Does faith help patients stick to medical advice? Research and real stories show that faith often plays a positive role in motivating people to follow doctors’ recommendations, like taking medicine on time or sticking to treatment plans. Take nursing student…
There is some evidence that religious fasting practices can change the gut microbiome and gut physiology in ways that may improve markers of gut health, but findings are mixed and depend on the type, duration, and context of the fasting…
Can prayer boost optimism in elderly people? Research points to yes, with studies showing that prayer and spiritual practices often lift spirits, build hope, and help older adults feel more positive about life. Older folks in long-term care homes often…
Attending religious events can help combat loneliness by building social connections, a sense of belonging, and emotional support, especially for older adults and those in tight-knit communities. Studies show these gatherings often serve as key sources of interaction when other…
Is spirituality connected to reduced dementia progression? Research points to promising links, where spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and yoga show potential to support brain health and slow cognitive decline in some studies. For instance, a review of randomized trials…
Can spiritual practices improve emotional regulation? Yes, research shows that regular spiritual activities like prayer, meditation, gratitude, and scripture study can help people manage their emotions better by reducing stress and building inner calm. Spiritual practices offer simple ways to…
Praying regularly may be associated with a lower risk of stroke, but the relationship is not proven to be directly causal; evidence points to several pathways — mental health benefits, stress reduction, healthier behaviors, and stronger social support — that…
Faith can reduce anger and hostility in some patients by providing emotional regulation tools, social support, values that discourage aggression, and meaning that reframes grievances[1][3]. How faith helps – Prayer and scripture can create pause-and-reflect cues that lower physiological reactivity…
There is suggestive evidence that some forms of religious fasting are associated with health benefits that could contribute to longer, healthier lives, but the link to true longevity is not yet proven and likely depends on the type of fasting,…
Spiritual belief can sometimes lead people to use fewer medications, but the relationship is complex and depends on the condition, the individual, and how spirituality is practiced[1][3]. Why spiritual belief might reduce medication use – Healthier behaviors. People who are…