Unlocking Immunity: A Top Doctor Shares the Surprising Lifestyle Factor Beyond Food and Drink

Socializing could be your secret weapon for a healthier life. Dr. Jenna Macciocchi, an immunologist, argues that building connections can boost your immune system and increase longevity. Unlike costly wellness trends, this simple lifestyle change can help you live longer and better, all while being free.

Dr. Macciocchi highlights that social interactions enhance our body’s defense mechanisms. They can help reduce inflammation, a condition linked to various diseases. She stresses that our immune system mainly determines not just how long we live but also the quality of those years.

“People often think that spending money on supplements guarantees good health,” she says. “But true well-being can come from feeling connected and content.”

Especially for those over 60, socializing becomes vital. A study found that adults aged 50 and older who engage regularly with friends have a significantly lower risk of premature death. Macciocchi advises, “Focus on the joy of small moments with others. It’s great for your health.”

Stress puts your immune system in high alert, priming it for inflammation. However, a calm mind and strong social connections can flip that script. This idea falls under the “mind-body connection,” where emotional well-being directly impacts immune responses.

One key player in boosting the immune system is oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” This chemical is released during moments of intimacy, like hugging or bonding with loved ones. Macciocchi believes oxytocin is essential for a long and happy life because of its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Online interactions don’t provide the same benefits as face-to-face connections. “There’s magic in physical contact,” she explains. “When you’re with others, your heartbeats can even synchronize.” This synchronization may enhance emotional connections and strengthen your immune response.

Dr. Macciocchi encourages us to nurture our immune systems at every age. Instead of only addressing health when problems arise, she advises building a lifelong relationship with your immune system. In your 30s, focus on strength training. If you’re in your 40s and 50s, prioritize stress relief. And keep moving as you enter your 60s.

The bottom line: make time for friends and loved ones. Your immune system—and your overall health—will thank you.

For more on the relationship between social interactions and health, check out this study from the National Institutes of Health.

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