Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom

by Rick Hanson

Physical Consequences In our evolutionary past, when most people died by forty or so, the short-term benefits of SNS/HPAA activation outweighed its long-term costs. But for people today who are interested in living well during their forties and beyond, the accumulating damage of an overheated life is a real concern. For example, chronic SNS/HPAA stimulation disturbs these systems and increases risks for the health problems listed (Licinio, Gold, and Wong 1995; Sapolsky 1998; Wolf 1995): Gastrointestinal—ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation Immune—more frequent colds and flus, slower wound healing, greater vulnerability to serious infections Cardiovascular—hardening of the arteries, heart attacks Endocrine—type II diabetes, premenstrual syndrome, erectile dysfunction, lowered libido Mental Consequences For all their effects on the body, second darts usually have their greatest impact on psychological well-being. Let’s see how they work in your brain to raise anxiety and lower mood.