What are you thinking?

Our thoughts, most of which we are unaware of, possess a remarkable influence on our mental well-being and on our physical health. This was news to me a number of years ago when I started to learn about the link between what we think and how we feel.

It was Descartes a 17th-century philosopher who greatly influenced the mind-body dualism concept, asserting that the mind and body are distinct & separate entities. This perspective influenced medical practises for centuries to come, leading to a divide between physical and mental health treatments. Science, in recent years has increasingly recognized the intricate connection between our minds and our bodies, shedding light on the profound impact thoughts have on our overall well-being.

If this is news to you, you are not alone. Many of us still battle with the idea that our thoughts are really this powerful. Here is some of the recent research and understanding:

1. Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones – our thoughts stimulate the release of neurotransmitters. Depending on the type of thought we can release substances that elevate mood or ones that don’t. As an example, if we are replaying a stressful story in our minds, we might be producing high levels of stress hormone. Our thoughts have created a fight or flight state in our bodies.

2. Immune System: Positive emotions enhance the immune system's function, making the body more resilient to illnesses. Conversely, chronic stress and negative thinking can weaken the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.

3. Brain Plasticity: Thoughts and experiences can reshape the brain's neural pathways, leading to changes in perception and emotional responses. Cognitive therapies, for instance, have been successful in treating chronic pain conditions by altering the brain's response to pain signals.

4. Inflammation: Chronic negative thoughts and stress can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which is associated with various diseases such as cardiovascular issues and autoimmune disorders. Positive thoughts and relaxation techniques have been linked to reduced inflammation levels.

5. Placebo Effect: The power of belief is evident in the placebo effect, where patients experience improvements in symptoms after receiving inactive treatments simply because they believe the treatment will work. This phenomenon underscores the influence of thoughts and beliefs on physical sensations and recovery.

6. Epigenetics: Research in epigenetics suggests that our thoughts and experiences can influence the expression of genes related to health. Positive thoughts and lifestyle changes can potentially impact gene expression, leading to better health outcomes.