Pandemic Isolation TRIGGERING More Disease?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 12, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Loneliness is a problem way too many of us face – especially as we grow older.
Friends and family move away and some pass on over time.
And one of the big problems with social isolation is that it creeps up on us slowly, so we sort of get used to it.
The pandemic, of course, has just reinforced that problem.
But the fact remains that loneliness can really take a toll on your health.
And now researchers have found it can even cause this disease condition.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, social isolation significantly increases the risk of premature death from ALL causes.
The risk of premature death is so high it MATCHES the risk of smoking, being overweight, and not exercising.
You have an almost 50 percent increase in your risk of dementia if you spend too much time alone. You also have a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke.
Loneliness is also associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
But why?
Researchers asked that very question and found a surprising answer: socially isolated older adults have higher levels of inflammation.
When the researchers measured the biomarkers of inflammation in the blood levels of 4,685 Medicare beneficiaries, they found especially high levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein.
High levels of C-reactive protein have been linked to certain cancers, pneumonia, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. And increased levels of interleukin-6 have been linked to psoriasis, osteoporosis, and some immunodeficiency diseases.
It’s also worth noting that the inflammation was MORE common in men than in women.
Long-term inflammation is hard on your brain, heart, and body as a whole. And now it’s clear that it can directly result from how we feel about ourselves and our surroundings.
While fixing loneliness is not easy during a pandemic, here are some things to try:
- Fill your house with music. Television is the companion most people choose, but try spending some time listing to music you love instead. Listening to music has been shown to help with stroke recovery and has many other benefits as well.
- Stay connected any way you can. There have never been more ways to connect with other people. Take advantage of the many free online ways to see and talk to family and friends.
- Make the most of the interactions. Most people feel more satisfied with deep and meaningful connection. This means sharing your emotions, personal experiences, and asking question to get people to talk about themselves.
- Get outside. There is something about getting outside of your house that makes people feel less alone and more connected to the world.
P.S. Isolation doesn’t just increase your risk of inflammation. It could also lead to this disease. Find out more right here.
SOURCE:
Wiley. “Social isolation linked to higher markers of inflammation in older adults.” 11/1/21. Medical Xpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-social-isolation-linked-higher-markers.html
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...