Endorphins:
More Than a Natural High
by Randal Schober, ED.d
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Most
people associate endorphins with athletes and thrill seekers
who experience what is known as a "runner's high" and identify
themselves as "adrenaline junkies." But what exactly are endorphins,
and what is their role within the human body?The
discovery of an endogenous morphine-like substance appropriately
named "endorphin" for "morphine within" was revealed when scientists
found that the human brain naturally contained opiate binding
sites. When activated, these receptors block the signal of
pain to the nervous system, providing the body with a powerful
pain reliever. These same chemical painkillers, known as "endorphins"
and "enkephalins," also cause a euphoric effect to occur.
Endorphins
as a painkiller are much more powerful than morphine. Twenty
different types of endorphins have been discovered in the
nervous system. One of the endorphins, beta-endorphin, is
18-50 times more effective than morphine, while another, called
dynorphin, is over 500 times stronger. Endorphins, however,
are unable to work for long periods of time because our bodies
also make enzymes, called endorphinase, which eradicate these
endorphins.
The
value of endorphins within the body may be more than just
a built-in-pain-control system. Some scientists claim that
endorphins enhance our immune system; block the lesion of
blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. Furthermore,
by removing superoxides (molecules that attack living tissue
causing disease and aging), endorphins have anti-aging effects.
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Studies
show that pain perception is reduced after laughter
and that endorphins flood our bloodstream during stressful
as well as enjoyable times.
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The
'Runner's High'
Increases
of blood endorphin levels are associated with exercise, sexual
activity and stress, as well as emotional responses such as
laughter and nervousness. In addition, some experts in professions
such as acupuncture and message therapy claim that endorphins
are released during treatment, providing additional benefits.
Endorphins
are best known for the euphoric feeling they arouse in athletes
and thrill seekers. Those of us who have experienced a "queasy"
or nervous feeling in our stomach prior to a race, or what
can be described as an "adrenaline rush" during strenuous
exercise, have felt the effect of endorphins within the body;
a hormonal response has been triggered, resulting in a powerful
analgesic that allows us to ride the "high." Or pursue our
physical limits.
The
effect of endorphins can be viewed as a protective mechanism
that allows our bodies to endure or prepare for a traumatic
event. It is often at the root of a person's ability to find
temporary loss of pain when severe injury occurs and/or an
athlete's ability to push his/her body beyond the normal physical
limitations.
Baby
endorphins?
High
blood endorphins are also found in women during the contractions
of active labor, and are highest just after birth, especially
following a vaginal delivery. Newborns who had signs of fetal
distress during delivery also show elevated levels of endorphins.
endorphins may account for the high mothers' experience after
birth when sleep eludes them.
Endorphin
release associated with a person's emotions has been extensively
proven. Their relationship with the brain's pleasure center
can lessen anxiety and depression, elevate self-esteem, and
provide a positive mood during exercise. Studies show that pain
perception is reduced after laughter and that endorphins flood
our bloodstream during stressful as well as enjoyable times.
So,
if you are an athlete, mother to be or just a person who sometimes
steps over the edge, give thanks to your friendly endorphins,
which will not only reduce the pain but will also provide
you with a euphoric high. But remember that everything that
becomes pleasurable may tempt you to do it again. So, continue
to enjoy your endorphins, but beware that an endorphin addiction
can sometimes lead to other more daring escapades.
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