Laughter is the best Medicine

Researchers have found that laughter improves your mood, reduces anxiety, eases stress and adds years to your life. The best things in life may not be free, but there is one thing which can do wonders, and it costs nothing — laughter. The adage "laughter is the best medicine" holds very much true even today. Researchers have found that laughter improves your mood, reduces anxiety, eases stress, and is associated with creativity and emotional stability. Laughter helps lower blood pressure, adds years to your life and also helps one de-stress. So why not laugh all your worries away. A new study from the University of Maryland Medical Centre has shown that laughter, along with a healthy sense of humour is good for your heart. Researchers found that people with heart disease were 40 per cent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease. The study compared the humour responses of 300 people, 150 who had a history of heart disease either a heart attack or who had gone through a coronary artery bypass surgery. The other 150 participants were all healthy, age-matched adults who were free of heart disease. The participants in the study completed two questionnaires. The first measured the participants humour response in different situations. The second questionnaire had true/false questions that measure anger and hostility. The results of the study showed that people with heart disease are less likely to laugh in uncomfortable situations and were overall less likely to recognise humour. The participants with heart disease laughed less than the healthy participants, even in positive situations. "We don’t know yet why laughing protects the heart, but we know that mental stress is associated with impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels. This can cause a series of inflammatory reactions that lead to fat and cholesterol build-up in the coronary arteries and ultimately to a heart attack," says Dr Michael Miller, MD, FACC, director of the Centre for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Centre. Says Dr Sunil Wadhwa, consultant physician and cardiologist, "During laughter, hormones are released in the body which relax the mind and body. There is decrease in hormones which produce stress hormones adrenaline and steroids. There is also release of hormones dopamine and serotonin, which provides us with a feeling of well-being." Dr Wadhwa adds, "There are several laughter clubs in India, even though it may be mechanical laughter, they help people distress and relax. Once there is decrease in stress hormones, there is reduction in diseases like heart problems, blood pressure and diabetes."

Beat hangover by drinking water

Q I am not a regular drinker, but if I have had a few large and strong drinks on one day, what is the best hangover remedy the next morning? A) Once alcohol is ingested you just have to give it time to let it clear from the blood. Therefore “time” along with “rest” and increased fluid intake is the best remedy according to me. But with mild intoxication drinking extra coffee and consuming spicy food like chilli sauce with a toast can increase alertness. If alcohol intake has been more and you want to prevent a hangover the next morning try drinking three glasses of water along with vitamin C 500mg, B12 1000mcg, one B vitamin with Zinc before going to bed. Repeat same procedure on waking up the next morning along with some strong black coffee. It may help you feel better, but as a rule avoid over drinking and don’t let alcohol turn into an addiction. Q My husband was a heavy drinker, but now he has given up drinking. However, he feels very weak and depressed all day. Is there any special food or supplements that I should be giving to help him recover quickly? A) Firstly, focus on fluids and alkaline foods. Liquids help to rehydrate the body and clear alcohol quickly. As nutrient deficiencies are found in heavy drinkers it is important to take multi-vitamin capsules with additional antioxidants like vitamin A, C, E and beta-cartone. Chromium helps in reducing sugar and alcohol cravings. Minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium should be taken to replenish the deficiency caused during the abuse and regain lost energy. Vitamin C is particularly helpful during the withdrawal phase. A minimum of 500-1000 mg of vitamin C should be taken 2-3 times a day. Liver tonics should be taken which helps protect and heal the liver. Essential fatty acids like gamma-linoleic acid found in evening primrose oil helps reduce discomfort during the withdrawal phase. About 30ml aloe-vera juice can be taken daily to soothe the digestive tract. Chamomile tea also helps to improve digestion and soothe frayed nerves. Drink fruit juices and vegetable juices to recover during the withdrawal phase. Avoid sweetened foods and junk foods to reduce load on digestion. With a balanced and nutritious diet, most individuals regain lost health. You’ll feel much better after detoxification, but do remember that though this reduces the toxic effects of alcohol abuse, it cannot eliminate it altogether.