Find out everything about the hormone capable of relieving pain and generating a feeling of well-being
When it comes to physical activity, the endorphins It is often the first hormone that people remember. This is because it is a substance whose main effect is the feeling of reward.
Since it is produced by body movement, especially in aerobic activities, it is usually a good reason to maintain a more active routine and engage in exercise for the sake of health and well-being.
But while its name is well known, information about what endorphins are, how they are produced, and what their functions and benefits are is still largely unknown. With this in mind, here we have collected everything you need to know about this hormone.
Endorphin: what is it?
Also known as an endogenous opioid, endorphin is a type of neurotransmitter hormone produced by the pituitary gland (located in the brain), which acts on receptors in the nervous system.
Therefore, its main function is to inhibit irritation and stress, contributing to the feeling of pleasure, well-being and happiness, as well as reducing body tension and the feeling of tiredness, helping to relieve pain and fight emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.
According to studies, there are more than 20 types of endorphins in the body. However, beta-endorphins are the ones involved in stress relief and pain management, having a stronger effect than even morphine on the body.
Functions of endorphins
Endorphins are released by the body when faced with pain or stress, as a mechanism to help you survive. This happens in the following way: the body’s nerves send pain signals to the brain, which releases endorphins to block the nerve cells that receive these signals, “turning off” this pain. Therefore, this action helps the body continue to function even in painful situations.
In addition to this function, the hormone also helps reduce stress, as it acts by regulating the release of hormones related to it, and increases the feeling of well-being and pleasure.
What are the benefits of endorphins?
According to scientific studies, endorphins can offer many health benefits. Here are the main ones:
- Relieve symptoms of depression : it has been shown that endorphins released during physical activity help reduce the symptoms of depression;
- Helps with stress and anxiety : as endorphin levels increase, stress and anxiety decrease;
- Improve your self-image : Studies have shown that endorphins can increase confidence levels, leading to better self-esteem;
- Contribute to weight loss : the release of endorphins has been shown to regulate appetite;
- Relieve labor pain : Studies have shown that higher levels of endorphins help relieve pain during labor.
What releases endorphins in the body?
One of the easiest ways to release endorphins is to exercise: believe me: the more you exercise, the more endorphins your body will produce. But you don’t have to run around to feel a sense of well-being. Other activities that can help release endorphins include:
- Walk;
- I swim;
- Dance;
- Having sex;
- Acupuncture;
- Massage;
- Eat.
Symptoms of low endorphin levels
According to scientific research, some people do not produce enough endorphins, which can lead to certain symptoms caused by a hormone deficiency. Are they:
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety;
- Increased body pain;
- Fibromyalgia (chronic pain);
- Bad mood;
- Exercise addiction;
- Sleep problems;
- Impulsive actions;
Additionally, one study showed that people with migraines have lower levels of beta-endorphins in their blood.
Endorphin x dopamine x endocannabinoid
Although they are often confused, endorphins are not the same thing as dopamine or endocannabinoids. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and feel-good hormone released by the brain’s reward center during moments of pleasure, such as when having sex, eating delicious food or watching a comedy show, a study by Brazilian and US researchers showed .
Although both are part of the brain’s reward system, endorphins are released quickly during a specific act, such as exercise, to help relieve pain and stress. Dopamine, in turn, is slowly released and the feeling of improved mood is felt after the activity.
As for endocannabinoids, these are neurotransmitters produced by the body’s endocannabinoid system, which perform many functions in the body, such as relieving pain, reducing anxiety, regulating mood, controlling appetite and digestion, and improving sleep .
Interestingly, endocannabinoids are primarily responsible for the “runner’s high” people experience during exercise, once attributed to endorphins. However, recent research suggests that endocannabinoids cause feelings of euphoria because they are able to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, unlike endorphins, which are too large to do so.
From this it can be concluded that, in most cases, the body simultaneously releases many neurotransmitters and hormones during pain and pleasure, which is why endorphins, endocannabinoids and dopamine are so closely related.
Are endorphins addictive?
Although research on the topic is limited, some people may become addicted to the endorphin sensation caused by certain activities. For example, thrill seekers may engage in dangerous activities to get a rush of adrenaline and endorphins.
Interestingly, a 2016 study including eight climbers observed withdrawal symptoms (e.g., feeling withdrawn, desire to climb, mood swings, and irritability) after avoiding climbing for a period of time.
Another example is self-harm, which leads to a rush of endorphins when you harm yourself to “feel” the release of emotional pain. A person can become addicted to the endorphin rush and continue to harm themselves to get that feeling of emotional release, as research published in 2016 also highlighted. However, more research is needed to better understand endorphin addiction.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
