Laughter serves to mitigate discomfort, lessen feelings of worry, and boost the body’s immune defenses, which in turn assists the system in warding off infectious agents and the proliferation of neoplasms. This insight was shared by Valeriy Litvinov, a Candidate of Medical Sciences and a senior research fellow at the Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU), as reported by the university’s press service on the occasion of the International Day of Laughter.
The act of laughing initiates a cascade of beneficial physiological responses within the body. The scientist elaborated that this action triggers the production of endorphins, substances known to diminish pain sensitivity and induce a mild sense of elation. Concurrently, levels of both dopamine and serotonin rise; the former is responsible for generating feelings of gratification, while the latter aids in managing psychological strain.
Furthermore, this state results in a reduction of cortisol and adrenaline levels. According to the expert, an excess of these hormones is detrimental to cardiac health, vascular function, and metabolic processes. During a fit of laughter, the heart rate accelerates, blood vessels dilate, followed by a period of profound relaxation, which enhances tissue pliability and supports stable blood pressure.
“The immune system begins to operate with greater efficacy: the activity of the cells that serve as the initial line of defense against viruses and malignant growths is improved. Simultaneously, metabolic equilibrium is restored due to a decrease in glucocorticoid hormone concentration, which otherwise disrupts the balance of carbohydrates and fats,” the specialist concluded. It is crucial to smile more frequently, given that stress disproportionately impacts individuals managing long-term health conditions. As previously noted by the online publication “ZHUK,” in individuals suffering from fibromyalgia and depression, stressful episodes markedly amplify pain and exacerbate their emotional state, a phenomenon linked to systemic irregularities in emotional regulation.
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