By SAM KNEW, MSW

Of all the things we do to stay healthy, one of the most overlooked preventatives in 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, you release endorphins. Endorphins are the transmitters in the brain that reduce pain, and feelings of anger and sadness. This chain reaction in mood has a serious biological benefit: increasing ones immune system, specifically in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Among 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 effectively destroy most viruses, including HIV and some types of cancers. Various studies even show that individuals with compromised immune systems and large amounts of NK cells systems have been able to postpone the use of medication treatment. And FYI: 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 their immune system 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 fright or flight response (the body’s perception of threat or danger) can even have  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.

Sam Knew, MSW is an educator