In recent years, studies have
shown a strong link between our
emotions and cardiovascular
health.
Research shows that hostility,
anger, depression, anxiety and
social isolation all lead to higher
rates of heart disease.
The reverse is true as well:
Laughter, happiness and a sense
of humor actually can help you to
stay healthy. Research suggests
laughter can decrease stress
hormones, reduce artery
inflammation and increase HDL, the
“good” cholesterol, says
the American Heart
Association (AHA).
The positive effects of laughter last
24 hours, the AHA says.
Here are three ways in which
laughter can give you a healthier
heart:
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1. Increased blood flow
Researchers at University of
Maryland Medical Center found
that laughter increases your blood
flow by dilating the inner lining
of blood vessels, which is called
the endothelium.
Laughter causes the release of
beta-endorphins in the
hypothalamus, which leads to the
release of nitric oxide, which
dilates the vessels.
Nitric oxide is a chemical that also
protects the heart by reducing
inflammation and preventing
formation of cholesterol plaque .
The researchers said the change in
the endothelium caused by
laughter appears to be similar to
the benefits of aerobic exercise or
the use of cholesterol-lowering
drugs like statins. The difference is
that laughter is spontaneous and
has an immediate effect.
¶
2. Less stress hormones
Laughter has also been shown to
have beneficial effects on other
aspects of our biochemistry. For
example, it leads to a reduction
in stress hormones, including
cortisol and epinephrine. Stress
causes our blood vessels to
constrict.
¶
3. Antibody boost
Laughter boosts the number of
antibody-producing cells, which
leads to a stronger immune
system.
“The benefits of laughter cannot be
understated,” says
cardiologist Benico Barzilai, MD.
“Laughter leads to an immediate
reduction in the body’s negative
response to stress and causes the
blood vessels of the body —
including the heart — to increase
blood flow as needed.”
Researchers are just beginning to
understand all that laughter can do
to promote heart health. There is
some thought that laughing on a
regular basis can even reduce
your risk for a heart attack.
Here are a few suggestions to
reduce stress and laugh more:
•Look at the lighter side of
things
•Spend more quality time with
loved ones who bring joy and
laughter
•Catch a comedy on TV or at the
movies
By making humor a regular part of
your life, you can have a big
impact on your own heart health.
Good morning friends.
wishing ya'll a blissful and joyful weekend.
and much laughter all the way :mrgreen:
