Researchers say healing power of laughter is real

WSFA - If you want a quick and easy way to beat stress, try a good laugh! Whoever said laughter is the best medicine was on to something. Over the years, scientists have found that laughter is great for your health.

Dr. Michael Miller from the University of Maryland School of Medicine says some studies suggest it lowers blood pressure, there have been other investigators who have shown it may have an effect on immune response, so perhaps better response from someone who has a common cold or infections when they laugh.

Researchers have found when you laugh, really laugh, it opens up your blood vessels, causing less stress on your heart. and it can also
de-stress the rest of the body by releasing endorphins from the brain. That's good because stress can cause the brain to overload with chemicals that could lead to high blood pressure, even a stroke or heart attack.

Research shows that 15 minutes a day of laughter, real deep belly laughter, is as important for your heart as 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week.

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