Gratitude is more than just an attitude—it’s also associated with the promotion of human well-being. We pursue all kinds of high-tech treatments and novel, modern chemicals to optimize our own physiology, but while these can be effective, a more foundational wellness practice is also available to us. It’s simple, effective, free, and has been found to lower mortality rates at a healthier biological and behavioral profile. This practice is none other than gratitude.  

In a robust 2024 study, researchers looked at the gratitude levels and health profiles of almost 50,000 older female nurses across the U.S., with a mean age of 79. These nurses were followed over the course of 151,496 person-years with 4,600 deaths involved. At the end of this timeframe, the researchers compared nurses with the highest and lowest levels of gratitude. They found about a nine percent lower risk of death in nurses who regularly practiced gratitude, as well as a 15 percent decrease in cardiovascular deaths. 

Then, these researchers looked deeper at their results and noticed that altered biomarkers (such as the high-sensitivity C- reactive protein, an inflammatory marker associated with heart attacks) were also lower in the nurses who practiced gratitude. Biomarkers like IL six, TNF-alpha (associated autoimmune diseases), and hemoglobin A1c (associated with blood sugar and lipid profiles) were lower as well, indicating an improvement in cholesterol.  

Gratitude is not just beneficial for physical health—It can also enhance mental wellness. In a review of 27 clinical studies, researchers found that gratitude interventions have been able to reduce symptoms of both depression and anxiety across all baseline levels. In fact, it seems that gratitude can help to restore optimal biological function.  

Folks who practice gratitude tend to exercise more, sleep better, eat healthier, and stick with their medication regimes. They also seem to have stronger social networks and adaptive coping skills. All of these factors can reorient how we as humans express and manifest our health. In other words, we are responsible for how we feel. 

It’s from within that we manifest our entire reality, and the practice of gratitude is a simple way to actualize this. We can alter our outlooks, enhance our own lives, and contribute to a healthier, more joyful and peaceful world. It all starts with being thankful for what we have instead of fixating on whatever we might perceive to lack.  

Dr. Fred Harvey is the Medical Director at Functional Medicine Florida, where science meets personalized treatment through secure 100 percent telehealth care. Dr. Harvey is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Holistic Integrative Medicine, helping patients nationwide recover from chronic illness, rebalance their systems, and thrive at each stage of life. He also hosts Tampa Bay’s number-one health program, The Healthy Steps Radio Show. For more information or to schedule a virtual consultation, visit https://functionalmedicineflorida.com/ 

Sources: 

Chen Y, Okereke OI, Kim ES, Tiemeier H, Kubzansky LD, VanderWeele TJ. “Gratitude and Mortality Among Older U.S. Female Nurses.” JAMA Psychiatry. 2024; 81(10):1030–1038. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.1687.  

Wang X, Song C. “The Impact of Gratitude Interventions on Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology. 2023; 21(14):1243598. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1243598.