Laughter is the best medicine

LAUGHTER may be more than just fun, it can be very uplifting too. Scientists think that laughter increases our circulation because of its effect on the heart and blood pressure. As we laugh, we breathe more, which means more oxygen coming into the body.

Laughter also helps dilate the inner lining of blood vessels, which means blood flow is increased.

This has the effect of increasing the metabolism and activity of our muscles, improving the condition of body muscles and conditioning the heart muscle.

Studies also show that the immune system is bolstered by laughter.

Firstly, laughter increases the concentration of circulating antibodies in the blood stream.

Secondly, it increases the concentration of circulating white blood cells in the immune reaction to combat foreign proteins. This means that laughter helps make us more resistant to developing infection.

Laughter is a boost for the mind and spirit too. An ability to laugh at a difficult situation or problem is empowering. If you laugh, depression and helplessness are less likely to overwhelm you.

By laughing, we release those pent-up feelings of stress that aren’t just depressing but that can have a biochemical effect such as gastric upsets and raised blood pressure.

In fact, research suggests that laughter can help the brain produce endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals that are also linked with pain relief, and reduce cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.

As a result of this research a new field called “psychoneuroimmunology” that seeks to discover the links and relationships between our emotional experience, our immune system and our neurological system.

So, have a giggle a day and keep the doctor away.