We have a prescription for hypertension that your doctor will definitely not give: go to church. New research suggests that therapeutic lifestyle changes that include going to church and building faith can have profound effects on heart health. A clinical study in African Americans found that hypertensive patients who attended church services regularly had significant reductions in blood pressure readings.
Faith improves health
The researchers noted that this effect was confirmed regardless of other factors such as education, gender, or age. The results of the study showed that a faith-based approach to treating hypertension could be a safer and cheaper alternative to traditional medicine.
For the purposes of the study, the researchers collected data from 373 African American participants from 32 churches in New York who suffered from uncontrolled hypertension. Participants were instructed to either attend church and motivation meetings for 11 weeks, or take the same number of health education classes. It was found that hypertensive patients who regularly attended church had greater reductions in systolic blood pressure. Despite a slight decrease in blood pressure readings among participants attending health education classes, the differences between pre- and post-treatment readings were not significant.
The study authors suggest that the results can be attributed to the importance and influence that the church plays in many African American communities.
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Miserere mei, Deus
Anyone who has attended Mass in a Christian or Catholic Church has probably heard of this famous quartet by the Italian composer Gregorio Allegri. The choir song, which means “have mercy on me, God,” is based on Psalm 51 and is sung specifically for the services held on Holy Wednesday and Good Friday of Holy Week. Those who hear this song, especially in the Sistine Chapel, where it was first performed, cannot help but feel the gravitation of the heart.
We are not raising this issue to teach you about church music, but to explain why improving your faith can be beneficial to your health. Spiritual practices, whatever your beliefs, can have a profound effect on your health. We are not talking about the physical aspects of religion, but about how it is presented in your life. Studies have shown that faith in God, which is genuine and serious in life, can physically manifest itself in lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart complications, and decreasing the likelihood of mental illness.
Gives me a voice to tell the world "This is why I live"
Evidence shows that practicing religion can contribute to healthy lifestyles, especially for those who are associated with other people. Your faith doesn't have to be promoting organic, non-GMO, plant-based foods, but it can make you feel less alone. People who are active in their faith usually associate with other practitioners who can provide emotional support.
Climb every mountain
Stress directly affects your immune system. People with chronic stress are more vulnerable to illness due to the inflammatory response. Research has shown that religion reduces stress in several ways. In particular, it has been noted that prayers play a direct role in blood pressure readings. Worship and other spiritual activities are believed to enhance the body's response to relaxation.
No more talk of darkness
Many communities have thrived on faith, or at least a desire to do good. Previously, medicine was created by believing healers who wanted to help and heal as many people as possible. Ancient medical systems fulfilled their missions to serve the poor. Faith can help you become healthier by being the cornerstone of the healthcare industry today.
It doesn't matter what you believe in. The takeaway here is that there is a direct connection between mind and body, and spiritual practices can make you healthier.
What do you think about this?
Angelina Karakai