As stress builds, so do feelings of anxiety – and the next thing you know your stomach is all tied up in knots. Holidays, worry over increasing bills, social and economic issues can all take their toll on the stomach and colon. If stress has a painful affect on your stomach, resulting in GERD, nausea and IBS symptoms, one sure-fire remedy is lots of laughter.

Laughter ignites healing attributes throughout the entire body. By amping up your daily dose of laughter, a literal burst of events begin to take place on a cellular level. Laughter lowers stress hormones (Neuroendocrine hormones) which adversely affect the GI tract.

Three Neuroendocrine hormones reduced by laughter are:

Epinephrine (associated with the fight or flight response)

Dopamine (associated with the fight or flight response)

Cortisol (over production causes belly fat and stomach pain)

Laughter also increases “feel good” hormones which give a boost to the immune system:

Human Growth Hormone

Endorphins (naturally produced in the brain, endorphins are natural pain killers)

And lastly, deep belly laughter creates an aerobic workout for the inside of your body, while increasing diaphragm strength. So if you are feeling down, and your stomach is taking the brunt of it, make a point of indulging in some laughter that will have you rolling on the floor. Pop in your favorite funny movies and get some laughing done! Your whole body will thank you for it.



*Please know that I am not a medical doctor or a health practitioner. I cannot diagnose your stomach problems nor can I guarantee a cure. I am here to share my knowledge, which applications have worked for me and to offer suggestions of where you may go physically, emotionally and spiritually for healing and self-empowerment. If you choose to explore alternative medicine, do not independently stop taking your prescribed medications. Always consult with your current doctor as well as your new practitioner when changing your medical program. Find a Naturopath near you.