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Day 21 - Laughter
There's been something funny going on at Loma Linda University and
there are two doctors right in the middle of it. We're talking about
Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan, and they've been studying the effects
of laughter on the human immune system. To date, their published
studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress
hormones, increases muscle range of motion, and boosts immune system
function. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's
natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being. This
exciting research was featured in the September / October 1996 issue of
the Humor and Health Journal.
We all know that a good laugh leaves us feeling great. That wonderful,
euphoric, post-laugher feeling is a type of "positive stress" that
produces healthy and positive emotions. After a good laugh, your immune
system also seems to "turn it up a notch".
Your body steps up production of natural killer cells that attack viral infected cells and some types of cancer and tumor cells.
Your body activates more cancer fighting T cells.
Your body increases the antibodies that fight upper respiratory tract insults and infections.
Your body produces more gamma interferon, an antiviral protein that "turns on" the various parts of your immune system.
Laughing is good exercise. It provides a workout for your diaphragm and
increases your body's ability to use oxygen while it brings in positive
emotions that can actually reduce pain. In a study published in the
Journal of Holistic Nursing, patients were told "one-liners" after
surgery and before painful medication was administered. Those exposed
to humor perceived less pain when compared to the others.
So laugh hard, laugh often and give your body the benefit of friuts and
veggies every day. Have you tried Phi Plus yet? We call it "The
Healthiest Food In The World" because its a potent combination of
fruits, nuts, seeds, berries, vegetables and spices - convenient whole
body nutrtion in each and every bite.
Visit The Wholefood Farmacy for Delicious Healthy Foods and snacks !
Awesome soups for winter !
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