Kindness may do more than foster social bonds—it can also reduce inflammation and improve long-term health. A recent study found that individuals who volunteer or offer regular support to others tend to have lower levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), a marker of chronic inflammation. Since inflammation plays a key role in many disease, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, these findings are clinically significant.
Acts of kindness appear to trigger beneficial biological responses. Helping others activates the brain’s reward system while dampening the stress-associated amygdala, leading to a more balanced inflammatory response. Gene expression studies show that those who engage in altruistic behavior often exhibit reduced expression of pro-inflammatory genes.
However, experts emphasize balance. While moderate, meaningful support to others can be protective, excessive self-sacrifice, as seen in caregiver burnout, can increase health risks.
For medical students and professionals, this underscores a broader approach to health: social behavior is a key determinant of physiological outcomes. Kindness, it turns out, may be a valuable part of preventive care.
