Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitters(they function to transmit electrical signals within the nervous system). 20 types of endorphins have been found in humans. Beta-endorphins are the most frequently studied, as they contribute to pain relief and well-being.
Endorphins are chemicals produced naturally by the nervous system to cope with pain or stress. They are often called “feel-good” chemicals because they can act as a pain reliever and happiness booster. They work similarly to a class of drugs called opioids.
Opioids are substances that have effects similar to those of morphine. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia.
Opioids attach to receptors found in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. They reduce the sending of pain messages to the brain and reduce feelings of pain.
There are several theories about why our bodies release endorphins. The most common one is that pain relief helps us survive.
For example, if you sprain your ankle, the nerves in your leg will send pain signals to your spine and brain. The pain tells you that you need to pay attention to your ankle and stop using it. But your brain doesn’t need to hear this message during the entire month your ankle is healing. So your body releases endorphins, which block the nerve cells in charge of receiving the pain signals, “muting” the pain. This allows you to function in day-to-day life without being distracted.
although there is a crisis over opioid misuse, this site is only focused on the role of Endorphins in our body from the health and athletic performance perspective.
scientists found that the body has special receptors that bind to opioids to block pain signals. they realized that some chemicals in the body acted similarly to natural opioid medications, binding to these same receptors. These chemicals were endorphins.
Endorphins consist of a large group of peptides. They are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. Since endorphins act on the opiate receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being. Endorphins are released in response to pain or stress, but they’re also released during other activities, like eating, exercise, or sex.
What is the difference between endorphins and dopamine in your brain? While endorphins are neurotransmitters that help you to cope with pain and stress, dopamine is a mood-boosting neurotransmitter that is released after you reach a goal.
In this way, dopamine is involved in the reward circuit in your brain and helps to motivate you toward tasks (in contrast, low dopamine would also be de-motivating). Higher endorphins can actually lead to higher dopamine production; in this way, endorphins and dopamine are not mutually exclusive but are actually connected in the system that promotes action toward rewards and the good feelings that result.
In other words, you might feel motivated to participate in a marathon because of your dopamine reward system, which is further reinforced by the endorphins that are released during the actual act of participating in the race. In this way, endorphins are the quicker-acting “feelings” while dopamine is the longer-acting afterglow.
Endorphins also surge during pregnancy. They minimize discomfort and pain and maximize pleasure. This helps us to continue functioning despite injury or stress.
The word endorphin comes from putting together the words “endogenous” meaning from within the body, and “morphine,” which is an opiate pain reliever. In other words, endorphins got their name because they are natural pain relievers.
The level of endorphins in the human body varies from person to person. People who have lower levels may be more likely to have depression or fibromyalgia, but more research is needed in this area.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic pain throughout the body. Research shows people with fibromyalgia have lower levels of endorphins, meaning they get less pain relief whenever they strain their bodies. They also get less of an endorphin boost from exercise than people without the condition do.
signs of endorphin deficiency are depression, anxiety, moodiness, aches and pains, addiction, trouble sleeping, and impulsive behavior.
Studies of acupuncture and massage therapy have shown that both of these techniques can stimulate endorphin secretion. Sex is also a potent trigger for endorphin release. the practice of meditation can also increase the amount of endorphins released in your body.
When you have sexual intercourse, your body also releases endorphins. Not only are you engaging in physical exercise, but you’re also creating a social bond with another person. Music can also improve your well-being and raise your endorphins.
People who enjoy spicy foods may find that they can get an additional boost from their favorite dishes.
Some research suggests that the spicy components in hot peppers and similar foods may trigger a pain sensation in the mouth, which prompts an increase in endorphins.
If you’re not in the mood to laugh, you could also consider watching a TV drama. This has also been shown to increase your endorphins.
Try to avoid isolation if you are feeling like your endorphins are low. Spending time with friends can help to boost your well-being.
Laughter can also stimulate your endorphins, so make sure to try and get in a good laugh each day. Watch a funny television show or spend time with people who make you break out in laughter.
Endorphin release varies among individuals. This means that two people who exercise at the same level or suffer the same degree of pain will not necessarily produce similar levels of endorphins.
Technically it is the dopamine that produces the “runner’s high”. Endorphins merely tell the body when to start getting that “high”. In general, dopamine creates happiness after a person has accomplished a goal. Endorphins act to relieve pain, although they do play an indirect role in motivation. For instance, if you are a runner, endorphins can reduce the ache of your muscles. They can also act in the reward-related areas of your brain, prompting your body to release dopamine.
While endorphins might make you feel good after a long jog, there’s a lot more to know about the role they play in regulating your body.
The role of endorphins and other hormones in regulating your appetite and food intake is complex. While eating good food is thought in increase endorphin levels, higher levels of endorphins have also been shown in animal studies to help regulate the appetite. More research in humans is needed to clarify these effects.
Endorphins may play an important role in reducing stress and anxiety.
Positive feelings also make you feel confident and optimistic, thus giving your self-esteem a boost. In one small study, endorphins were associated with high self-esteem in a small group of men.