Inflammation alters mood and behavior

Inflammation alters mood and behavior

  • New research shows inflammation directly influences mood and behavior by sending chemical signals that activate anxiety circuits in the brain, helping to explain emotional aftereffects of illness
  • Specific inflammatory cytokines stimulate neurons in brain regions responsible for processing fear, while anti-inflammatory signals calm these same neural pathways
  • Scientists discovered that certain immune molecules function like neurotransmitters in the brain, influencing social behavior and emotional states independently of inflammation
  • Blocking inflammation incorrectly backfires; it triggers more intense anxiety as the body produces additional inflammatory messengers that overstimulate fear circuitry
  • Managing inflammation-related mood issues requires reducing linoleic acid (LA) intake from vegetable oils, supporting mitochondrial function, getting safe sun exposure, avoiding alcohol and monitoring emotional symptoms after illness

https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/health-healing/inflammation-alters-mood-and-behavior/