The healing power of positive emotions

Did you know feeling happy can help significantly reduce chronic inflammation?

In his Inflammation Fighting Protocol, Dr. Marc Micozzi cites a study where researchers asked 200 participants to report each day on when they experienced emotions like amusement, awe, compassion, contentment, joy, love, or pride.

Researchers then took samples of each volunteer’s gum tissues and measured the levels of cytokines. Cytokines are pro-inflammatory proteins. Dr. Micozzi explains that they signal your immune system to boost its activity to help fight off infection, a virus, or other trauma.

“But too many cytokines,” Dr. Micozzi adds, “results in chronic inflammation, which can lead to disorders like arthritis, Alzheimer’s, depression, diabetes, and heart disease.

“The researchers found that the study participants with the highest level of positive emotions also had the lowest level of cytokines.”

So, it appears that positive emotions can help stave off inflammation—and a host of chronic diseases. But they also may help with temporary symptoms as well…

Elevated cytokines and chronic inflammation in the brain also appear to block key hormones and neurotransmitters that have an influence over appetite, memory, and sleep.

And as Dr. Micozzi points out, that means that positive emotions may help you keep from overeating, think more clearly, and achieve deeper, more restful sleep.

So how do you tap into the healing power of positive emotions? Well, Dr. Micozzi believes it’s easier than you may think…

Generating powerful positive emotions

As Dr. Micozzi notes, “Positive emotions don’t just happen to you—you can generate them.”

Dr. Micozzi emphasizes the importance of experiencing a wide range of positive emotions like joy, gratitude, serenity, fascination and curiosity, hope, self-esteem, amusement, inspiration, awe, and love.

To help you achieve those positive frames of mind, he recommends a few simple steps you can take:

  • Get out into Nature

In Dr. Micozzi’s view, one of the best sources of positive emotions can be found in appreciation of natural beauty. He suggests taking a walk in a setting you find pleasing. And he points out: “Walking itself is great for dispelling depression and anxiety and feeling better.”

  • Watch an uplifting, inspiring movie

Think of the times you’ve watched the credits roll while feeling like a million bucks. Dr. Micozzi even offers a list of wonderful movies that hit the spot: Singin’ In the Rain, Forest Gump, Good Will Hunting, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, and animated classics like Toy Story and Up.

  • Keep a gratitude journal

Dr. Micozzi recommends starting this easy, uplifting habit: “A few nights a week, write down three or four things that happened during the day for which you feel grateful. Be as specific as possible.”

  • Do something nice for someone

Dr. Micozzi cites a study where “support-giving” reduced a number of inflammatory markers—including cytokines. “Turns out,” he says, “the Golden Rule is a great anti-inflammatory strategy!”

Nurturing positive emotions is just one of many highly successful anti-inflammatory strategies Dr. Micozzi discusses in his Inflammation Fighting Protocol.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Micozzi’s natural strategies for easing chronic inflammation and maintaining a healthy life.

SOURCES

“A Diverse Spectrum of Positive Emotions Reduces Inflammation” Psychology Today, 6/22/17. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201706/diverse-spectrum-positive-emotions-reduces-inflammation)