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.
View More Free Articles
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...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...
Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk
We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...
Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It
Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....
Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal
Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...
Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple
Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....
Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom
From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...
The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory
Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...
Mailbag: The "Natural Navigator" Method for Finding Your Perfect Doctor
“I would like to know what questions are the best to ask when looking for a new naturopathic practitioner? How do I find the best naturopathic endocrinologist for my needs? Is it OK to see your naturopath virtually?” —Natural Navigator Hi Navigator, You’re asking some brilliant questions about finding the right naturopath (or, really, any...