Although loneliness is an emotional feeling, it can negatively impact our physical health and make you sick. From increasing stress hormones to weakening the immune system, here are a few ways how loneliness can affect your body. Tap to know!
Increases Stress Hormone
Loneliness can increase cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body, which can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and more.
Body Pain
It can also cause body pain and tiredness due to the mental stress that often occurs as physical pain like increased muscle tension, headaches, and more.
Early Brain Ageing
It can also decline cognitive health and lead to early brain ageing by causing memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and increased risk of dementia.
Increased Risk Of Heart Disease
Loneliness also increases the risk of heart diseases by raising the blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels, leading to heart attack, stroke, and more.
Reduced Physical Activity
People who are lonely have reduced physical activity, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and increasing the risk of obesity, muscle loss, and more.
Worsened Digestive Issues
Loneliness increases stress, which disrupts the gut-brain axis, leading to indigestion, bloating, constipation, and more.
Weakened Immune System
Chronic stress due to loneliness can weaken the immune system, as high cortisol levels can suppress immune responses, making it difficult to fight off infection.
Information Credits
According to PubMed, loneliness can make you sick due to a weak immune system, reduced physical activity, body pain, and more. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised suggestions.