Imagine walking into your doctor’s office, expecting another prescription, only to be handed a slip of paper that says, “Watch a comedy show daily.”

Far-fetched? Maybe. But science suggests that there’s truth in the adage “Laughter is the best medicine.”

Laughing isn’t just a feel-good bonus—it’s a powerful wellness tool that boosts immunity, reduces stress, and even helps the body fight cancer cells. Maybe it’s time to start viewing laughter as an essential nutrient.

The Science of Laughter

Research suggests that laughter triggers measurable, health-enhancing changes throughout the body. For starters, laughter has been shown to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, making it an ally in lowering persistent inflammation—a factor involved in every chronic health condition from diabetes and arthritis to heart disease and metabolic syndrome. With each laugh, you’re dialing down inflammation, an essential step in disease prevention and reversal.

Diabetes

For those managing conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, laughter can lower blood glucose levels and delay cardiovascular complications, according to a review in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. The researchers suggested laughter “should be used as an adjuvant therapy” for diabetic patients.

Mood

A good laugh also works wonders for lowering blood pressure and elevating mood by reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, helping the body transition from tense to relaxed. When cortisol and adrenaline run high, our bodies stay in “fight or flight” mode, which wears down physical health over time. A hearty laugh counteracts this, improving mood and melting stress away.

Cancer

Laughter can kill cancer cells. A hearty chortle boosts the activity of specific immune cells that target and destroy cancer cells. The harder you laugh, the more these microscopic warriors get activated. Research shows that laughter can keep these cells engaged for up to 12 hours.

Laughter therapy for seven weeks improved quality of life among cancer patients by decreasing pain and improving cognitive function, according to a 2019 randomized controlled trial.

Memory

Laughing enhances memory, especially in older adults. Among adults aged 65 and older, sharing laughter—whether with friends, children, or grandchildren or even while listening to the radio—has been associated with a lower risk of dementia, according to a 2022 study.

A 2015 study found that when diabetic seniors watched a humorous video for 20 minutes, their learning ability and delayed recall significantly improved, along with a drop in cortisol levels. Researchers concluded that laughter has “clinical and rehabilitative benefits” in wellness programs aimed at older adults, particularly for cognitive health.

Immunity

Laughter strengthens immunity. A 2001 study in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine showed that watching a humorous video for an hour improved immune markers, including T and B cells, which fight off acute infections. Levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody crucial for immune health and autoimmune disease prevention, also rose. The researchers concluded that laughter could be an effective part of wellness programs.

Longevity

A 2020 study found that among people aged 40 and older, those who laughed less than once a month had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality than those who laughed at least once a week. Researchers concluded that the frequency of daily laughter is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality.

How to Get Your Daily Dose of Laughter

Some families start their day with vitamins—we start with laughter. Every morning, my family shares a few jokes, from the classics—Why did the mushroom get invited to all the parties? Because he’s a fungi!—to the groan-worthy—What do you get when you pamper a cow? Spoiled milk!

These moments lift our spirits, help us connect, set a joyful tone for the day, and give our immune systems a little boost. By prioritizing laughter each day, I teach my children that laughter is a critical part of a daily wellness routine—as essential as a vitamin.

If the idea of intentional laughter seems odd, try these tips to make it feel natural and, yes, a little bit contagious:

1. Start Your Day With Laughter: Kickstart your morning with a comic, funny video, or joke. My family loves flipping through books containing “dad jokes” each morning. It’s an easy way to start the day on a high note without reaching for screens first thing, and it keeps the giggles going.
2. Share the Joy: Laughter is 30 times more likely to happen in social settings than when you’re alone, according to researchers at the University of Maryland. So create more opportunities for shared laughter—read a comic with your kids, play a silly game with your grandchildren, send a funny meme to a friend, swap goofy stories with coworkers, or queue up a comedy night with loved ones. Let laughter bring you together.
3. Try Laughter Yoga: This practice combines yoga breathing with sustained laughter exercises. Inhale deeply and exhale with a big, hearty laugh. Even if you begin with forced laughter, the real thing often takes over before you know it. Every time I’ve introduced laughing yoga to my kids or clients, they end up genuinely laughing—maybe from feeling silly, but it still does the trick.
4. Revisit Your Favorite Funny Memories: Laughter isn’t just about the present—it can come from reliving a hilarious past moment. Keep a “laughter file” with funny texts, inside jokes, or silly memories, and revisit them when you need a boost. Even better? Share them with the people who were there—it’s like hitting replay on joy.
5. Curate a Laughter Playlist: Just like you might have a playlist for workouts or relaxation, why not create one for laughter? Fill it with stand-up comedy clips, blooper reels, or TV show highlights that always crack you up. A few minutes of laughter on demand can instantly shift your mood—and your health.

A Prescription for Joy

In a world where stress seems to lurk around every corner, laughter might be the missing nutrient we need.

Imagine that every time you laugh—more than lightening your mental load—you’re boosting your immune system, reducing inflammation, and, quite possibly, adding years to your life.

So, go ahead—take your daily dose of laughter. No copay is required, and it just might help keep you feeling young.

Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!

Join the Conversation

This week’s community question: 

Laughter is contagious—let’s spread it far and wide! Drop your best joke in the comments, and let’s turn this column into a mini-wellness session.

Note: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and reflects the opinion of Sina McCullough, a scientist. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for guidance from your health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before changing your diet, medications, or lifestyle.