The One Emotion that Extends Your Life
Based on progressive research we find that what we think about and what we feel have far-ranging effects on our immune system.
One important part of our immune system includes the natural killer cell or NK cells. These are a type of lymphocyte and an important player in the war on invading bad microbes and mounting an immune attack to combat these bad microbes. NK cells are known to be protective against cancer. Some studies have documented that the less active your NK cells are the more rapid cancer progression and the more it spreads throughout the body.
And guess what?
These important NK cells actually respond to your mood.
The most important emotion to boost these NK cells is laughter.
When you are feeling good, optimistic and happy your NK cells multiply exponentially!
If you are known pessimist, there is still hope for you.
A study done at the University of California showed that actors who spent time performing depressing movie scenes had a decreased immune responsiveness. On the other hand actors who performed roles where they were uplifting, had an increased immune responsiveness. So the moral of the story is something called, Fake it till you make it. Yes, even if you don't feel happy, at least act like you do! Your body's immune system will reward you for it.
From the beginning of time, this has been known to be true. King Solomon, noted to be the wisest man that every lived, once wrote that “A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones". Proverbs 17:22 AMP
So what can you do today
Here is a good punch list to improve your mood and of course boost your NK cells: These include: humour, making music or listening to uplifting music, coloring in books, walking in the woods, spending time with good uplifting friends to something as simple as taking a soaking bath with relaxing herbs.
When you feel at your lowest point and your burdens and heartache feel insurmountable take it to God in prayer. He understands every tear and has promised to capture every single one! and that's a promise! (Psalms 56:8).
Today learn to recognise, embrace and cultivate pure thoughts and grasp onto moments of happiness that are truly your own. Whether this is assisting at a local soup kitchen, singing in the shower, or hugging your pet. True happiness is not in things but in being grateful for what you have. Do not overlook those small things in life that put a smile on your face.
If there is one thing that you can take from this post today, let it be this; -you are loved and even where there seems like there is no hope, there is always hope, so do not worry about your past or your tomorrow. Live in the 'Now' and remember that whatever you are going through, YOU WILL GET THROUGH IT! - it may not be today, but it will come - wait for it because it will not tarry.
Wishing you a great start to your week.
With love from Nature's Physician Nutrition (p.s Nature is God's Physician)
References:
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy Sarah Ban Breathnach
Compliments from Functional Medicine University
The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from research and the functional medicine community. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.