We all know that to stay healthy , you need to eat well and exercise . But did you know that in addition to these things, there is another powerful strategy that can protect your health in the long run, but it is not so well-known? That is helping others. Yes, you heard that right. Even a small help of compassion and kindness can heal our bodies in amazing ways. Let's see how this works.
What is this "chronic inflammation" inside the body?
To understand this story, we first need to know a little about what is called "inflammation" in the body. Simply put, there are two types of this.
Imagine that when you cut your finger, the area becomes red, a little swollen, and feels warm, right? That's what's called acute inflammation . That's actually a good thing. It means that your body's immune system is working to heal the wound. It will heal in a few days.
But what we're talking about today is different. That's chronic inflammation . It's like a fire that burns slowly inside the body for months, maybe even years. Even though there are no big signs on the outside, it slowly damages our cells and tissues from the inside.
It is said that about half of all deaths in the world are related to diseases caused by chronic inflammation.
The table below lists some of the main diseases that can be caused by this chronic inflammation.
| Medical condition | How chronic inflammation affects |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and stroke | It can damage the walls of blood vessels and make them thinner. |
| Diabetes | It can interfere with the function of insulin in the body. |
| Some types of cancer | Long-term damage to cells can lead to the growth of cancer cells. |
| Other diseases | It is also associated with conditions such as bone and joint diseases and liver diseases. |
The main reasons for this are obesity, poor eating habits, environmental pollution, smoking, and severe stress .
What is the connection between helping others and this inflammation?
Okay, now comes the important part. Research has found that when we help family, friends, or volunteer, a chemical in our blood called Interleukin 6 decreases. This ``Interleukin 6`` is like a meter that measures how much inflammation we have in our body. A decrease in its value means that chronic inflammation decreases.
Surprisingly, some research suggests that helping others in this way reduces inflammation to the same extent as something like Body Mass Index (BMI).
The transaction must be both sides.
But there's another little thing here. It's not enough to just be around a lot of friends and relatives. In those relationships, we also need to be a "Giver" who helps others and gives them strength. If someone is always expecting help from others, but doesn't do anything for themselves, that person will get this benefit less. That is, this healing comes not just from being sociable, but from dealing with that society with compassion and kindness.
Why does this happen? The way our minds and bodies work.
There are several reasons for this.
1. Finding meaning in life: When we help someone else, we feel like, "What I'm doing is worthwhile, I've done something good for someone." This feeling of "meaning in life" helps reduce the hormone cortisol , which controls our stress. When stress is reduced, chronic inflammation is also reduced.
2. Changes in the brain: When we practice compassion, the amygdala , the center of our brain that controls fear and anxiety, is reduced in activity. At the same time, the septal area, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and affection, is stimulated. These parts of the brain have direct connections to the body's immune system.
3. Decreased "Fight or Flight" Response: When we are stressed or afraid, our body prepares for a "fight or flight" state. This is controlled by the Sympathetic Nervous System . At this time, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises. Continuing to be in this state increases chronic inflammation. However, when we engage in an act of kindness, this system calms down. This reduces the risk of inflammation.
But everything should be done within limits!
When hearing this, some people might think, "Well, then I should put everything aside and help others." No, that's not the case.
There is an optimum for everything. Helping others is no different. If you forget yourself, neglect your own health and happiness, and take on a burden that you can't bear to help others, it will do more harm than good.
For example, a study of wives who were single and stressed out because they were caring for a sick husband showed that they had a 63% higher risk of dying than the general population.
So the most important thing is balance . Help others, but it should be something that brings you joy and satisfaction. It should not be a burden or a burden to you. Even a little help, done within your means and knowing your limitations, can bring great healing to your body and mind.
If you are constantly feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it is very important to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Chronic inflammation is a silent form of damage that occurs within the body that can lead to a number of serious diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Along with good nutrition and exercise, helping others with kindness is a powerful way to reduce this chronic inflammation.
- When we help others, our lives gain meaning, stress is reduced, and inflammation in the body is controlled due to positive changes in the brain and nervous system.
- The most important thing is balance. Don't forget yourself and take on more than you can handle. Help others in a way that makes you happy and helps you in any way you can.
- If you are constantly stressed or tired, it is very important to seek medical advice.
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