Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood

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).

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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

Your Morning Tea Pulls DOUBLE DUTY as a Heavy Metal Detox

You don’t need another reason to drink tea, do you? You already know tea helps with everything from boosting heart health and metabolism to reducing stress. It’s packed with antioxidants, calms inflammation, and gives you a gentler caffeine boost than coffee. But now researchers have discovered yet another benefit of your daily drink—and this one...

Read This

Fiery Spice Cools Painful IBD Inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine...

Read This

Ditch the Coffee Dehydration Myth and Enjoy Java Again

I can’t imagine starting my day without a delicious steaming cup of hot coffee. If you’re also a coffee fan, I bet you’ve been treated to well-meaning warnings by the non-Java drinkers… “Coffee is so dehydrating!” “It’s basically stealing water from your body!” “You need to drink extra water to make up for it!” Even...

Read This

Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY

“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.”   —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...

Read This

Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks

Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...

Read This

Common Fungus Beats the Flu at Its Own Game

Big Pharma pushes annual flu shots like your life depends on it. What’s more, they insist expensive antivirals are your only defense against influenza. But Mother Nature is hiding a more effective solution right under our noses—or rather, under forest floors and in grocery store produce sections. There’s growing evidence that the humble mushroom is...

Read This

Superfood Slashes Deadly Cancer Risk by 20%

You’ve likely heard about yogurt’s gut health benefits. But did you know this creamy treat may be doing more than aiding your digestion? Research shows it could protect you from a deadly form of cancer. A groundbreaking, long-term study revealed that eating yogurt could slash your risk for a specific type of colorectal cancer. This...

Read This

Brain-Boosting Bacteria Discovered in Surprising Spot

Researchers have uncovered a tremendous amount of information about the gut-brain connection in the last few years. For example, earlier this week, I explained how probiotics can naturally ease anxiety. But scientists’ latest discovery isn’t about what’s in your GUT. Instead, it’s about what’s in your MOUTH. And it might make you think twice about...

Read This

The Morning Sunlight Secret to Better Sleep

Believe it or not, a good night’s sleep starts the moment you open your eyes in the morning. I’ve seen countless patients struggle with insomnia, despite trying everything from meditation apps to melatonin supplements. Yet, many are surprised when I “prescribe” something incredibly simple: morning sunlight. Recent research reveals that exposure to natural sunlight within...

Read This

“Belly Fix” Eases Anxiety WITHOUT Drugs

If mainstream medicine excels at one thing, it’s having a drug (or ten) to treat anything that ails you. So, it’s no surprise that the moment you mention feeling anxious, your doctor hands you a prescription. Well, hold onto your wallet for now. Because a new study just uncovered something that’s giving Big Pharma some...

Read This