Why Laughter May Be "The Best Medicine"

Imagine a pill so powerful that it could improve your cardiovascular system, boost your immunity, improve memory and concentration, reduce the sensation of pain, and relieve stress. You probably are thinking that this is some new pill discovered by some eccentric Billionaire who claims to have discovered it while researching some disease you have never heard of. You probably also think it is so expensive that you would never be able to afford it on your meager income. Well, you would be wrong.

Laughter: The Magic Pill
The magic pill, it seems is laughter. Not any specific kind of laughter, just your run of the mill laughter that tickles your insides and puts a smile on your face.

The Heart
"Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore have shown for the first time that laughter is linked to healthy function of blood vessels." (University of Maryland Medical Center News release) Laughter cause the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels to expand in order to increase blood flow. In their study, researchers concluded that blood flow increased 22 percent during laughter, and decreased 35 percent during mental stress. Laughter exercise the cardiovascular system by raising and lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Indeed, some doctors have said that 15 - 20 minutes of laughter is equivalent to 3 minutes of rowing.

Immune System
Laughter increases T cells and natural killer cells (which attack viruses, foreign cells and cancer cells) and increases blood chemicals that transmit messages in the nervous system which in turn stimulates the immune system. Laughter raises the level of immunoglobulin A, which is an antibody that fights stress and respiratory tract infections. Laughter fosters more of the immunoglobulins G and M, which fight other infections.

Brain Function
Laughter, possibly due to the increase blood flow and increased levels of oxygen in the blood, improves brain function and enhances alertness and memory. Laughter has a powerful effect on depression, reduces stress and provides pain relief.

Hospitals Utilize Humor
Many doctors have long been aware of the health benefits of laughter and have often recommended laughter to patients. There is much anecdotal evidence of the impact of laughter on recovery rates. Many hospitals make a concentrated effort to provide patients with videos, magazines and joke books to promote laughter. Some hospitals even provide entertainment designed to provoke laughter to those recovering from illnesses. Comedy routines and silly clown shows are common on children's wards.

So the next time you enjoy a good old belly roll of laughter, do not despair if those around you do not understand or appreciate your humor. You are laughing yourself to better health, while they just may be stuck in a rut of letting every day stress overwhelm them.

Sources:

Biello,David . "Laughter Proves Good Medicine for Heart" 2006

University of Maryland school of Medicine. "UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE STUDY SHOWS LAUGHTER HELPS BLOOD VESSELS FUNCTION BETTER" .2005

Wright,Rusty. "Laugh a little: It's good for your health." 2002