Everyone needs a good laugh. Whether you are giggling or laughing out loud, laughter is terrific mood booster which can help set the tone for the day ahead. Now there is research available showing that laugher can promote appetite! Imagine having a compromised appetite because you’re sick or depressed, and being able to improve your food intake with a hardy laugh. What a fabulous concept!
We already know that exercise can improve appetite in people who are ill or suffering from depression. Over the years I’ve worked with many chronically ill people who are also experiencing depression, and simply can’t eat an adequate amount of food. Several of my elderly clients have many health ailments that limit their activity level and therefore don’t enjoy the benefits of improved appetite as a result of increased movement. So this new research is a very welcome adjunct therapy to good nutrition, increased exercise (as medically appropriate) and medications (such as anti-depression medication or appetite stimulants).
This new data on the connection between laughter and improved appetite in the elderly or chronically ill can be extremely helpful for care givers and family members. The study was conducted by Dr. Lee S. Berk, a preventative care specialist and psycho-neuro-immunology researcher at Loma Linda University’s Schools of Allied Health and Medicine in California. Dr. Berk released the following statement: “the value of the research is that it may provide those who are health-care providers with new insights and understandings and thus further potential options for patients who cannot use physical activity to normalize or enhance their appetite”. The news was directly released from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (April 26, 2010).
Although it was a small study (14 volunteers in total), I believe the findings are significant. The participants all watched different types of videos over a three week period of time. The hormone levels of those who watched the “funny”videos, mimicked positive changes similar to people who exercised moderately. These findings are particularly interesting to me, as I strongly believe in a “mind-body” connection. My clients and I always focus on the relationship between the mind and the body. Your head is actually attached to your body. What you feel emotionally effects your physical being, just as your body effects your thoughts. This research provides another possible way to stimulate appetite in those who are struggling to eat due to depression.
If you are a health care provider or caregiver to someone whose appetite has been negatively effected because they are ill or depressed, please continue to provide them with appetitzing food and encourage them to stay as physically active as possible. They must also remain complaint with their medical regime. But now think of ways to make them laugh! Pop in a funny movie, tell some silly jokes or share a hilarious story. You can also share funny pictures (like the one I posted above of the dog playing the guitar)! What makes you laugh? Everyone could use a little laughter. So laugh and eat together and enjoy the road to improved health!
