8 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CRYING

Nobody likes to cry and I don't like to see anyone cry either, usually because it's often associated with sadness (emotional crying), though not all of them are. Sometimes Tears roll out of our eyes not because we intended to cry but maybe as a response to certain stimuli and even laughing excessively (you know those belly laughs), give a jaw-cracking yawn or when irritants enter the eyes like when you cut onions. This type of crying is most often referred to as tearing (non-emotional crying, lacrimation, medically speaking). Crying can be of different types - sobbing, weeping, wailing, whimpering e.t.c.

Crying does have its benefits just as it has its disadvantages. In this discussion, we'll go through both even though i'll be concentrating more on the merits. Tears produced during emotional crying are chemically different from non-emotional tears. They contain more hormones ( prolactin e.t.c.) and electrolytes (potassium and manganese).  All forms of tears contain lysosome. 

Here are the benefits of crying;

• It lubricates the eyes and prevents dehydration of the mucous membranes thereby helping our eyesight and preventing blindness.
• It kills bacteria through the production of lysosome.
• It improves our mood and gives us a comforting feeling afterwards. This according to research is due to the manganese secreted in the tears. So don't hold back, let it all out, you'll feel better.
• It reduces toxins from our system - emotional tears. I hope we all don't end up crying at the drop of a hat just so we can release toxins. *lol*
• It reduces stress as it contains endorphins and prolactin. It has also been called a form of perspiration. It helps in this way to maintain a good cardiovascular system and blood pressure.
• It gets you the attention you may need and helps with bonding. Tell me if you wouldn't be tempted to ask a weeping lady what you can do to help.
• It may be a signal to some medical conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (excessive crying).
• Guys, I know you don't cry a lot, not to worry, your toxins are secreted in your sweat. Men perspire more than women.

The disadvantages of crying are minimal and usually results when it's over done. Examples include

• Headache
• Redness of the eyes
• Puffiness of the face
• Trust issues and anxiety in children

The credit for most of the research on crying goes to a biochemist named William H. Frey.