We all want to have a partner in life. Not just having a relationship, but care and respect in the relationship is the key to whether or not the relationship is good. It turns out that a good relationship can also improve your health. Many studies have shown that a good, healthy relationship can have a positive impact on the health of human bodies.

The results of a recent study conducted by Ohio State University further supported those researches. The researchers found that breast cancer survivors who were happy and satisfied with their relationship had a lower risk of contracting several other health problems. Although it is not a complete cure, a healthy relationship is proven to help reduce stress levels in women. As we know, stress is one of the factors that is often associated with inflammation in the body, which results in a high risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

In their study, the researchers analysed 139 women surviving breast cancer with an average age of 55 years. Each participant was asked to undergo a survey about the satisfaction of their relationship, starting from the level of happiness to the level of warmth and comfort they felt towards their partner. To find out more about their health condition, each participant was asked to give a blood sample three times. This blood sample can indicate the presence or absence of inflammation in the body.

The results showed that higher level of satisfaction with relationship is related to the reduced level of stress and inflammation. Researchers explain, during the recovery period in which stress levels will increase, partners have an important role in helping them going through the process. A good partner will help breast cancer survivors to feel comfortable and happy, which is the key to maintain their overall body health.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Shrout M.R., Renna, M.E., Madison, A.A., et al (2020). Relationship satisfaction predicts lower stress and inflammation in breast cancer survivors: A longitudinal study of within-person and between-person effects. Psychoneuroendocrinology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104708.
• Science Daily - A satisfying romantic relationship may improve breast cancer survivors' health (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200603194436.htm, 4 June 2020.