By SAM KNEW, MSW
Of all the things we do to stay healthy, one of the most over-looked preventatives to keeping the doctor away is right under our nose. How often you smile could have a direct impact on your biological and mental well-being. It may be surprising to you that when you smile — even a fake smile — can release endorphins. Endorphins are transmitters in the brain that reduce pain and feelings of anger and sadness. This chain reaction in mood has a serious biological benefit, increasing one’s immune system, specifically individuals with compromised immune systems.
One of our best natural defenses are little known lymphocyte (white blood) cells referred to as Natural Killer (NK) Cells. These cells in short are the meanest, toughest little guys (or ladies) that can more effectively destroy most viruses, including HIV and types of cancers. Some studies even show individuals with compromised immune systems and large amounts of NK cells systems have been able to postpone the use of medication treatment. And F.Y.I., your mood makes all the difference in the number of NK cells you have. A Harvard study showed individuals with “good coping skills” and a positive outlook tended to produce three times as many active NK cells than those who were identified in a high-stress group.
One aspect that experts are quick to point out is that an individual who frequently functions in high stress keeps his/her immune systems working over time. In-effect your body is busy coping with an increased heart rate, slowed adrenaline, digestion issues and loss of blood flow to major muscle groups. This fight or flight response (the body’s perception of threat or danger) can have even long term effects, such as hair loss, obesity, diabetes, depression, tooth and gum disease, ulcers and as it usually comes down to in this column … sexual dysfunction.
Sex and stress are definitely linked. Not only does stress contribute to a low sex drive physiologically; under stress, the body releases cortisol, (a hormone) which inhibits other hormones such as testosterone – the principal male sex hormone. It is also responsible for healthy body development, such as retention of protein and tissue mass which are especially vital to individuals with compromised immune systems. The good news is that it seems to work the other way around as well. Sex can be a great stress reliever. Researchers found a correlation between sex and stimulated cell growth in the hippocampus of the brain. That’s the part of the brain primarily associated with long-term memory. In addition, a healthy sex drive can result in decreased blood pressure and an increase of antibodies and endorphins – which can increase those NK cells. Not to mention, if done right, it should put that smile back on your face.
