Hunger can manifest in both mental and physical forms. At times, you may feel hungry due to the actual growling of your stomach, while at other moments, the urge to snack may arise from mere boredom rather than true hunger.

Research published in Science Immunology has revealed that hunger, including its mental aspects, can influence the immune system. This study highlights the significant relationship between our thoughts and perceptions and their impact on physical health.

Perception's connection to the immune system

The relationship between the immune system and dietary habits is widely recognized, particularly through concepts such as the gut-immune axis. Alterations in diet can influence immune function. Nevertheless, this innovative study highlights the significant impact of perception on biological processes, demonstrating that simply contemplating something can have an effect on the immune system.

What were the experiments?

The researchers conducted experiments on mice to investigate hunger perception. They induced a state of hunger in mice that had already eaten by activating specific brain cells known as AgRP neurons. As a result, these mice experienced a sensation of 'false hunger,' which led to a decrease in the number of certain immune cells, specifically monocytes, in their bloodstream. These monocytes play a crucial role in combating infections and regulating inflammation. Thus, the researchers effectively manipulated the perception of hunger in the mice, making them believe they were hungry despite being satiated.

In a subsequent experiment, the researchers reversed their approach. They focused on mice that were genuinely hungry and had not consumed any food. By artificially stimulating their 'hunger fullness neurons,' the researchers were able to restore the immune cell levels, bringing the monocyte count back to normal.

What you think is very important

The researchers carried out experiments on mice to explore the perception of hunger. They created a state of hunger in mice that had already been fed by activating specific brain cells known as AgRP neurons. Consequently, these mice experienced a sensation of 'false hunger,' which resulted in a reduction of certain immune cells, particularly monocytes, in their bloodstream. Monocytes are essential for fighting infections and managing inflammation. Therefore, the researchers successfully altered the mice's perception of hunger, making them feel hungry even though they were not.

In a follow-up experiment, the researchers changed their strategy. They targeted mice that were truly hungry and had not eaten. By artificially stimulating their 'hunger fullness neurons,' the researchers were able to normalize the levels of immune cells, restoring the monocyte count to its typical range.

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