Examining the Natural High of Endorphins

Have you ever had an extremely bad day or a moment of anger in which you huffed off on foot, walking without thinking where you were going, and finally coming to your senses completely relaxed and in a good mood? Most of us would have to answer yes.

It’s the same effect as what marathoners say they experience – a sort of ‘runners high’. When you’re out on a run, somewhere along about the third mile, you lapse into a complete state of peace and long term energy, and just keep running. You just tapped into your body’s secret ‘morphine’ supply.

Morphine? Not Exactly. What your body is producing are actually endorphins. What are they? Endorphins are polypeptides containing 30 amino acid units that bind to a group of nerve endings (receptors) that respond to stimuli in the brain and bring out feelings of euphoria (great happiness, according to the Columbia Encyclopedia 6^th Edition). Endorphins are neurotransmitters (a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses) found in the brain that have pain lessening qualities, There are three types of endorphins: Beta, (found in the pituitary gland), enkaphalins, and dynorhins are spread throughout the nervous system. So many similarities were found between endorphins and morphine. So much so that scientists named the chemicals endorphins meaning “made by the body”.

How do they work? Endorphins are influenced with opiate sensory neurons and reduce the degree of pain. Endorphins are found in greater numbers in certain people that live with chronic pain. As a pain controller, endorphins are connected to functional processes such as nutrition, movement, reproduction, feelings of happiness, food regulation, and the release of sex hormones. Not only do endorphins act as a pain reducer, they are released when the body is in stress.

Lengthened duration of exercise raises levels of endorphins. It is also believed that the opiates, in a person that trains regularly, degrade more slowly in the bloodstream than an untrained person; this slower rate of disposal explains the greater tolerance for long exercise periods.

UV light may produce endorphins, the same mood-boosting brain chemicals responsible for a ‘runners high’.

There is no clear, single definition for the occurrence of endorphins because it is limitless. One major factor, in all studies concerning mankind, disease, cures, and wellness, exercise is the key to a better quality of life. You can build your own morphine - free of charge by exercising and being out in the sun. Things like sunlight are completely legal and can be addicting - but leave no harmful after effects except often putting you in a better mood.