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Apr 11, 2008 5:20 pm US/Eastern
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Health Alert: Benefits Of Laughter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Laughing has been shown to
benefit the heart by relaxing blood vessels, and it can help control stress
hormones. Now researchers are finding the simple anticipation of laughter
can also help reduce stress.
Go ahead laugh
out loud, it's good for you. And a growing number of people are even
joining laughter clubs. Dr. Alex Eingorn is a chiropractor who actually
underwent training to become a laughter ambassador, at a laughter club.
He uses goofy situations to induce giggling and for good reason.
"Overall it's a
very healthy experience. So try laughing as much as possible," said Dr.
Eingorn.
Behind the
silliness is some serious science. A new study shows laughing can
influence hormones and that boosts the strength of the immune system.
Doctors tested blood before, during, and after a laugh. They found
when people feel a laugh coming on, the level of certain stress hormones
decrease, including cortisol.
"And cortisol
is a really nasty hormone. It's one of the stress hormones which tends to
elevate blood pressure, tends to harden our arteries," said Dr. Eingorn.
But science isn't
the only reason why these laughter classes have become popular.
"I feel more
relaxed. I feel happier," said Maureen Lloren, who is part of a laughter
club.
"I walk out of
here feeling like a million dollars," said Colin Christopher, who is part of a
laughter club.
Doctors say laughter has
some short term benefits too, like helping to soothe stomachaches, improve
oxygen levels and it can even help people heal more quickly.
Click Here for information on laughter clubs.
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