The two researchers collaborated on a pilot study.32 What they found was that loneliness reprogrammed a person’s genes in the same way that fear of being outed altered the genes of closeted men. Loneliness changes the immune system. Specifically, feeling isolated turns on genes for inflammation – which are the first responders to tissue damage or bacterial threats – and it puts the brakes on genes that stop inflammation.
-Barbara Bradley Hagerty
Select a background
More quotes by Barbara Bradley Hagerty
Popular Authors
A curated listing of popular authors.