Laugh for Your Health: How Laughter Affects Our Well-being

In my previous articles, I have extensively covered healthy nutrition. However, it's crucial to understand that health is not only dependent on diet. Various factors influence our well-being. This time, I would like to touch upon the topic of laughter.

In a study conducted in the 1980s by Prof. Lee Berk, it was proven that after a laughing episode, cortisol levels in the blood decreased. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland in stressful situations and is responsible, among other things, for raising blood sugar levels when the body is under distress. Additionally, Prof. Lee Berk found that after moments of laughter, there was an increase in beta-endorphin hormones, which are involved in balancing the immune system.

In another study, Prof. Lee Berk showed that diabetes patients and those with high cholesterol who laughed regularly experienced improvements in sugar and cholesterol levels. Inflammatory markers in the body significantly decreased. After a year, not only did cholesterol decrease, but 'good cholesterol' increased by 26%. Prof. Lee Berk, along with other researchers involved in the study, concluded that laughter reduces the risk of arteriosclerosis, thereby decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In a study conducted by the American Society of Hypertension among 200 tech professionals, it was found that after just seven laughter workshop sessions over three weeks, their blood pressure levels dropped, and they reported feeling relaxed and relieved from life's pressures.

Another study proved that people suffering from allergies experienced a reduction in allergic response for four hours after a laughter session.

At the 'Lev Hasharon' hospital in Netanya, the impact of showing humorous situations to patients with schizophrenia was examined. The study results showed that after months, there was a reduction in disease expressions such as anger, anxiety, depression, and social skills.

Laughter releases substances known as endorphins, which reduce feelings of pain and enhance mood.

I will conclude with a story from the Talmud (Taanit 22a) about Rabbi Beroka Choza'a, who once asked Elijah the Prophet who in the marketplace was destined for the world to come. At that moment, two people arrived at the market, and Elijah said: Behold, these two individuals are destined for the world to come. Rabbi Beroka went and asked them what their occupation was, and they replied that when they saw people sad, they would come and cheer them up. Also, when they saw two people quarreling, they would bring peace between them. 

Eliahu Schachter is an iridologist and natural health practitioner