Stay Positive for Better Immunity

 

    Optimism is accepted by most researchers as a buffer against stressor-related changes in the immune system. A positive mindset and the sense of emotional well-being can contribute to the effective functioning of multiple biological systems, which may help keep us from succumbing to disease, or, when illness or adversity occurs, may help promote rapid recovery.

 

    Studies have demonstrated that optimism is associated with better mood, higher numbers of helper T cells, and higher natural killer cell cytotoxicity (1). During the stressful adaptation of the first semester in law school, the students who stayed more positive in mind (situational optimists) showed a 13% increase in helper T cells and 42% increase in natural killer cells during the active school semester compared to the baseline time (2 weeks preceding school orientation). In contrast, the students who were considered as situational pessimists had a 3% decrease in helper T cells, and only a 9% increase in natural killer cells during the same time (1).

 

    In a study for the relationships among physiological measures of affective style, psychological well-being, and immune function, 52 people (ages 57-60 years, 24 females) were recruited. They were asked to recall extremely positive and extremely negative emotional experiences in life, and the study participants were asked to think about the event and focus on the emotion experienced for 1 minute while physiological measures were obtained using Electroencephalography (EEG). Participants were then vaccinated for influenza, and antibody titers after the vaccine were assayed to provide an in vivo measure of immune function. The study showed that individuals with a more negative affective style had a weaker immune response and therefore may be at greater risk for illness than those with a more positive affective style (2).

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    In a study in college students, the students were assigned randomly either to view a humorous video followed by a didactic (control) video or to view the control video followed by the humorous video. They were asked to fill out a Coping Humor Questionnaire before and after viewing each video, and saliva samples were collected to analyze immunoglobulin A (Ig A). Salivary Ig A was reported to defend against viral infections, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. The average concentration of Ig A after viewing of the 30-minute humorous video was significantly greater than before viewing (increased from 57.5 to 66.6 mg/dL), while the concentration of Ig A did not change significantly with the viewing of the control video (57.1 to 57.6 mg/dL). Scores on the Coping Humor Questionnaire were correlated with Ig A-concentrations, suggesting that salivary Ig A concentrations were directly related to subjects’ perception of their use of humor as a coping device (3).

 

    As we are facing the overwhelming negativity of global coronavirus Pandemic we especially need to stay positive.  We need to find ways to enhance our immune function emotionally. Perhaps when you stay home watching TV, you may choose a funny comedy to get a little laugh to boost your immunity. Stay positive (not COVID-19 test positive) and stay healthy.

 

References:

1. Segerstrom SC, Taylor SE, Kemeny ME, Fahey JL. Optimism is associated with mood, coping, and immune change in response to stress. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1998. 74(6):1646-55.

2. Rosenkranz MA, Jackson DC, Dalton KM, Dolski I, Ryff CD, Singer BH, Muller D, Kalin NH, Davidson RJ. Affective style and in vivo immune response: neurobehavioral mechanisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003. 100(19):11148-52.

3. Dillon KM, Minchoff B, Baker KH. Positive emotional states and enhancement of the immune system. Int J Psychiatry Med. 1986. 15(1):13-8.