New research suggests that socializing with friends and family can help protect against heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. A study of over 42,000 adults found that boosted immune systems and reduced disease risk due to social interactions.
Cambridge University researchers teamed up with Chinese colleagues to analyze blood samples taken from the participants. They discovered specific proteins in the blood that are associated with loneliness and poor health.
The team identified five proteins linked to loneliness, which increase levels of inflammation, viral infection, and immune responses. These proteins also show links to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and early death.
A U.S. Surgeon General previously warned about the dangers of loneliness, stating it’s like hunger or thirst – a survival signal that something is missing.
The study highlights the importance of social contact in keeping people healthy and well. Social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health and an increased risk of dying young. The researchers emphasized the need for ways to tackle this growing problem and keep people connected to stay healthy.
“The proteins we’ve identified give us clues to the biology underpinning poor health among people who are socially isolated or lonely,” said Professor Jianfeng Feng.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/friends-family-may-protect-heart-attack-stroke-diabetes-study-suggests