Our IMMUNE SYSTEM & LAUGHTER

What happens to our body when we laugh? And how are these responses beneficial to our health?

Firstly, we must know that STRESS can cause UNHEALTHY physiological responses. It increases muscle tension, blood pressure and supresses the immune system. In addtion, the number of T helper cells would be reduced and the activity of natural killer (NK) cells would also be decreased.

And do you know what happens when you laugh? A good laugh loosens muscles, lowers blood pressure and may lower levels of hormones that create stress and weaken immunity. When you laugh, your body moves blood to your heart and lungs, boosting your energy level and making you feel better instantly.

Linking to our immune system: the number of available T helper cells, activated T lympphocytes, activity of and number of NK cells would all together INCREASE. Plus, lowering the serum levels of cortisol.

Additional benefits of laughter:

• Increased concentrations of an antibody known to occur in the saliva and protect against respiratory and intestinal infections.


• Immunoglobin (IgA) concentrations would be higher.


• Improved levels of salivary IgA.


• Pain reduction (Pls refer to next post for story regarding this)


• Decreased risk of getting heart disease.

With respect to cellular immunity, watching a one-hour comedy video has been found to produce:

1) increased number of B cells

2) increased number of, and activation of, T cells,

3) increased number of Helper T cells (the cells attacked by the AIDS virus),

4) increased ratio of Helper/Suppressor T cells,

5) increased number of, and activity of, Natural Killer (NK) cells, and

6) increased levels of Gamma Interferon.