Everyone is concerned about staying healthy, but why is it said that the best way to cherish life is not just to focus on physical health? Traditional Chinese medicine believes that various diseases are closely related to negative emotions, and modern medicine is increasingly proving this to be true. Bad emotions can lower the body’s immunity, having a very detrimental effect on health, and their destructive power far exceeds your imagination.
Some of the ways anger affects your health
1. Decreased immunity
When you are angry, tense, or experiencing other negative emotions, dopamine will stimulate the secretion of cortisol. If cortisol is secreted excessively, it will hinder the operation of the immune system and reduce the body’s resistance. When the immune system is unable to expel foreign substances from the body, it becomes susceptible to infection and even fails to recognize mutated cells, increasing the risk of disease.
2. Risk to the heart and brain
When angry, a large amount of blood in the human body is concentrated in the head, which increases the pressure on the cerebral blood vessels. At this time, the blood has less oxygen, but more toxins, which can be considered as “poison” for brain cells, and can even lead to bleeding in the brain in severe cases.
Once a large amount of blood is concentrated in the head, the blood supply to the heart is insufficient, which can easily cause a lack of oxygen to the heart muscles. The heart will work twice as hard to keep the body functioning, which will cause the heart to be overloaded. The heart rate will increase, and arrhythmia — an irregular heartbeat — can occur.
3. Stomach injury
When you are emotionally excited, blood flows to other organs, reducing the blood supply to the stomach, leading to a decrease in the mucus that protects the stomach lining, affecting your health. When angry, it is also easy to lose your appetite, leading to a decrease in food that neutralizes stomach acid, and a relative increase in stomach acid.
4. Tired lungs
When you are angry, your breathing rate increases, sometimes even to the point of hyperventilation. This means the tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are continuously expanding without having time to contract and relax, which puts a lot of strain on the lungs and can make it feel as if you are running out of breath or gasping for air.
5. Endocrine disorder
Studies have found that emotions also greatly affect the endocrine system. Frequently getting angry will interfere with your endocrine system, and the chances of suffering from breast cancer will also increase.
The reproductive system and endocrine system are most closely related. Women who tend to be more emotional and get angry easily may experience endocrine disorders, causing irregular menstruation, uterine fibroids, and other diseases.
Ways to regulate anger
People who get angry often are more likely to get sick. In other words, reducing the chances of getting angry leads to fewer illnesses, which is the most practical rule for staying healthy. Anger is not only due to character, but can also be influenced by physical factors and seasons.
If you find yourself getting angry easily, try the following methods to regulate your emotions.
1. Basking in the sun
Modern research has found that sun exposure increases the synthesis of serotonin in the body, and serotonin can make people feel happy and relaxed. Going out to bask in the sun and watching the natural scenery can help you feel joyful. Therefore, an appropriate amount of outdoor activities is very important.
2. Smile often
Smiling is the most beautiful language of human beings. It can alleviate our negative emotions. Even just making a smiling expression can cause physical changes that relax the mind.
People who often get angry can remind themselves to keep smiling. After developing this habit, they can effectively control their tempers, reduce the frequency of getting angry, and improve their physical health.
The secret to longevity: Less anger
Many long-lived elderly people have similar health tips, which are to maintain an optimistic and peaceful attitude, be tolerant when things happen, and be forgiving toward others, so naturally, they will not get angry easily.
Life has its ups and downs. Be angry at your own expense. Constant worry and depression can increase the risk of serious health issues, including cancer. It is important to maintain a positive and calm attitude, as this not only helps in dealing with life’s challenges, but also contributes to overall well-being.
Translated by Patty Zhang, edited by Amanda
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