The Impact of Acceptance: What Happens When You Believe It?
When someone hears the words "You are untreatable" from a doctor, a chain reaction is triggered in both mind and body. For many, it feels like a definitive verdict. When this message is accepted as absolute truth, the body begins to respond accordingly—biologically, hormonally, and even on a cellular level.
Brain Activity and Stress
The message triggers an acute stress response. The limbic system, especially the amygdala, sounds the alarm: the body enters a state of fear and survival. The sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to increased cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline. The prefrontal cortex—responsible for rational thinking and hopeful planning—is suppressed. People become less solution-oriented and may feel emotionally paralyzed.
Hormonal and Enzymatic Changes
Activation of the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) leads to prolonged elevated cortisol levels. This suppresses the immune system, lowers the production of DHEA (a regenerative hormone), inhibits melatonin (essential for cellular repair during sleep), and reduces oxytocin, the hormone of connection and calm.
On an enzymatic level, production of digestive enzymes such as pepsin, lipase, and amylase declines. Liver enzymes responsible for detoxification, such as cytochrome P450, function less efficiently. Glutathione peroxidase—an enzyme that counters oxidative stress—also becomes depleted, increasing cellular strain.
Cellular Aging and Gene Expression
At the cellular level, mitochondria (the cell’s energy factories) respond to chronic stress by producing less ATP (energy). Oxidative stress increases due to depleted antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase. This leads to damage of cell membranes, proteins, and even DNA.
Epigenetically, negative beliefs and feelings like hopelessness activate genes associated with inflammation, cell death, and degeneration. Telomeres—the protective caps on DNA—shorten more rapidly, accelerating aging and reducing the capacity for cellular renewal.
The Power of Inner Agency: When You Don’t Believe It
Not everyone takes the message "you are untreatable" as a death sentence. Some say, “I accept the diagnosis, but not the prognosis.” This mindset activates an entirely different physiological and neurological process.
Neurological Shift
Rather than fear, brain regions like the prefrontal cortex (responsible for vision and decision-making) and the default mode network (DMN)—associated with introspection and meaning—take the lead. The anterior cingulate cortex is also engaged, supporting goal-directed behavior and self-regulation.
These individuals think in terms of solutions, reconnect with intuition or a higher purpose, and activate different brain networks through meditation, visualization, or prayer. This brain activity stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system: the system of rest, repair, and regeneration.
Restoration of Hormonal Balance
With this internal shift, cortisol levels drop while DHEA, oxytocin, and melatonin levels rise. Sleep improves, a sense of connection is restored, anti-inflammatory processes are activated, and the body returns to a state of healing.
Studies show that individuals who meditate, practice gratitude, or experience a sense of purpose have higher telomerase activity. This enzyme protects telomeres, slows aging, and promotes healthy cell division.
Gene Expression and Cellular Health
A growing number of studies show that positive emotions and beliefs lead to beneficial epigenetic changes. Genes associated with cell repair, antioxidant activity, and immune function are activated, while pro-inflammatory genes are downregulated.
Mitochondria also respond: ATP production increases, cells function more efficiently, and oxidative damage is better neutralized. This is not a placebo effect, but a biologically measurable mechanism by which belief directly influences cellular health.
What Does the Science Say?
McEwen B. (2007). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17728983/
Epel ES et al. (2009). Can meditation slow cellular aging? Ann N Y Acad Sci. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19276322/
Benedetti F. (2009). Placebo Effects. Oxford University Press. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19706194/
Lazar SW et al. (2005). Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness. Neuroreport. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16180706/
Cohen S et al. (1991). Psychological stress and susceptibility to the common cold. N Engl J Med.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1713648/
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