Laughter helps the immune system work more effectively

Laughter aids the immune system in doing its job properly. It increases the number and activity level of natural killer cells that attack viral infected cells and a variety of kinds of both tumor and cancer cells.

Laughter also encourages an increase in activated T cells (T lymphocytes), which often lie dormant until something awakens them to action. Laughter works well in this role.

Laughter is good for the respiratory system

Respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and frequent head colds are warded off easier by frequent laughter as it increases the concentration of immunoglobulin A in saliva. Laughter is good for the lungs overall as it provides an aerobic workout for the diaphragm. Laughter empties the lungs of more air than they take in which results in a cleansing effect in much the same way that an act of deep breathing does. This yields excellent therapeutic benefits for people who suffer from emphysema and sinus problems.

Reduction in stress hormones

There are a number of neuroendocrine hormones in the body that are activated when the body is under a great deal of stress. These hormones cause blood vessels to constrict in response to the stress as well as begin to suppress the activity of the immune system. Laughter plays a role in reducing at least four of these stress hormones. They include cortisol, dopac, epinephrine and growth hormone.

Control of pain

 Laughter plays a tremendous role in controlling pain as well as the fact that it raises the level of certain brain chemicals, in particular that of endorphins (as previously mentioned these are the body’s natural painkillers). Another important role laughter plays is in the decrease of dopamine levels. Dopamine is a part of the  “fight or flight response” of the body and is connected to the elevation of blood pressure when danger is perceived to be imminent.