Page 40 - The Brain Health Guide

THE BRAIN HEALTH GUIDE THE BRAIN HEALTH GUIDE
agreement that you not only mean something special to each
other, you will always have the other’s back, for as long as you
live.
Those who have cemented this kind of attachment are usually
able to make it work without infringing on the special love and
familial affection we feel for a spouse, child or sibling. And
at times, our special friend might also be our husband, wife,
brother, sister or significant other.
And as you might have guessed, it has long been established
that being a part of this kind of distinctive union can contribute
to having a longer, fuller life, and less chance of succumbing to
poor health. Having a lifelong buddy and doing right by the
other “protection perks” we should follow, will help make our
days all that more extraordinary—and eminently worth living.

Now scientists are discovering that many animal species, like
chimpanzees and dolphins, exhibit some of these same lifelong
bonding tendencies. After all, everyone needs a pal.
Buddy System Benefits
Scientists have found that those positive feelings you have after
hanging out with your best friends are not just emotionally
based. Good friendships actually affect your serotonin, a
neurotransmitter which sends signals from one area of the
brain to another.

Although serotonin is manufactured in the brain, where
it performs its primary functions, some 90 percent of our
serotonin supply is found in the digestive tract and in blood
platelets. Of our approximately 40 million brain cells, most
are influenced either directly or indirectly by serotonin. When
you interact with friends, serotonin is believed to influence your
mood, behavior, sleep, memory and learning.

Longevity Link
Strong friendships also have another interesting benefit. Can
friends help you live longer? Turns out they can do just that.
Studies have shown that strong social networks can give you
a 50 percent better chance of living a long life regardless of

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