WE'VE all heard the old saying, laughter is the best medicine. It has been claimed that laughter can help increase one's blood flow by as much as 20%.
As strokes are caused by constricted or blocked blood vessels, does this mean that laughter can decrease your risk of getting a stroke?
Verdict:
TRUE
Laughter is a natural human response to funny situations, jokes, and comical remarks.
It is often said that laughter is the best medicine, and there may be some truth to this statement.
Laughter has been found to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, one of which is an increase in blood flow.
Studies have shown that laughter can increase blood flow by causing the endothelium, the thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels, to expand.
When the endothelium expands, it increases the diameter of the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through them.
This increase in blood flow can have positive effects on various parts of the body, including the heart, skin, and crucially the brain.
One study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland found that laughter caused the diameter of the blood vessels to expand by as much as 22%.
This increase in blood flow was comparable to the effects of aerobic exercise or taking medication to lower blood pressure.
The study also found that the increase in blood flow lasted for up to 45 minutes after the laughter had stopped.
Increased blood flow can have numerous health benefits. It can help to lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and, of course, strokes.
It can also improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body, which can improve overall health and wellbeing.
In addition, increased blood flow can help to reduce inflammation, which is a contributing factor to many chronic diseases.
Laughter can also have mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety.
When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that promote feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
This can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve overall mood.
In addition to increasing blood flow, laughter has also been found to have other physical benefits.
It can improve immune function, reduce pain, and improve respiratory function.
It can also improve social connections and relationships, which can have positive effects on mental health and wellbeing.
References:
https://blog.providence.org/archive/amazing-ways-laughter-improves-your-heart-health
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050310100458.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/news050307-4
https://theheartfoundation.org/2019/06/24/5-reasons-you-should-laugh-everyday/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
