Guilt weakens immune system

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Don't Feel Guilty, It's Bad for You

Guilt over bad habits weakens immune system

If you're reading this, you're obviously interested in your

own health. But be honest, you cheat now and then, right?

One drink too many? A sinful slab of cheesecake after a

meal? A furtive cigarette begged from a co-worker?

Here's the news you've been waiting to hear. Scientists in

Hull, England, say that if you're going to indulge, enjoy it.

Feeling guilty about your immoderations can actually

endanger your health.

Volunteers listed their 20 most pleasurable activities and

then rated the degree of pleasure or guilt each provoked.

The participants also provided a saliva sample that was

tested for immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of antibody that

guards against infection. The Times of London explains

that people who felt more guilt than pleasure from favorite

activities had a weaker immune system.

The researchers were quick to point out that this isn't an

endorsement for unrestrained hedonism. " Guilty feelings

are there to guide and mediate our behavior to ensure we

don't harm ourselves, " psychologist Geoff Lowe told a

meeting of the British Psychological Society.

A previous HealthSCOUT story says that guilt and regret

have negative effects on your psyche as well. You're better

off not dwelling on lapses or mistakes.