हिंदी
This year has led everyone in practising social distancing for prevention from corona virus. But social isolation is not free from harm either.
It has been found out by research that social isolation and loneliness could be associated with increased inflammation in the body. Even though loneliness and isolation are very different terms, both of them can cause a sensation of inflammation in the body but at different levels. That is why it is important to differentiate between the two terms.
Researchers have analysed 30 previous studies to investigate the link between social isolation and loneliness with inflammation in the body for arriving at these findings.
A study researcher Christina Victor said, “Our results suggest loneliness and social isolation are linked with different inflammatory markers. This shows how important it is to distinguish between loneliness and isolation, and that these terms should neither be used interchangeably nor grouped together.”
According to the researchers, inflammation is the body’s way of signalling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defending itself against viruses and bacteria.
Inflammation can prove to be very dangerous as it can damage healthy cells eventually. If not treated within due time, inflammation can even lead to a risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that the objective state of being isolated from other people, was associated with the presence of C-reactive protein, a protein substance released into the bloodstream within hours of a tissue injury, and increased levels of the glycoprotein fibrinogen, which is converted into fibrin-based blood clots.
It may sound peculiar but the study shows that the link between social isolation and physical inflammation is more likely to be observed in men in comparison with women.
Study researcher Kimberley Smith said “The evidence we examined suggests that social isolation may be linked with inflammation, but the results for a direct link between loneliness and inflammation were less convincing.”
This study though not extremely reliable is still a very important first step in understanding such kind of relationships between mental and physical health.
