Laughter As Medicine
Posted on June 25, 2008 by DFHS Article Team
Laughter and smiles make the body produce antibodies to protect against infection, reduce pain and can speed up recovery times.
But tension, anger and worry suppress the immune system and make people more vulnerable to infections.
American professor William Fry claims laughing up to 200 times a day does as much good for the heart as rowing for ten minutes.
A study at Indiana State University found it increased levels of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers – and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Laughter also reduces the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever.
Giggling has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation and pain in people with arthritis.
Even fake smiles have been found to trigger the release of feel-good endorphins. Reassuring patients also has health benefits.
Research shows that people who are nervous, depressed or angry are three times more likely to fall sick.
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