Endorphin is a happiness hormone that has been called that for a reason. As it turns out – it is thanks to him that you can feel pleasure and satisfaction. What is endorphin and what influences its production? Here is some information.
Endorphin – the happiness hormone was discovered quite by accident – in the seventies of the twentieth century. Endorphin is a peptide hormone that consists of a varying number of amino acids (depending on the type). So far, scientists have discovered more than 20 endorphins, but the most important are only three – alpha, beta, and gamma – endorphins.
Endorphin is produced by various nerve cells, but also by the pituitary gland.
Endorphin action
The main action of endorphin is to reduce the perceived pain, and also to relieve the level of stress experienced by the human body. It is thanks to her that it is easier for women to survive childbirth. But these aren’t the only positive effects of endorphin. As it turns out, this hormone contributes to the feeling of satisfaction, bliss and even euphoria experienced during exercise.
There are many factors that clearly influence the secretion of endorphins. First of all, they are:
- spicy foods – the perception of a spicy taste is associated with pain, so eating spicy food will cause endorphins to ease it; the more spicy the product is consumed, the more endorphins are produced.
- sex
- Laughter – Some say that just thinking about laughing triggers the production of endorphins
- physical exercise – for some, a light walk will cause the secretion of an increased amount of endorphins, while for others only running a marathon will increase the production of this hormone;
- relaxing – listening to music, reading a book, and performing asanas can all help to release more endorphins.
- alcohol in small amounts.
Scientists know what positive effects endorphins have on the body. Thanks to them, the mood and well-being of a person improve. Doctors hypothesized that endorphin deficiencies could cause a variety of problems related to depressed mood or pain.
However, it has not been possible to establish unequivocal relationships, although scientists say that too small amounts of endorphins may be associated with such ailments as:
- chronic headaches,
- depression,
- fibromyalgia.
Endorphin and runner’s euphoria
Many athletes feel excited and sometimes euphoric during exercise. There are many hypotheses explaining this phenomenon. Some indicate that the body’s metabolism changes from aerobic to anaerobic during long-term physical activity. The lack of oxygen in this situation causes stress, which in turn is the trigger of endorphins. Athletes describe the state during exercise as very positive – during this time the mind takes over the body, so that many of them can exercise, although otherwise normally so that they would not be able to exercise.