It also suppresses stress hormones like cortisol. These effects are associated with better mood, less physical pain, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, lower stress levels and depression rates. Positive psychology considers the tendency to laugh and the sense of humor to be one of the 24 fundamental strengths a person can have.Moreover, laughing with other people increases social connectedness and bonds, as well as strengthens relationships. At the same time, it makes the person feel more comfortable by improving the sense of security and safety.Many researchers state that the body cannot distinguish between fake (simulated) or real (spontaneous) laughter. This indicates that you can benefit even by forcing yourself to laugh.

Laughing Protects Your Body and Mental Health

Laughing changes the activity of hormones such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. When you laugh, your intake of oxygen-rich air increases, your heart, lungs and muscles are stimulated, which increases the endorphins released by your brain. Being a natural pain reliever, this hormone helps you experience less physical pain, feel better and enjoy life more.From Lynn University in Florida, Dr. According to Matt Bellace, laughter releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which acts as a reward for the brain, creates a sense of euphoria and plays a crucial role in your motivation to continue the behavior.Laughter also has a similar effect to antidepressants. Laughing activates the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, the same brain chemical that is affected by SSRIs, the most common types of antidepressants.

Foods Rich in Trans FatsTrans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that can have a detrimental effect on brain health. Trans fats are found naturally in animal products such as meat and dairy products, and they are not a major concern. The problem here is industrially produced trans fats, also known as hydrogenated vegetable oils.These artificial trans fats can be found in shortening, margarine, cream, snack foods, ready-made cakes and prepackaged cookies.Studies show that when people consume higher amounts of trans fats, they have an increased risk of Alzheimer&#x27;s disease, poorer memory, lower brain volume and cognitive decline.It also has negative effects on many other aspects of health, including heart health and inflammation.In a study of 38 women, those who consumed more saturated fat than unsaturated fat performed worse in memory and recognition function.It is known that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids protects against cognitive decline. Omega-3s increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory compounds in the brain and have a protective effect, especially in older adults. You can increase the amount of omega-3 fats in your diet by eating foods such as fish, chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts.Processed FoodsHighly processed foods are high in sugar, added fats and salt. It includes foods such as chips, smoothies, instant noodles, microwaveable popcorn, grocery store sauces, and ready meals. These foods are generally high in calories and low in nutrients. These are foods that cause weight gain and negatively affect brain health.The nutritional composition of processed foods in the Western diet may adversely affect the brain, contributing to the development of degenerative diseases.A study involving 18,080 people found that a diet rich in fried foods and processed meats was associated with lower scores in learning and memory.Animal studies have shown that rats fed a high-fat, sugar-rich diet for eight months developed impaired learning ability and adverse changes in brain plasticity. Another study found disruptions in the blood-brain barrier in rats fed a high-calorie diet.One of the ways that processed foods negatively affect the brain is by reducing the production of a molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This molecule is found in various parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, and is important for long-term memory, learning, and the growth of new neurons. Therefore, any reduction can have negative effects on these functions.Therefore, it is beneficial to stay away from ready-made and processed foods and to consume healthy and natural foods instead.AlcoholChronic alcohol use causes a decrease in brain volume, metabolic changes, and a breakdown of neurotransmitters, the chemicals the brain uses to communicate.Excessive alcohol consumption can also have adverse effects in non-alcoholics.One-off episodes of heavy drinking are known as &quot;binge drinking.&quot; This can cause the brain to interpret emotional cues differently than normal. For example, people are less sensitive to sad faces and more sensitive to angry faces. These changes in emotion recognition are thought to be a cause of alcohol-induced aggression.Also, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have devastating effects on the fetus. Given that the brain is still developing, the toxic effects of alcohol can cause developmental disorders such as fetal alcohol syndrome.Alcohol use in teenagers is risky because the brain is still developing. Abnormalities in brain structure, function, and behavior have been observed in young people who drink alcohol (compared to non-drinkers).Another negative effect of alcohol is that it disrupts sleep patterns. Drinking large amounts of alcohol before bed reduces the quality of sleep.In short, you should avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially if you are a teenager or young adult. If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether.

These Foods Put Your Brain Health in Danger

Your brain is the most important organ in your body. It makes your heart beat, your lungs breathe, and all systems in your body work. For this reason, it is very important to keep your brain working at an ideal level with healthy eating habits.Some foods have negative effects on your brain. It affects your memory, mood and increases your risk of dementia. However, you can help reduce the risk of disease by eliminating certain foods from your diet.List of foods you should exclude from your diet:Sugary DrinksSugary drinks; includes beverages such as fruit sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, and juice.Consuming sugary drinks too often not only increases your waist circumference, type 2 diabetes and heart disease risk, but also has negative effects on your brain.Excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, which has been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer&#x27;s disease. In addition, high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of dementia, even in people who do not have diabetes.The primary ingredient in many sugary drinks is high fructose corn syrup, which consists of 55% fructose and 45% glucose.High fructose intake can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, high blood fats, diabetes and arterial dysfunction. These aspects of the metabolic syndrome can lead to an increased risk of developing dementia in the long term.Among the alternatives that can be preferred instead of sugary drinks; water, unsweetened iced tea, herbal teas, vegetable juice, and plant-based dairy products.Refined CarbsRefined carbohydrates include sugars and highly processed grains such as white flour.These types of carbohydrates usually have a high glycemic index (GI). This means your body digests them quickly, causing a spike in your blood sugar and insulin levels. Also, when consumed in larger quantities, these foods often have a high glycemic load (GL). GL refers to how much a food raises your blood sugar levels, depending on the serving size.Foods with high GI and high GL have been shown to impair brain function. Studies have shown that even a single meal with a high glycemic load can impair memory in both children and adults.Therefore, low GI carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, legumes and seeds should be preferred in the daily diet.

The relationship between blood glucose levels and mood is bi-directional. While blood sugar can affect mood, a person&#x27;s mood can also affect blood sugar levels. Some studies show that mood and stress can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This is because under stressful conditions, cortisol supplies glucose to the body by utilising protein stores through gluconeogenesis in the liver. This energy helps the person to fight or escape from any stressor. However, in the long term, high cortisol constantly produces glucose, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Maintaining balance in this bi-directional relationship helps to improve both one&#x27;s physical and mental health, as well as the quality of the relationships one builds. Knowing the possible symptoms that may develop in blood sugar fluctuations can help both the person and those around them to better manage the situation in the management of these symptoms.

Effects of Diabetes on Mental Health

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects mental health as well as physical health. Changes in blood sugar can directly affect mood. Having hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia attacks may affect the person&#x27;s thoughts and all areas of his/her life. This situation may cause stress in the person and may also reflect negatively on social relations. Knowing that diabetes has such effects can help the person to establish healthier relationships with themselves and the people around them.High blood sugar can affect mood as follows:<ul><li>Concentration difficulty</li><li>Tension and anxiety</li><li>Fatigue or low energy</li></ul>At the same time, the body may release adrenaline to stabilise blood sugar. This activates the body&#x27;s fight-or-flight response. This can lead to the following symptoms:<ul><li>Dizziness</li><li>Visual disturbances</li><li>High awareness</li><li>Restlessness</li><li>Irritability</li></ul>Symptoms of low blood sugar that can affect mood are as follows:<ul><li>Irritability</li><li>Feelings of anxiety</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Coordination, concentration and decision-making difficulties</li><li>Aggression and impatience</li><li>Personality and behaviour changes</li></ul>

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