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The science of laughter - and why it also has a dark side
Abnormal Brain Wiring
Abnormal brain wiring gives rise to a number of specific conditions:
- Dementia: A twisted sense of humor and laughing at inappropriate times can be an indication of dementia.
- Gelotophobia: An intense fear of being laughed at.
- Gelotophilia: A pleasure obtained from being laughed at.
- Katagelasticism: The joy of laughing at others.
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Laughter
It is generally considered a positive emotion and is a vital social, emotional and cognitive function. It is a communal activity that encourages bonding, reduces any possible conflict, and eases stress and anxiety. Laughter can be classified in different types:
- Genuine and spontaneous
- Simulated or fake
- Stimulated (from tickling, for example)
- Induced (by drugs)
- Pathological
Laughter is a Complex Emotion
The complex emotion of laughter has the power to override other emotions. The neurotransmitters (brain circuits) are controlling the facial muscles and vocal architecture, giving priority to positive emotions.
There are several brain pathways that contribute to laughter, like the regions of decision-making, behavior control, and our brains emotional circuitry.
The Underlying Neural Functions
Various studies and research have shed some light on the underlying neural functions of the brain features that result in laughter being expressed by the body.
Pseudobulbar Affect Syndrome is a condition involving an unsettling exhibition of laughter, characterized by frequent, involuntary and uncontrollable outbursts of laughing and crying. This Syndrome is due to a disconnect between the frontal pathways of the brainstem, which control emotional drives, and is associated with several disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke.
Abnormal Brain Wiring
Abnormal brain wiring gives rise to a number of specific conditions:
- Dementia: A twisted sense of humor and laughing at inappropriate times can be an indication of dementia.
- Gelotophobia: An intense fear of being laughed at.
- Gelotophilia: A pleasure obtained from being laughed at.
- Katagelasticism: The joy of laughing at others.
Still The Best Medicine
Laughter may have a dark side, but it is generally a positive emotion, as it enhances cardiovascular functions, fortifies our immune and endocrine systems.
Laughter therapy has amazing positive effects on our body and mind like an increase of serotonin levels, decreased stress and anxiety, improved respiration, and an enhancement in mood and resilience.
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Ketosis
Is a metabolic state. Think of being in or out of ketosis like the settings in a hybrid car; you can rely on gas or electricity to different degrees.
In ketosis, we...
The function of ketones
Ketones aren’t just a form of energy, they’re powerful signaling molecules. They regulate the expression of genes and dampen inflammatory processes.
Your body is always producing a very low level of ketones, irrespective of your diet. You start producing more of them when following a diet that’s high in fat and low in carbs.
Getting in ketosis
- The stricter you restrict carbs (or total calories), the quicker you will be in ketosis.
- Restricting your carb intake to 20g per day is a good heuristic (loose rule) for entering ketosis. It will generally get you into ketosis within a few days.
- Fasting gets you into ketosis very quickly.
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Misophonia
Misophonia is a neurophysiological condition where people have an excessively negative reaction to specific sounds, like slurping, humming, tapping, typing, or texting.
Mis...
The trigger sounds
The aversion to trigger sounds develops in childhood and tends to get worse over time.
The sounds are commonly related to the mouth, nasal sound, and hand sounds, and are more distressing if family members produce them.
Misophonic responses
Anger is the most common misophonic response, followed by anxiety or disgust.
In misophonia, people react to sounds that are not widely considered unpleasant, such as whispering or soft breathing.
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Panic buying
Panic-buying supplies is one way people have coped with uncertainty over epidemics. People feel like their survival is threatened, and they need to do something to feel like they're in control.
...Causes of panic
Panic starts when the emotional center of the brain wants us to get out of harm's way now, with no care how we do it. However, the part of the brain that handles your behavioral responses first wants to think through the situation.
Panic sets in when the more rational part of your brain gets overrun by emotion to such an extent that adrenaline kicks in.
Serious drawbacks of panic
When we're in immediate danger of being run over by a car, the most rational response may be flight or freeze. But serious drawbacks may make us think only of ourselves, leaving loved-ones exposed.
Panic doesn't help with long-term threats. A more rational response is needed to assess the risk and make a plan to act.
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