronic health problems.
Psychological stress also leads to inflammation in the brain. This can impact the regulation of mood and cognition, with possible connections to Alzheimer’s disease.
Psychological stress induces many of the same inflammatory signals as injury and disease. This raises questions: How and why does mental stress activate inflammation?
Related Posts
Does Mother’s Mind Immunomodulate the Unborn Child?
The immune system is initially and perhaps most significantly shaped in the womb, influenced by the mother’s mental state, though the extent and consequences are still under research. Emerging research suggests that maternal stress and emotions can have a significant impact on fetal development. Often overlooked, these early influences may shape a person’s physical and Read the full article…
Mind on Infections
New research is making the connection between psychological stress and infectious diseases clearer. This blog explores key data on how the mind affects the body’s ability to fight infections. Scientific evidence now shows that chronic stress, negative emotions, and psychosocial factors can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and influencing disease progression. I Read the full article…
Psychological impact on asthma
Asthma is among the most prevalent chronic diseases; in children, it now leads the chronic disease statistics. In the United States, it affects an estimated 10.6 million (14.5%) children [U.S. Department of Health, 2014]. There are an estimated 300 million asthmatics worldwide [Masoli et al., 2004]. Stress and infections have long been independently associated with Read the full article…