Boost Your Immune System - Learn to Play Bridge

Did you know that learning to play bridge may help boost your immune system? It’s true. In 2000 Berkeley University in the USA carried out a study on the immune system. They wanted to see if it was possible to improve immune system function using the brain. In particular they wanted to study the effects of using the dorsolateral cortex. This part of the brain works under voluntary control.

For the study, the subjects were asked to play bridge. Playing bridge requires concentration and active use of the brain. As a bridge player you need to co-ordinate with your partner. The bidding system requires concentration and mental skill to work out how many tricks you and your partner should win. As the game progresses you also need to memorise the cards played by your opponents to help you decide how to play your own hand.

The study involved twelve women in their 70s and 80s. The women were asked to play bridge for 90 minutes. At the end of the session the women had blood tests taken. The results of these tests showed that eight out of the twelve women had significantly increased levels of T cells - the cells used by the body to help fight infections.

When you are working it is easy usually easy to keep the brain active and stimulated and I’m sure many people will have noticed that they are less likely to succumb to infection if they are leading a busy and active life. But what should you do when you retire? How do you keep your brain active and stimulated to help maintain a healthy immune system? It seems that learning to play bridge may be the answer you have been looking for. Bridge stimulates that vital dorsolateral cortex, helping to boost your immune system and keep you healthy and free from infection.

Bridge is a sociable game and you will want to join a class or club, or meet up with friends. You can also practice your bridge online with the No Fear Bridge membership site. Here you will find lots of fun, interactive quizzes, tutorials and lessons to help improve your game of bridge, keep your brain active and improve your immune system function.