A few years back Lizette Borreli published an article on the health benefits of crying on Medical Daily. Here is my attempt to “re-blog” it for your own information:

Interviewed for this article, Sharon Martin, a licensed psychotherapist in San Jose, California, suggests there are many advantages to having a good cry. “I encourage crying because it purges negative energy and allows for new, positive energy to fill us up. Sometimes people feel embarrassed or ashamed about crying, especially in public. Crying is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.”

Many people view crying as weakness or as something only women do and not men. That is total BS! Even Jesus Christ cried when he was here on earth. He cried when one of his best friends, Lazarus, died. He wept with Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha. Not only can men cry, but it is a healthy thing to do for men as much as for women. Emotionally, men may feel less apt to do this and it may occur for men much less frequently, but it offers positive benefits for men and women alike. To name a few here are what the article lists:

1. Release Toxins
Crying not only will mentally cleanse us, but can also cleanse our body. Tears produced by stress help the body get rid of chemicals that raise cortisol, the stress hormone. Dr. William H. Frey II, a biochemist at the St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Centre, found that toxic substances are released from the body when we cry. Several of the chemicals present in emotional crying are the protein prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormones, and the endorphin leucine-enkephalin, which reduces pain.

2. Kill Bacteria
Tears kill bacteria. Tears contain the fluid lysozyme that can kill 90 to 95 percent of all bacteria in only a few minutes. Lysozyme can kill certain bacteria by destroying bacteria cell walls–the rigid outer shell that provides a protective coating.

3. Improves Vision
Tears, made by the lacrimal gland, can actually clear up our vision by lubricating the eyeballs and eyelids. When the membranes of the eyes are dehydrated, our eyesight may become blurry. Tears bathe the surface of the eye and wash away dust and debris. Crying also prevents the dehydration of various mucous membranes.

4. Improves Mood
Tears can elevate our mood better than any antidepressant available, confirmed by a 2008 study from the University of South Florida, that found crying can be self-soothing and elevate mood better than any antidepressant. The shedding of tears improved the mood of almost 90 percent participants compared to the eight percent who reported crying made them feel worse. Individuals with anxiety or mood disorders were less likely to experience the positive effects of crying.

5. Relieves Stress
A good cry can provide a feeling of relief, even if our circumstances still remain the same. Crying is known to release stress hormones or toxins from the body, and as a result, reduces tension. Dr. Martin believes crying is a healthier alternative to punching the wall or “stuffing your feelings,” which can lead to physical health problems like headaches or high blood pressure. “Crying is a safe and effective way to deal with stress. It provides an emotional release of pent up negative feelings, stresses, and frustrations.”
This I know to be true from personal experience.

6. Boosts Communication
Crying can show what words cannot express, especially in a relationship. This is mostly seen when a person in the relationship is having a different reaction to a situation that isn’t transparent until tears begin to show.

In conclusion, don’t be afraid to cry. Let it all out. It is healthy and has numerous health benefits. It should help improve your mood, relieve your stress, and help others rally around when they see that you are having a hard time. Crying releases bad toxins from your body and can even kill bacteria, so don’t be shy… cry 🙂

– Jason

To read the full article the link is below:
Cry It Out: 6 Surprising Health Benefits Of Shedding A Few Tears