Have a laugh, it’s good for you

Never mind the crow’s feet and the laughter lines — they’re a sign of rude good health, a conference heard yesterday.

Men’s health officer with the HSE, Finian Murray, said there was no doubt that laughter boosted the immune system. “Your tears contain more immunoglobulin after laughter. Thisantibody is the first line of defence against viral and bacterial infections.

“When you laugh your mouth also contains more immunoglobulin.”

Mr Murray, who spoke at a conference in Belfast hosted by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland, has discovered lots of health benefits from laughter:

* Blood pressure increases during laughter and drops below resting level afterwards;

* There is reduced muscular tension after laughter;

* When people laugh their brain and body produces beta-endorphins — powerful endogenous opiates that help relaxation and pain reduction.

According to British evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar, it is the physical act of laughing that makes people feel good.

Mr Murray said the physical exercise involved was also a health benefit. A good chuckle caused air to be expelled from the lungs at really fast rates, he said.

“Your body gets thoroughly oxygenated. This is good for thinking clearly and for aerobic fitness.”