How often do you laugh a day? rarely... mostly?

Laughing is our most powerful medicine!

It is believed that laughter evolved from the panting behavior of our ancient primate ancestors. Our laughter is often interpreted as communicating playful intent. It is a bonding function within individuals in a group. In 2005, a link between laughter and healthy function of blood vessels was reported by a researcher at the University of Maryland Medical Center. They said that laughter causes the dilation of the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, and increases blood flow. Laughter has proven beneficial in several aspects of biochemistry. It has shown to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. Laughter causes the brain to release endorphins that can relieve physical pain. It boosts the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the T-cells, leading to stronger immune systems.

Researchers such as immunologist Lee S. Berk of Loma Linda University has conducted numerous clinical studies that confirm the following physiological changes when we laugh:

• The pituitary gland releases its own opiates, which suppress pain.

• The production of immune cells increases. Thus improving your resistance to maladies.

• The level of the hormone cortisol, which is chronically high when an individual is under long-term stress and which suppresses the immune system, is reduced dramatically.

• The level of the hormone epinephrine, which plays a role in hypertension and heart failure, decreases.

• Antibody levels in the blood and saliva rise.

• The number of natural killer cells increases, which accelerates the body's natural anticarcinogenic response.

With this laundry list of scientifically-proven benefits, we should be searching for opportunities for laughing on a regular basis. It is not only these, but it is fun!

Relax, don't be too uptight, and learn to laugh often, it will change your life.