[belorn]

Getting familiar food regularly, having someone who genuinely cares about you, and having control of your environment are all medically recognized (with peer reviewed research to support it) methods to reduce stress and stress hormones.

And stress is a significant factor in mortality rates. Its a major predictor for long life and health. It impacts metabolism, pain reception and recovery rates, and reduced stress in surgical patients is a universal good regardless of diagnosis. Its not a cure. It won't stop an infection or cure cancer, but the benefits are very real and has a good bit of research behind it.