Health Tip of the Week
by Dr. Earl Mindell
Is it true that anger can affect the immune system?
For both men and women, anger can have a negative effect on the
immune system. Anger causes stress, which in turn causes free-
radical damage. Free-radical damage breaks down the immune system
and overall health.
In particular, older men, caregivers, and people who suffer with
depression are more vulnerable to stress and anger. In fact,
research was conducted on 82 elderly caretakers of a spouse with
Alzheimer's disease to understand the relationship between anger,
depression, and the immune system. For 18 months, researchers
studied the caretakers' physical and psychological health, and
physical activity. The results showed that men who had feelings
of depression from being lonely, also had a weakened immune
response. In addition, the male and female caregivers with
increased anger levels had less immune function.
There are a many different ways to reduce stress and anger.
Exercising at least 20 minutes daily can help reduce stress and
tension. Also, a proper diet and a daily multivitamin will
strengthen the immune system.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]