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PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY
A Harvard study in the
seventies discovered receptors on our
immune cells for neuropeptides.
Neuropeptides are chemicals produced
by the brain that vary with our
emotions. The results of this study
point to the simple fact that your
immune system is listening to your
mental talk. How you think is how you
feel. When someone tells you that
you’re only as old as you feel,
believe it.
You are the master of your immune
system. There is no better cure for
anything than a good attitude.
Below are the results of a study
conducted on students, separated into
two sections, negative and positive
states.
Negative States
- Bereavement
- Pessimistic states
- Academic stress
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Chronic stress
- Divorce/separation/poor marital
quality
- Expressed need for power and
control
- Negative behavior during
discussions of marital problems
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- Decreased lymphocyte
proliferation.
- Decreased lymphocyte reactivity;
decreased T-cell effectiveness.
- Decreased NK cell activity;
decreased T-cells; decrease in certain immune chemicals; increased
susceptibility to herpes virus; decreased immunoglobulin A;
increased blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus.
- Decreased T-cells; decreased
number and function of lymphocytes; decreased NK cells.
Decreased NK (Natural Killer Cell) activity.
Decreased T-cells; decreased NK cells; decreased B-cells;
increased blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus.
- Decreased lymphocyte function;
increased blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus; decreased T-cell
effectiveness.
- Decreased NK activity; decreased
lymphocytes.
- Decreased NK activity; decreased
macrophages; increased blood levels of Epstein-Barr virus;
increase in certain T-cells; decreased immunity by mitogen tests.
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Positive States
- Satisfying personal relationships
and social support.
- Personal sharing and disclosure of
traumatic experiences.
- Humor and laughter
- Hypnosis and relaxation
techniques.
- Physical exertion and aerobic
exercise.
- Group intervention and support
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- Increased lymphocyte function;
increased NK activity; increased immunity by mitogen tests;
increased immune response to hepatitis B vaccine.
- Increased lymphocyte response.
- Increased Immunoglobulin A;
increased lymphocyte count and activity.
- Increased T-cell effectiveness;
increased NK cell activity; decreased blood levels of stress
hormones; decreased blood levels of herpes virus.
- Increased number of white blood
cells; increase in endorphins; increase in certain immune
chemicals; increased NK cell number and activity; increased
T-cells; decreased T-cell effectiveness; decreased lymphocyte
function.
- Increased NK cell number and
activity; increased number of lymphocytes; decrease in T-helper
cells.
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Reference: Kiecolt-Glaser,
J.K., Garner, W., Speicher, C.E.,
Penn, G., and Vlaser, R. Psychosocial
Modifiers of Immunocompetence in
Medical Students." Psychosomatic
Medicine 46 (1984).
Copyright © 1995, 2001
Wellness Directory of Minnesota
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