Growing research has revealed that laughter is not just a mood enhancer, but also provides an "internal massage" for the intestines that promotes digestion and relieves gas, and may be more effective than some medications in treating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
It was already known that laughter boosts the immune system, reduces stress levels, and strengthens abdominal muscles. Laughing for ten minutes a day can also burn up to 50 calories.
Now, experts say that laughter may have similar benefits for gut health.
According to Adrian Benjamin, a gut nutritionist at Proven Biotics, laughter isn't just an emotional response; it also triggers real physical responses in the body. When we laugh, our abdominal muscles contract and relax, which helps stimulate digestive activity. In addition, laughter promotes relaxation and releases endorphins, natural painkillers.
Benjamin likened the effect of laughter on the intestines to a "gentle internal massage" that helps support the peristaltic movement of the intestines, encourages the movement of food through the digestive system, and even helps expel trapped gases.
Research supports these claims; previous studies have found that laughter reduced intestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome more effectively than some medications.
A 2022 study also revealed that laughing with family and friends was associated with a significant reduction in functional dyspepsia, a chronic disorder that causes persistent indigestion.
But it's not just the physical effects of laughter that benefit the digestive system; there's another equally important factor. Benjamin explains that stress is a major contributor to gut health, disrupting digestion, altering intestinal motility, and affecting the balance of beneficial bacteria. In today's fast-paced world, laughter offers a natural and simple way to counteract these effects.
When we laugh, the body goes into a more relaxed state, which helps reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, and supports the digestive system, which works better when a person is calm and relaxed.
Laughter helps regulate the body's stress response, and encourages the shift from a "fight or flight" state (a state of tension and readiness for danger) to a "rest and digest" state (a state in which the intestines can function optimally).
Benjamin adds that even brief moments of humor can break prolonged cycles of stress, providing an opportunity to reset one's mental and physical state, which benefits both the mind and the digestive system.
