When we laugh, what happens inside our body?

Question from Hideo Nakahara 

When we laugh our blood pressure goes up, our hearts beat faster. The rhythm of our breathing also changes, and the levels of chemicals in our brains shift. All of these changes to our physiology add up to many health benefits. This includes relieving tension and helping with breathing problems. Research suggests that regular laughter might even help to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which helps to keep the immune system on top form.

Answered by Laura Mears for Brain Dump in How It Works issue 118

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