The mechanisms of your brain blocking feelings of pain.
What are Endorphins?
Endorphins are one of many body’s chemicals released during exercise. They are often referred to as the “feel-good chemical” because of the feelings of euphoria that they produce. Euphoria, or an “endorphin rush” occurs during exercise, sex, and even laughter. Endorphins are produced in the central nervous system, in a region of the brain known as the pituitary gland. This part of the brain controls many of the body’s vital functions. This includes production of endorphins, which are made up of four groups of peptides. These peptides block opiate receptors in the brain, leading to the suppression of pain and increased feelings of happiness and pleasure.
The name “endorphins” is derived from the combination of the words “endogenous”
and “morphine”. Endogenous, meaning within the body and “morphine”, meaning painkiller.
The composition of the word is defined as the body’s pain killer. According to
Psychology Today, endorphins evolved to allow the body to survive despite pain
or injury. For our ancestors, this meant running from predators while injured.
In modern days, endorphins allow us to push through pain during exercise, minimizing
sensations of pain, and providing a “high” that boosts energy. This is equivalent
to the physiological effects of morphine, hence the integration of the drug’s
name.
Endorphins are triggered as a result of strenuous physical exercise. Their physiological effects allow someone to complete high endurance exercises without feeling as though they should quit (Pathway Genomics). Endorphin releases differ for everyone, depending on a variety of biological factors. A common theme for endorphins is the “runners high” experienced after long periods of exercise. This is due to the notion that endorphins are intertwined with our body’s natural reward system. When we work hard to achieve a goal, our brain produces endorphins as well as the neurotransmitter dopamine. The rush of excitement and strong feelings of accomplishment you feel after a good workout are the results of your brain releasing endorphins and congratulating you on a job well done.
So is there a specific type of exercise that releases more endorphins? Although scientific evidence is not concrete, there have been studies with promising results. A study listed in the Neuropsychopharmacology journal tested the endorphin release in men between the ages of 21 and 36, who performed various kinds of exercise. Researchers measured their endorphin release using PET scans. Participants completed an hour of moderate exercise aerobic exercise one day, and an hour of a HIIT workout the following day. Following the experiment, “researchers found that HIIT led to a significant rise in the release of endorphins in the men. This occurred in areas of the brain associated with pain, reward, and emotion, including the thalamus, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex” (Medical News Today). These results can be attributed to the intense nature of HIIT workouts, requiring a higher amount of endorphins to suppress higher amounts of pain and discomfort.
Endorphins can be naturally boosted without excessive exercise. Eating things such as dark chocolate and spicy food is an easy way to increase endorphin production. Endorphins can also be boosted through meditation or acupuncture. The simplest way to increase endorphin production, however, is a good laugh!
Sources Used:
-
https://www.pathway.com/blog/the-connection-between-endorphins-and-exercise/ - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319157
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/endorphins/guide/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins
-
https://www.targethealth.com/post/endorphins#:~:text=Four%20types%20of%20endorphins%20are,powerful%20endorphins%20in%20the%20body. - https://www.medicinenet.com/endorphins_natural_pain_and_stress_fighters/views.htm
- https://www.dana.org/article/how-does-exercise-affect-the-brain/
- https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Hormones-Released-After-Working-Out-19252431
About the Author
Samantha Higley is a freshman who began writing for WVUGO in August 2019 with
an emphasis on Club and Intramural Sports. She plans to earn a degree in Neuropsychology
with a minor in History. Samantha is also on the Club Volleyball team at WVU.
About the Author
