Getting a tattoo, even multiple tattoos, is shown to boost the immune system, according to this study by the University of Alabama.
KDRV.com in Medford reports:
“Researchers measured an antibody that helps ward off colds in the saliva of tattoo customers before and after getting inked. The antibody dropped significantly in those getting initial tattoos. “
In a report published in the American Journal of Human Biology, Dr. Christopher Lynn, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Alabama, explains that this is the body’s normal response to a threat or stress.
“After the stress response, your body returns to an equilibrium,” Lynn said. “However, if you continue to stress your body over and over again, (such as in a person with multiple tattoos) instead of returning to the same set point, it adjusts its internal set points and moves higher.”
We’re getting stronger.
KDRV.com continues:
“Researchers say it’s like exercising when you’re out of shape, but if you keep exercising, the body bounces back faster, meaning repeated tattooing might show similar benefits.”
Dr. Lynn’s study proved her hypothesis.
“People with more tattoo experience have a statistically smaller decrease in immunoglobulin A from before to after,” said Lynn. “Immunoglobulin A is a front line of defense against some of the common infections we encounter, like colds.”
And, as with the weightlifter, the body that is tattooed repeatedly ratchets up the threshold that would necessitate an immunological response. They, too, the research indicates, are getting stronger, immunologically.
So, this report isn’t suggesting that we turn to getting inked in order to boost our immune system, but it could calm concerned minds (like parents, such as myself, who have a kid that loves tattoos) that tattoos don’t present unusual health risks and even offer a sweet surprise for the immune system.
Tips for tats
The Mayo clinic has a helpful outline of tips for before and after getting inked and confirms that if done properly, tattoos present zero health risk.
So, for those who love the experience of having a sleeve of tattoos that brands your individualized, creative self, don’t worry about it; looks like your immune system is handling it just fine.
Society might be handling it fine, too.
In this article titled, ‘How ink and piercings affect business,’ we learn:
‘According to FOX News, 96% of American adults would not change their current product shopping habits if a business had staff with tattoos and piercings. As long as they felt they received the same quality and pricing.’
Why body art?
Some people could never imagine engraving a picture on their body for any reason; some people couldn’t imagine a body without art.
- 96% of people with tattoos said their ink was not worn out of rebellion.
- 43% of tattooed people said they get tattoos to look more beautiful.
- #1 reason in America that people with tattoos get inked is to honor loved ones.
Tattoos seem to be a way of engraving something or someone we love into ourselves; it’s really quite sweet when we see it like this. And, some tattoos are really awesome. And, they boost the immune system.
