ndmeghanbauer By Dr. Meghan Bauer ND
Endocrine and Immunomodulatory Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness Across Adulthood [Zilioli S, Jiang Y. March 2021. Psychoneuroendocrinology.]
In this recent and pertinent study the authors looked at how social isolation and loneliness independently affect our physiology and in particular our hormones and immune health. Interestingly, they found a significant and different result for each situation with real outcomes for our health.
Social isolation was associated with a flattened cortisol curve and an increased level of CRP (controlled for loneliness). A flattened cortisol curve indicates that our stress response is affected in a way that lowers our ability to output the stress hormone cortisol under stress. Among other symptoms a flattened cortisol curve could result in fatigue and a disrupted sleep and wake cycle. An increased level of CRP indicates an increased level of inflammation in the body and is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Loneliness was associated with an increased level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (controlled for social isolation). Interleukin -6 is a component of our immune system called a cytokine and is part of a full body immune activation and inflammatory response.
With effects on our stress response and immune stability, human connection has never been more important. What a difficult situation where the measures to help keep us safe are affecting our health in a way that alters our immune system.
Luckily we have other ways to help maintain a healthy stress response and immune system. Please take care of yourself and put extra effort in to the other areas of health that we can control right now; prioritize sleep, choose nutritious, nutrient dense whole foods, get active, get outside (in nature if possible!), try meditation, be creative and connect with others in what ever safe way you can.
We’ll get through this – Please reach out if you’re needing support!
