Originally published December 18 2005
Obesity and stress make it difficult for the immune system to fight off flu
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A mice study at the University of North Carolina has found that obesity and stress both contribute to weakened immune response, which creates a window for flu infection.
Stress is definitely a leading variable in a slew of ailments.
And now you can add flu complications to the list.
Researchers found that people who are stressed have a weakened immune system, which prevents them from fighting off the flu or even a cold.
Another downside researchers found to having high levels of stress is that it may increase cholesterol levels in some people.
Researchers studied how reactions to stress over a period of time can raise a person's lipid levels.
And new research out of the University of North Carolina shows that the flu may be particularly deadly for obese people.
In tests on lab mice, scientists found the overweight mice couldn't fight off the flu as well as their leaner counterparts.
In just more than a week, 40 percent of the obese mice died of the virus.
Only 4 percent of the flu-stricken lean mice died.
The heavy mice produced fewer infection-fighting compounds.
The scientists said if research continues to support obesity as a factor for flu complications, people who are obese may be considered among the high-risk groups.
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