You’ve heard that “Laughter is the best medicine,” but did you know it might actually be true? This ultimate guide to laughter as medicine includes recent studies, expert opinions, and even a joke or two.
A few months ago I had to visit my family doctor, who's convinced he's also a comedian.
When I explained that I had previously broken my leg in 3 places, he gave me a full exam, and then his expert advice, "Stop going to those 3 places."
The phrase “laughter is the best medicine,” has been in common use for centuries, and scholars believe it may have origins dating as far back as the Bible, which includes the verse: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Now, admittedly, laughter was never used in the Bible to cure anyone, but new evidence suggests this may be more than a proverb, as explained in this new guide from Newsmax Health.
Visit https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/laughter-exercise-heart/2022/11/02/id/1094561 to read the full expert guide, with opinions from top medical experts.
While everyone knows that laughter makes you feel good, new research showcased in this article has shown the positive effects of laughter on our brains, and several key ways it can help to improve our overall health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, laughter may even mimic the effects of exercise, and provide benefits that are similar to a workout.
“Laughter activates the release of serotonin, the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness… A good belly laugh also increases our number of immune cells and infection fighting-antibodies,” said Dr. David Friedman, a Chiropractic Neurologist, Doctor of Naturopathy, and bestselling author of the new book Funny Bones.
The article also explores research from a recent study by Vanderbilt University, which found that laughing can burn a significant amount of calories. In the study, it was shown that the increased heart rate and oxygen consumption caused by regular laughter can act like a brief workout, and one joke may burn as many as 40 calories.
Laughing also increases the diameter of your blood vessels in a manner similar to cardio exercise, and the article explains how this can lead to a chain reaction within the body. While it may not feel like exercise, continued laughter causes muscles to contract, heart rate to increase, and a release of endorphins similar to that experienced by runners.
Though laughter has been shown to have exercise-like effects, the guide also suggests that the benefits continue even after the laughter has ended. An excerpt from the article reads, “A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving the muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.”
Have you been feeling a bit low? Could your health use a little boost?
Ask your doctor if laughter is right for you.
Side effects from uncontrollable laughter may include a sore abdomen, trouble breathing, and random bursts of giggles.
If you experience any of these side effects, please immediately try to contain your laughter, and share the joke with those around you.
Visit https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/laughter-exercise-heart/2022/11/02/id/1094561 to read the full guide on the health benefits of laughter, and to learn more about Funny Bones, the newest book from Dr. Friedman.
