HAPPINESS AND
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Research carried out by the
Association for Research into the Science of Enjoyment (ARISE) has shown
that happy thoughts and pleasant smells can boost the immune system. A study
by Professor Warburton at Reading University in England showed that within
20 minutes of happy thoughts being experienced, the amount of antibody
immunoglobulin (sIgA) found in the saliva doubled, remaining raised for at
least three hours. By contrast, memory of traumatic or painful experiences
caused the sIgA levels to drop. Another study carried out by Angela Clow at
the University of Westminster showed a similar response to unpleasant and
pleasant smells. Strangely the smell of water appears to have had an effect
similar to unpleasant smells such as rotting meat. The good news though is
that this effect could be counteracted by the smell of chocolate. Professor
David Warburton, found of ARISE and head of psychopharmacology at Reading
University, said "Previous scientific experiments have observed a
correlation between changing moods and the immunity system, but these new
studies provide a direct causal link. Identifying this direct link proves
that happiness could make you healthier. Instead of worrying about the often
ill-founded health scares created by so- called health experts most people
would do better to listen to their bodies. These studies illustrate how our
bodies naturally seek to protect themselves from disease by doing the things
we enjoy."
|