Did you know that hatred can cause cancer? Of late, there has been a significant increase in religious and political hatred. Several forces are trying to normalise hatred for their selfish interests. Unfortunately, the spread of hatred is countered with hatred from the other side and thus increasing the overall intensity of hatred in the society. It is sad to see youngsters and even kids sucked into this dangerous spectrum of hatred.
Hatred must be taken seriously as it not only harms society but also causes serious harm to the individual who carries it for a prolonged time.
Hatred can cause Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol – Dr. B M Hegde
Hatred has harmful effects on the body and mind
Numerous studies have been conducted on how hatred impacts us physiologically and psychologically. These studies all revealed that the first organ that the hatred affects in our body, is our brain. Yes, Hatred affects the brain!
The brain is our internal alarm system. Our brain is always on an alert mode and is ever ready to act when there is a threat. When you hate someone, the brain interprets the hatred as a threat. Millions of nerve fibers within our brain start releasing chemicals to every organ in the body.
Cortisol, Adrenaline and Noradrenaline
When we feel hatred, the body releases chemicals like the stress hormone called Cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. These chemicals are associated with our “Fight and Flight” mechanism that help us to either defend or attack. The release of these chemicals makes us feel very aggressive and angry. That is why, when we hate someone, our body language changes immediately.
When the hatred continues on a regular basis, these chemicals are more frequently released. This depletes the adrenals and contributes to weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, depression and chronic illness. With time, our body’s reaction to these released chemicals takes a toll on our nervous, immune and the endocrine system. This leads to various illnesses like: diabetes, hypertension, auto-immune disorders and cancer.
As you can see, hatred should not be ignored or taken lightly as hatred can cause cancer and other serious diseases.
Hatred and Human Psychology
Hatred has a very serious impact on our psyche as it creates a mirror effect. It attracts the person back to what he / she hates. This causes the hate to increase. The increased hatred triggers another mirror effect which is stronger. This series of mirror effects becomes a vicious cycle causing more and more damage to your body and mind. You can break the cycle only when you consciously decide to stop the hatred.
Save yourself from hatred
- Be conscious of “hatred” and acknowledge it as soon as you recognize it.
- Identify the triggers of hatred. Example: misunderstanding, propaganda, bias, stereotypes etc.
- Try to address the triggers. Example: remove the misunderstanding, do a fact check if it is a propaganda, correct your bias and stereotypes
- Focus on the positive (Every situation, every person, every community has a positive side)
- Refocus your mind and fill it with constructive habits like: reading, exercise, charity etc.
- Try mind relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
Spread Love
Prophet Muhammad said:
You will not enter Paradise until you believe in God and you cannot believe in God until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.
Sahih Muslim
