The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee Want to Live Longer? Fix This First (It’s Not Diet or Exercise)
Jun 17, 2025
Dr. Amit Sood, executive director of the Global Center for Resilience and Wellbeing and author of 'It Takes You to Tango', dives into the profound effects of mindset on health. He discusses how loneliness affects our biology and the power of self-acceptance. Listeners learn that meaningful relationships can significantly lower inflammation and enhance longevity. Dr. Sood also shares a three-step approach to finding self-acceptance and how social connections can influence gene expression, underscoring that how we feel about ourselves truly matters.
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Social Connection Boosts Health
- Healthy social connections reduce inflammatory gene expression and lower disease risks.
- Such connections shift the nervous system favorably, boosting longevity and mental health.
Genes Respond to Social Safety
- Feeling safe socially sends genes signals to reduce disease risks and improve immunity.
- This genetic shift promotes longevity by signaling the body is enjoying life, like "having a party."
Quality Beats Quantity in Connection
- Loneliness relates to superficial connections, not quantity of social meetings.
- Quality and depth of few relationships reduce loneliness more than many shallow ones.
