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Update Date: 2008/08/30 10:07
Life Center / Comprehensive Report
According to media reports, many people know that stress can increase the likelihood of illness, but few understand exactly how stress causes physical problems; the latest research has found that it is mainly because long-term stress triggers changes in the genes of the human immune system.
According to a study published in the "Journal of Biological Psychiatry," scholars compared the genetic differences between people who have been long-term caregivers for patients at home and those without such stress, and obtained the results. According to Miller, the lead researcher, although the cortisol levels in the blood of long-term caregivers are normal, the genes of monocytes have changed, meaning that the white blood cells responsible for the body's defense are less responsive to the anti-inflammatory signals from cortisol.
Miller stated that although the cortisol levels in caregivers are similar to those in the general population, their cells do not respond to anti-inflammatory signals and cannot perform their protective functions; Miller pointed out that the medical community previously believed that high cortisol levels were the cause of stress-induced illnesses, but his research results are completely opposite, concluding that the cells do not accept the signals sent by cortisol.
Since ancient times, humans have been searching for the secret to longevity, but the latest research has found that being happy can extend life by 7.5 to 10 years. Professor Veenhoven from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, said, "Happiness cannot cure diseases, but it can make you less likely to get sick."
In the study, Veenhoven first observed the impact of happiness on the condition of patients. Although happiness can help some cancer patients in remission to improve their condition, generally speaking, happiness does not seem to delay the death of patients; but in healthy populations, happiness seems to protect them from disease, thereby extending their lifespan.
Happy people usually pay more attention to their weight, are more sensitive to their physical condition, and smoke and drink less. Generally speaking, these people live a healthy life, are often more active, more confident, make better choices, and build more social circles.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 080830/ 17/ 152b1. html
Stress Harms Immune System, Alters Genes
Life Center / Comprehensive Report
According to media reports, many people know that stress can increase the likelihood of illness, but few understand exactly how stress causes physical problems; the latest research has found that it is mainly because long-term stress triggers changes in the genes of the human immune system.
According to a study published in the "Journal of Biological Psychiatry," scholars compared the genetic differences between people who have been long-term caregivers for patients at home and those without such stress, and obtained the results. According to Miller, the lead researcher, although the cortisol levels in the blood of long-term caregivers are normal, the genes of monocytes have changed, meaning that the white blood cells responsible for the body's defense are less responsive to the anti-inflammatory signals from cortisol.
Miller stated that although the cortisol levels in caregivers are similar to those in the general population, their cells do not respond to anti-inflammatory signals and cannot perform their protective functions; Miller pointed out that the medical community previously believed that high cortisol levels were the cause of stress-induced illnesses, but his research results are completely opposite, concluding that the cells do not accept the signals sent by cortisol.
Since ancient times, humans have been searching for the secret to longevity, but the latest research has found that being happy can extend life by 7.5 to 10 years. Professor Veenhoven from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, said, "Happiness cannot cure diseases, but it can make you less likely to get sick."
In the study, Veenhoven first observed the impact of happiness on the condition of patients. Although happiness can help some cancer patients in remission to improve their condition, generally speaking, happiness does not seem to delay the death of patients; but in healthy populations, happiness seems to protect them from disease, thereby extending their lifespan.
Happy people usually pay more attention to their weight, are more sensitive to their physical condition, and smoke and drink less. Generally speaking, these people live a healthy life, are often more active, more confident, make better choices, and build more social circles.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 080830/ 17/ 152b1. html