Ed.5/ inflammation- the MIND & BODY CONNECTION
Effective mindfulness breathing can be for pain control and many other conditions. Danny explains how rather than consuming time, practising meditation or mindfulness actually frees up more time. Stress can permeate every aspect of our lives and every organ in our bodies. Setting aside just 10-20 minutes a day and focusing on our breathing can have a really profound long-term effect on our bodies and minds
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Inflammation's intricate connection with psychological and emotional factors is well-supported by research. Chronic stress, as a significant contributor to inflammation, has been extensively studied. The release of stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, in response to prolonged stress has been linked to chronic low-grade inflammation (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2015). Research in the journal Biological Psychiatry (Raison et al., 2006) underscores the bidirectional relationship between mood disorders like depression and inflammation. Mood disorders can elevate inflammation levels, and inflammation can exacerbate or contribute to mood disorders. Interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation in individuals dealing with stress or mood disorders (Hoge et al., 2013; Rosenkranz et al., 2013).
Ed.5/
Inflammation - the mind body connection
“Furthermore, a study in the journal Sleep (Irwin et al., 2015) found that sleep deprivation can activate inflammatory pathways in the body. Sleep is a critical time when the body repairs and rejuvenates itself, including the regulation of inflammation. Therefore, addressing sleep hygiene and promoting healthy sleep patterns are crucial aspects of managing inflammation from both a physical and psychological perspective.”
Moreover, the influence of emotional factors on dietary choices and their impact on inflammation is supported by scientific evidence. Emotional eating's association with inflammation is discussed in research published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology (Adam & Epel, 2007), emphasizing how stress-induced overconsumption of high-sugar and high-fat comfort foods can contribute to inflammation. In terms of social connections, studies in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Eisenberger et al., 2010) have demonstrated that loneliness and social isolation can indeed activate pro-inflammatory pathways. Conversely, research in PLOS ONE (Pressman et al., 2015) highlights the anti-inflammatory effects of positive social interactions and supportive relationships. These findings underscore the importance of addressing psychological and emotional aspects in managing inflammation comprehensively (Adam & Epel, 2007; Eisenberger et al., 2010; Hoge et al., 2013; Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2015; Pressman et al., 2015; Raison et al., 2006; Rosenkranz et al., 2013).