Top doctor reveals the surprising lifestyle factor that has a huge impact on our immunity - it's not food or drink
Share this @internewscast.com

Socialising can boost your immune system and increase life expectancy, according to a leading doctor.

In an age of longevity clinics and ‘biomaxxing’ influencers like Bryan Johnson—who has spent millions of dollars on trying to live longer—immunologist Dr Jenna Macciocchi says that a long life doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Instead she says that a simple lifestyle change can help prevent illness, and it’s as simple as enhancing your social interactions.

This is because it boosts the immune system—the body’s defence against infections—and in the longer term, it can reduce inflammation, a process linked to multiple diseases.

Dr Macciocchi, author of the bestselling Immune to Age book which outlines her hacks to live longer, said: ‘I think humans have this idea where if you’re paying money it therefore must work—the thinking that says: “I’m taking 20 supplements so I’m good—it doesn’t matter that I feel really wired and stressed out all the time.”

‘But our immune system is the single greatest arbiter of both how long we live and the quality of those years.’

Dr Jenna Macciocchi says that there is no need to waste money on fads

Dr Jenna Macciocchi says that there is no need to waste money on fads

The immunologist says people like billionaire Bryan Johnson are leading people in the wrong direction when it comes to trying to live longer

The immunologist says people like billionaire Bryan Johnson are leading people in the wrong direction when it comes to trying to live longer 

One of the tricks Dr Macciocchi says is the key to a longer and happier life is social interaction—particularly for people over the age of 60.

‘Focus on socialising, connection, and finding joy in the small moments—that is all good for the immune system,’ Dr Macciocchi, told the I paper.

‘If you’re stressed, it puts your immune system on red alert—primed for inflammation. If your thought patterns are calm and relaxed and you have a social connection.’

On the Happy Place podcast with Ferne Cotton Dr Macciocchi explains this is because of the ‘mind body connection’ – or the psychoneuroimmunology.

‘The immune system is not in one place in the body, it is everywhere,’ says Dr Macciocchi.

‘Particularly with the brain, if you see danger with your eyes, that is information that your brain is taking and making an imprint of hormones it puts out into the body your immune cells pick up the signal and get ready for a threat,’ which increases inflammation according to the doctor.

One of the key hormones for improving the immune system is oxytocin—the love hormone.

Oxytocin, also known as the ‘cuddle hormone’, is released by the body during ‘tender moments’ – including while hugging and during sex.

Social interaction is the key living longer according to Dr Macciocchi

Social interaction is the key living longer according to Dr Macciocchi

Immune cells have receptors for oxytocin, which is why the doctor believes that it holds the key to a longer happier life.

‘What you are thinking and feeling directly impacts your immunology,’ says Dr Macciocchi. ‘I am safe, I am loved, these are really key feelings.’

‘The oxytocin that’s released is calming and anti-inflammatory.’

The doctor explains that online interaction is not enough to feel the benefits of socialising.

‘There’s something about the physical contact—your heart is electromagnetic—eventually your heart beats will synchronise when you’re spending time with other people,’ says Dr Macciocchi.

‘It is why you want to hug a friend, it is why you want to meet with people in real life and have that physical connection. Co-regulation we have is really physical. It’s great that we have technology but there is this fundamental thing we can’t replace.’

Dr Macciocchi also says rather than considering it only when we’re unwell, we ‘have to think of it as a companion across the decades – befriend it and understand it early in life.’

Her other tips include lift weights and limit takeaways in your 30s, destress in your 40s and 50s while focusing on remaining active in your 60s.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Important Alert: Eggs Recalled – “Do Not Eat, Sell, or Serve”

Eggs sold in two states have been urgently recalled over fears of…

NHS Urged to Address PTSD Surge Affecting Nearly 50% of Patients Undergoing Specific Treatment

A stem cell transplant provides a second chance at life for thousands…

FDA Initiates Urgent Recall on Cheeses Contaminated with Potentially Fatal Bacteria

Multiple cheeses are being recalled over fears that they could cause death…

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting Rebukes Trump’s Paracetamol and Autism Assertions, Advises Public to Disregard

Wes Streeting has called on Britons to heed advice from the NHS…

UK Physician Alerts NHS Patients About Health Risks Associated with Common Medication

A doctor has issued a stark warning to those who take a…

Effective Solutions for Balance and Dizziness Issues: Many, Including Steve, Face Challenges and GPs May Fall Short. Discover Groundbreaking Treatments that Can Transform Lives if You Know What to Request—Doctors Call Them ‘Game-Changers’

Steve Watkins used to love his life working as tennis coach, playing…

Pharmacist Reveals Trick to ‘Cure Cold in a Day’ Using a 55p Ingredient Found in Your Kitchen

As the weather in Britain changes, colds become more common. Symptoms often…

Long-term Use of Paracetamol May Lead to Serious Health Risks for Some Individuals

Paracetamol can be acquired without a prescription from nearly every chemist and…

Research indicates that a well-known brain supplement might contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers exploring dementia have identified an amino acid that was once thought…

Autism Affected My Speech, But My Parents’ Unique Approach Helped Me Become a Leading News Anchor

Leland Vittert is living the dream. At 43, he has covered war…

Urgent Warning for Those Battling COVID or Viral Illnesses

Covid-19 is once again making its presence felt, with the new Stratus…