Hence, the saying “laughter is the best medicine” holds true.
Even a simple giggle can trigger an expansion of cardiac tissue and enhance the circulation of oxygen throughout the body, effectively exercising a weakened heart. This discovery stems from a recent study.
A team of scientists in Brazil embarked on a mission to substantiate the potential of “laughter therapy” in enhancing cardiovascular well-being and alleviating symptoms of heart disease.
Professor Marco Saffi, the lead author from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre in Brazil, explained, “Our study revealed that laughter therapy boosted the functional prowess of the cardiovascular system.” He further suggested that implementing laughter therapy in healthcare systems, such as the UK’s National Health System (NHS), could benefit patients at risk of heart issues.
The study involved 26 adults, averaging 64 years of age, all previously diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Over a period of three months, half of the participants watched comedy programs each week, while the other half viewed serious documentaries on topics like the Amazon rainforest and politics.
The results demonstrated that the group engaged with comedy experienced a 10% enhancement in the heart’s capacity to pump oxygen into the body. Additionally, their arteries exhibited improved flexibility. Notably, blood tests indicated significant reductions in inflammatory biomarkers, which are indicators of heart attack or stroke risk and plaque accumulation in blood vessels.
Saffi elucidated, “Upon arrival at the hospital, patients with coronary artery disease often display high levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Inflammation plays a significant role in atherosclerosis, the process of plaque buildup in arteries.”
The mechanism behind this phenomenon is believed to be the release of endorphins triggered by laughter. Endorphins are crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing stress hormone levels, thereby alleviating strain on the heart.
The findings of this study suggest that laughter therapy could serve as a valuable intervention to lower inflammation, ultimately reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Saffi even proposed that it could potentially lead to decreased reliance on medications.
Saffi emphasized that these outcomes are not confined to television programs alone—laughter therapy can also be derived from live comedy performances or enjoyable gatherings with friends and family.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digest Pulse journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
