Hormones Can laughing actually improve your health? Emma Guidi

Did you feel nervous?  You’re not alone. About 86% of survey takers reported feeling anxious, nervous, or jittery before a performance in front of a large audience.  When somebody is faced with a large crowd, or potentially dangerous situation, a reaction called the “fight or flight” response sets in. This causes the hormone, adrenaline to be released, which causes your heart rate and level of anxiety to rise.  When adrenaline is released, the person can also feel angry or be easily agitated.

What are Hormones?   Hormones are vital to your health. Hormones are a catalyst, causing reactions to happen in the body. They regulate a number of actions in your body.   The pituitary gland sends messages (hormones) to your thyroid, pancreas, liver, breast, ovaries, etc. All these glands need hormones to call them into action.   Hormones are a part of the endocrine system.

What are endorphins?  Endorphins are the “happy hormones”  Hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and estrogen are all beneficial to both men and women.  Endorphins generate a sense of well being, suppress stress hormones and improve immunity.

Cell Signaling  “Because mirthful laughter induces the release of β-endorphins which in turn have high affinity for μ3 opiate receptors, we hypothesize that such positive emotions lead to the direct release of NO and associated biological consequences.” (Micheal Miller M.D and William F. Fry M.D.)  This means that β-endorphins gravitate towards μ3 opiate receptors. This releases nitric oxide which can relax smooth muscles and decrease swelling, creating a sense of relaxation.

How do hormones affect our health?  GOOD HORMONES:  Dopamine is an endorphin, meaning that when it is released, you will feel good. Dopamine can help to improve mental awareness and clarity. A lack of dopamine can cause fogginess or lack of concentration.  Serotonin known as the “happiness hormone”. It keeps moods under control and promotes a sense of happiness and well being. It also reduces depression.

 BAD HORMONES  Cortisol is released when we are faced with a stressful situation. Unfortunately, in today’s world, too many situations are interpreted as stressful which causes an over production of cortisol, which can make people feel angry or anxious.  An overproduction of any hormone can causes a problem and present itself as a “bad hormone”. For example, melatonin makes you tired, which is good before bedtime but could present disadvantages during the day.

Hormone Imbalances  Almost 90% of survey takers knew that hormone imbalances can lead to serious illnesses.   Hormone imbalances can be caused by the use of oral contraceptives in women, aging, exposure to chemicals, cigarettes/alcohol, poor diet and stress.  Both men and women can suffer from hormone imbalances.  They can range anywhere from common insomnia, depression, or to more serious illnesses.

Hormones released during exercise  56% of survey takers said they usually feel energized after exercising.  It is likely they feel this way because exercise releases endorphins.  Also, exercises such as yoga can promote relaxation by suppressing cortisol levels creating a sense of well being and happiness.

The benefits of laughter  Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases antibodies thus improving your immune system.  It triggers the release of endorphins, which naturally make you feel good.  Laughter acts as a natural pain killer. One study showed that laughing for 15 minutes reduced a patient’s pain for nearly 2 hours.  Laughter increases oxygen intake which stimulates organs and improves health.

Surprising facts  Laughter can actually increase the production of T-cells (cancer fighting cells), which can reduce your chance of getting certain types of cancer.  Even the anticipation of laughter can suppress cortisol levels and cause you to feel happier.

Men need estrogen?  Estrogen is present in both females and males.  Estrogen is the hormone that keeps people young. The presence of estrogen helps the brain function, controls blood pressure and protects the heart.  Men that lack estrogen can be faced with medical complications.  This may be why more men than women are faced with degenerative diseases.

Works cited  "Hormones—The Good, The Bad, and the Vital." Hormones�The Good, The Bad, and the Vital. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 June  Smith, Melinda, MD, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. "Laughter Is the Best Medicine." The Help Guide. N.p., May Web. June  "Discovery Health." Discovery Fit and Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 June 2013.

 Scott, Elizabeth, M.S. "The Benefit of Laughter: How." About.com. N.p., Apr Web. June  Discovery Health Writers. "Estrogen and Testosterone Hormones." Discovery Health. N.p., Apr Web. 10 June  Medline Plus. "Steroids." Medline Plus. N.p., May Web. June 2013.

 Krupa, Donna. "More On The Humor-Health Connection: New Study Finds Anticipating A Laugh Reduces Stress Hormone." American Psychological Society. N.p., n.d. Web. June  Stoppler, Melissa Conrad, MD, and William C. Shiel, MD, FACP, FACR. "Endorphins: Natural Pain and Stress Fighters." MedicineNet.com. N.p., 15 Mar Web. June  "MD-Health.com." Hormone Imbalance. N.p., June Web. 10 June 2013.

 Whitaker, Carol. "How Exercise Increases Feel-Good Hormones." Carol Whitaker Coaching. N.p., 14 Nov Web. June  Gottfried, M.D., Sara. "Cortisol: Turn Your 'Bad Boy' Hormone Into Goldilocks." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 15 Mar Web. 10 June  "Exercise and Endorphins." Natural Therapy Pages. N.p., 13 Sept Web. 10 June  Discovery Health. "What Happens inside Your Body When You Get Scared?" Curiousity.com. N.p., n.d. Web. June 2013.