Drink Wine, Laugh Stay Healthy

LONDON (SWM) - - British psychologists at the University of Hull said laughter is the best medicine and people who drink tend to laugh more.

In three studies, the psychologists said that social drinkers laugh more than people who drink very little or not at all. The group were quick to point out that they aren’t promoting heavy drinking, but drinking in moderation.

Geoffrey Lowe, a psychologist at the University of Hull, reported at the annual meeting of British Psychological Society the studies that show laughing can help stimulate the body’s immune system. Lowe also cited scientific evidence about the health-giving properties of alcohol, and that unlike the studies, which show that alcohol has a cardiological protective effect, it could possibly be that a person’s life style and attitude about life is better than that of a non-drinker. As a result, the social drinker tends to engage in fun and laughter more than the non-drinker.

Lowe conducted three studies on drinking and laughter. In a survey of some 330 people who described themselves as "social drinkers" used humor and laughter in everyday life. Lowe also pointed out that even though people who drink moderately laugh more, it does not mean that drinking heavily equates with more laughing.

Lowe said studies do not show why. More research will be needed to find out if alcohol triggers laughter or if people who laugh become thirsty and drink more.

Until more research can be conducted Lowe and his colleagues suggest people just laugh more, not drink more.