Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 26, 2025
We humans are social creatures.
We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging.
Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation.
But new research reveals that loneliness isn’t just an emotional state—it literally shows up in your bloodstream, setting the stage for serious health problems…
In a recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour, scientists analyzed data from 42,062 UK Biobank participants and examined 2,920 plasma proteins in their blood.
What they discovered was remarkable. Loneliness is linked to measurable changes in specific proteins circulating in your blood.
Specifically, they found that loneliness increased the levels of five proteins in the brain (with names like GFRA1 and ADM). Don’t worry about remembering their technical names—what’s important is what they do to your body.
Even more concerning, when researchers tracked the participants’ health for about 14 years, they found that more than half of these proteins were connected to:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Death risk
As a health professional, I’ve long suspected what this research now confirms… loneliness isn’t just unpleasant, it actually harms your physical health.
This means having strong social relationships and not feeling lonely could help you stay healthy by reducing harmful protein levels. In other words, social connection isn’t just good for your emotional well-being but also for your physical health.
Here are some practical, enjoyable ways to combat loneliness:
- Volunteer your time: Helping others is one of the most fulfilling ways to forge meaningful connections while making a difference.
- Join a club or group: Whether it’s a book club, hiking group, or card-playing circle, shared interests create natural bonds.
- Take a class: Learning something new puts you in contact with others who share your curiosity—and it keeps your mind sharp too!
- Reconnect with old friends: Sometimes the best connections are those that already exist but have fallen dormant. That old friend might be just a phone call away.
- Adopt a pet: Animals provide unconditional love and can even lead to human connections during walks or at pet parks.
- Utilize technology wisely: While scrolling through social media can sometimes increase feelings of isolation, video calls with loved ones can nurture relationships.
- Seek professional help: If loneliness persists, consider talking to a therapist who can provide strategies to overcome isolation and offer support.
- Practice self-compassion: Being kind to yourself when you’re lonely can make it easier to reach out to others.
Remember, loneliness is a common human experience—not a personal failure. By understanding how it affects your physical health and taking even small steps to connect with others, you can boost your emotional and physical well-being.
Why not choose just one suggestion from this list and try it this week? That minor change could make a world of difference.
P.S. Are your senses sending you an SOS?
Source:
Shen, C., Zhang, R., Yu, J. et al. Plasma proteomic signatures of social isolation and loneliness associated with morbidity and mortality. Nat Hum Behav (2025).
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.
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