How Religion and Spirituality Influence Stress in Latino Adults

Scientists looked into how religion and spirituality affect DNA methylation in stress-related genes among Latino adults. They studied 992 people from the Hispanic Community Health Study and focused on four key genes linked to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates stress response. This research aimed to find connections between religious and spiritual practices and changes in these genes. DNA methylation is a process that alters how genes function without changing their sequence. It's like adding stickers to a book to enhance or reduce how much it's read. This study focused on 14 specific sites where these changes happen, called CpG sites. By understanding these relationships, scientists hope to shed light on how spiritual and religious beliefs might influence our bodies' stress responses. This could lead to better ways to manage stress and improve overall health in the Latino community.