Linking Your Brain, Inflammation, Social Stress and Disease Risk

The impact of social connectedness on health is becoming an intriguing area of research far more important than previously thought. I recently reported the astounding 50% risk reduction in mortality when individuals are socially connected. Two new studies lend even more insight into the importance of this issue.

The first study, by UCLA researchers, measured the levels of inflammatory markers associated with risk of disease (TNFa and IL6) in response to an experiment in which the participants felt they were being judged and could be socially rejected. These inflammatory markers shot up under the influence of the potential stress of social rejection. Then the researchers tested some of the same participants in a situation in which they were sure they had been socially rejected, and performed brain imaging. The research linked specific activation in regions of the brain associated with social stress to increased markers of inflammation—documenting a mind-body link very fundamental to health.

Another study of pregnant women shows that their social network of connections, such as family and community, has a profound effect on their pregnancy health² and even offsets lower economic status or mental health struggles—a rather stunning finding.

This emerging body of science shows that building a social network—whether with family, friends, work, or in your community—is important to your health. It gives you a sense of connection compared to a sense of rejection. It is associated with being healthy compared to being inflamed.

Many other health stressors can lead to wear and tear and inflammation. Social connectedness must be considered a network of support that is beneficial to health. If you lack such connections do not dwell on it. Instead, reduce inflammation with extra nutrition, find other forms of rejuvenating activity to help offset the stress within your life, and look for better connections in the future.