Living a healthy lifestyle is so very important, but research is now proving that not having faith in God could be detrimental to your health. Faith and health are connected. Researchers say that the health benefits of religion and spirituality do not stem solely from healthy lifestyles, rather certain beliefs, attitudes, and practices associated with being a spiritual person influence health. Qualities like faith, hope, and forgiveness, and the use of social support and prayer seem to have a noticeable effect on health and healing, so it’s safe to say that faith and healing are definitely related.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the relationship between physical and mental health and those who practice faith. Dr. Harold Koenig, Director of Duke University’s Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health has co-authored the Handbook of Religion and Health and discusses his research findings. He specifically looked for the health benefits of religion. Koenig and Duke’s findings has led to over 70 papers published in medical and scientific journals that links healing and better health outcomes to prayer and faith.
Here is what Koenig had to say: “Religious involvement, particularly if there is a strong spiritual component, is associated with less depression and anxiety, greater well-being, and less drug and alcohol abuse. Research using MRIs suggests that it actually alters the structure of the brain in people at high risk for depression. It’s also linked to better physical health and health behaviors—less smoking, more exercising, a better diet. Religious people have less cardiac disease and hypertension and better measurable immune function. Many studies show religious and spiritual practices delay the onset of memory loss associated with aging and slow dementia related to actual memory disorders like Alzheimer’s. They also confer a longevity benefit—an extra seven years of life among whites and 14 years for African Americans.”
Their research also indicated that those who had faith tended to have better coping skills and social support. They had a higher level of hope which led to better health, positively influencing their immune, cardiovascular, hormonal and nervous systems. Another clinical study at Duke University found that people who attend regular religious services tend to have better immune function. In yet another clinical study of 232 older adults undergoing heart surgery, those who were religious were 3 times less likely to die within the 6 months after surgery than those who were not. Research done in coronary care units suggests that faith in God does make a difference as these patients showed general improvements, less complications and fewer deaths.
Prayer or conversing with a higher power for healing has occurred throughout history and for many it is part of daily life. Intercessory prayer, or praying to God on behalf of another is also relevant to healing. Programs with strong spiritual components, such as Alcoholics Anonymous AA have shown better success rates; and the regular practice of prayer and meditation is also associated with better recovery from drugs. Faith and health do connect.
Psalm 30:2 says, “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” How comforting it is to know that we don’t have to rely on our own strength for healing and now there is research to prove it…Thank God!
For more Bible scripture on health and wellness, click here.
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