Can Love Strengthen Your Immune System? What Science Really Says About Relationships

It's a comforting thought that love, warmth and emotional closeness might do more than lift our spirits. But is it true? Movies from around the world, romance novels and even occasions like Valentine's Day might move you to believe the love, specifically romantic love, can make the world go around. Could they also strengthen our immune system? While it may sound poetic, science suggests there is some biological truth behind the idea. Over the past two decades, research in psychoneuroimmunology, the field studying interactions between the brain, hormones and immune system, has shown that our emotional lives and physical health are deeply interconnected.

"It sounds like an attractive notion, the idea that warm, kind and close feelings can do more than just improve our mood; they can also boost our immune system," says Mr. S Giriprasad, Psychologist, Aster Whitefield, Bengaluru. "Two decades of studies suggest it is indeed the case, but not exactly magic."

Scientists now understand that chronic stress, loneliness and relationship conflict can alter immune responses, while supportive relationships may buffer stress and reduce inflammation. However, experts caution that love is not a substitute for vaccines, nutrition or medical care. Instead, it may play a modest but meaningful supportive role in overall immune resilience.

The Brain-Immune Connection: What Is Psychoneuroimmunology?

Psychoneuroimmunology research confirms that the nervous system and immune system constantly communicate. When individuals experience prolonged stress or loneliness, the body releases cortisol, a stress hormone that can suppress certain immune functions over time.

"We now know that when a person experiences stress and loneliness over time, the body releases stress compounds called cortisol," explains Mr. Giriprasad. "Conversely, positive relationships can reduce stress levels and are related to lower levels of inflammation. In a nutshell, emotions affect biology, and biology affects our health."

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that chronic stress can dysregulate immune responses and increase susceptibility to infections and inflammatory conditions. Similarly, research published in Nature Reviews Immunology outlines how psychological stress can alter immune cell distribution and inflammatory signalling. 

Also Read: Love Hormones Explained: How Oxytocin, Dopamine And Serotonin Spark Romance In You

Oxytocin: The "Love Hormone" And Immunity

Oxytocin, often dubbed the "love hormone," is released during bonding, touch and social connection. It plays a role in attachment and trust, but does it directly improve immunity? "Oxytocin is associated with touching, bonding and caring," says Mr. Giriprasad. "Some studies suggest it has potential anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, but this greatly depends on context and relationship. However, it is no magic bullet."

Experimental studies indicate oxytocin may influence inflammatory responses and wound healing, but its effects are complex and vary depending on individual factors and stress levels. In short, oxytocin may support immune balance indirectly, largely by reducing stress.

Hugs, Social Support And The Common Cold

One of the most cited studies on this topic comes from Carnegie Mellon University. Researchers found that individuals who reported higher levels of social support, and received more frequent hugs, were less likely to develop symptoms after exposure to a cold virus.

"This implies the stress-buffering effects of sociability," Mr. Giriprasad notes. Large population studies also show that strong social ties are linked to lower inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and better cardiovascular outcomes. Conversely, loneliness has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and altered immune gene expression patterns.

Does Romantic Love Offer Special Immune Benefits?

Romantic love triggers hormonal shifts, including dopamine and oxytocin changes. However, being "in love" alone does not guarantee stronger immunity. "Early romantic love states are related to hormonal changes and short-term alterations in immune-related genes, although not directly related to health-protective effects," explains Mr. Giriprasad. "Relationship quality is much more crucial than simply having a relationship or not."

Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that supportive, low-conflict relationships reduce stress-related immune dysregulation, whereas high-conflict relationships increase inflammatory responses. In simple terms, healthy love may support immunity; toxic relationships may weaken it.

The Indirect Path: Stress, Sleep And Behaviour

The immune benefits of love are often indirect. Good relationships encourage:

• Lower chronic stress
• Better sleep
• Healthier behaviours (balanced diet, exercise, medical adherence)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that inadequate sleep and chronic stress impair immune function. "The stronger support structures the body has, the better it copes with disease," says Mr. Giriprasad. "Nevertheless, it is not just about being in love; it is more about the quality of the relationship."

Also Read: Relationship Burnout: When Love Starts Affecting Mental Health

Practical Takeaways For Public Health

Clinicians increasingly recognise social connection as a genuine, though modest, contributor to immune resilience. "Social connection should be seen as a supplement to, not a substitute for, vaccination, good nutrition, sleep hygiene and evidence-based medical care," emphasises Mr. Giriprasad.

He suggests promoting:

• Structured social support
• Conflict resolution or couple therapy
• Community engagement
• Safe physical affection
• Stress reduction techniques like mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy

However, he cautions against overstatement: "Definite statements about causal relationships should not be made because most evidence shows correlations, and researchers are still developing mechanistic studies."

So, can love improve immunity? The scientific answer is nuanced. Love is not a miracle cure, nor does romance alone shield you from illness. But strong, supportive relationships can reduce chronic stress, lower inflammation and promote healthier lifestyles, all of which contribute to better immune resilience.

"Love presents a minor impact, which slightly enables people to maintain their health," concludes Mr. Giriprasad. "The beginning of a healthier immune system occurs through good relationships, less stress and better rest." In medicine, love may not replace vaccines, but it may quietly help the body cope better with life's challenges.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.