Xavi Cañellas, expert in psychoneuroimmunology: “Sustained social isolation is associated with a risk of mortality”

With a career spanning more than two decades, Xavi Cañellas has established himself as one of Spain’s leading figures in psychoneuroimmunology. He holds a degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Salamanca, as well as a European Master’s in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology and a Master’s in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine from the University of Girona. Throughout his career, Cañellas has combined a strong scientific foundation with extensive public outreach work.

The author of books such as Niños santos, Alimentación prebiótica, and Tu primer cerebro, Cañellas advocates for an integrative view of health, one in which the immune system, nervous system, and environment are in constant dialogue. In this context, he warns about the risks of unwanted loneliness and the changes our bodies go through when someone feels this way.

When we think about health, diet, exercise, and supplements often come to mind. However, there is another factor that is becoming increasingly concerning and is rarely discussed: unwanted loneliness. “Prolonged social isolation is associated with a risk of mortality comparable to classic risk factors such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption,” Cañellas explains.

A warning sign

From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense. For thousands of years, being separated from the group meant less protection and greater danger. “The brain still interprets prolonged isolation as a warning sign,” he adds.

When this situation continues over time, it activates the body’s stress systems and alters how the organism functions. Studies have shown that people living with chronic loneliness tend to have higher levels of inflammation and weakened antiviral defenses.

Cañellas emphasizes that the solution is not simply to fill our schedules with activities, but to cultivate meaningful relationships. “Feeling that you can talk to someone, share experiences, or ask for help has measurable effects on our bodies. Human relationships are also part of our biology.”

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