PNI = Psychoneuroimmunology
OK, it’s a mouthful. Psychoneuroimmunology. Twenty letters, 13 consonants, and seven vowels combine – psycho (the mind), neuro (the central nervous system), and immunology (the body’s defense system) – to form a term that future generations will regard as commonplace medicine. Drs. Robert Ader, a research psychologist, and Nicholas Cohen, an immunologist, coined this term many years ago. Understanding it plays a crucial role in stress management.
When we’re under stress – physical, mental, or emotional – our brain sends chemical signals through our system to shut down or stimulate our immune response. It’s why so many people develop autoimmune diseases and why so many succumb to cold and flu viruses.
First, let’s examine a few concepts. NK cells, natural killer cells, are lymphocyte cells that keep us healthy by destroying viruses (such as the culprits behind the common cold), bacteria (infections), and cancer cells. We take a host of anti-cold medications but our NK cells are what really get rid of the cold viruses. If we have a bacterial infection, antibiotics help but our NK cells are the real fighters. So it pays to have a robust supply of NK cells actively engaged in their duties of eliminating harmful organisms. LifeNuts have strong immune systems.
When Mr. Stressor enters the picture and distress happens, our body releases a chemical called cortisol, which is a steroidal hormone, a glucocorticoid. And, while cortisol performs many normal physiological functions, the most significant effect, from an immunological standpoint, is its suppression of NK cells. The end result of excessive cortisol in the bloodstream is a weakened immune system.
University scientists, working in laboratories and conducting human stress surveys, have found:
People under distress are more susceptible to colds.
Without a strong social support network, women with breast cancer had a higher death rate than women with strong social support.
Divorce, the single life, and poor sleep raise cortisol and lower NK cells.
During exams, students under stress showed decreased blood levels of NK cells.
People with depression or anger have lower levels of NK cells.
Anxiety can drop NK cell levels.
So, how does one reduce cortisol and increase levels of NK cells? The answer is by becoming a master of stress management, a disclipline that involves many skills: relaxation response training, psychological tools, the faith factor, managing relationships, fitness and nutrition, time management, financial expertise, life transitioning, and goal setting. LifeNuts are masters of stress management. They stay healthy and live long, productive, and happy lives.