Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : December 12, 2014 3:07 PM IST
London December 12, 2014: Are you an extrovert? You might have a stronger immune system, suggests a new study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology revealing how personality might play a role in improving immunity. (Read: 5 amazing tips to improve your immunity)
The link between extroverts and immunity
According the research, led by an Indian-origin scientist, those who are extroverts are likelier to have a stronger immune system because of their socialising nature compared to introverts. Extraversion is associated with increased exposure to infections, therefore immune system of these individuals are adapted to fight them effectively. Here are 6 immunity boosting foods you must have this winter
For the study, researchers involved a group of 121 ethnically diverse and healthy adults. In these participants the relation between personality traits and expression of genes affecting health and activity of immune systems was analysed.
For examining the gene expression, researchers used highly sensitive microarray technology. Using this technology, researchers analysed relationship between five major human personality traits (extraversion, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness) and two groups of genes active in human white blood cells (leukocytes) - one involving inflammation and another involving antiviral responses and antibodies. (Read: 5 amazing tips to improve your immunity)
It was found that extraversion was significantly associated with an increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes while that 'conscientiousness' was linked to a reduced expression of pro-inflammatory genes.' With this observation, the results support long-observed associations between aspects of human character, physical health and longevity.
'Individuals who we would expect to be exposed to more infections as a result of their socially orientated nature (i.e., extroverts) appear to have immune systems that we would expect can deal effectively with infection,' professor Kavita Vedhara from University of Nottingham pointed out. 'While individuals who may be less exposed to infections because of their cautious/conscientious dispositions have immune systems that may respond less well,' she added. Here are few more natural remedies to boost your immune system
Source: IANS
Photo source: Getty images
For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
