The word ” endorphin ” comes from two roots: “endogenous” meaning within the body and “morphine” meaning a drug that relieves pain.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus gland. They are natural hormones that help relieve pain, reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance well-being. The body releases endorphins when we do activities that bring us pleasure, such as eating, exercising, or having sex.
Different types of endorphins
The human body produces more than 20 different endorphins, each with a different function. But beta-endorphins excel at relieving stress and pain, and are more effective than morphine.
How endorphins work
When our body feels stressed or in pain, the nervous system sends pain signals to the brain and the body releases endorphins to block the pain signals to the nerve cells. เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย This mechanism acts as an off-switch, allowing us to continue our activities even when the situation is challenging and stressful because our nature is to avoid things that cause pain and do things that make us feel good instead.
Benefits of endorphins
- Relieve depression. Endorphins released after exercise are effective in relieving symptoms of depression.
- Relieves stress and anxiety. Increased endorphins levels contribute to reduced stress and anxiety.
- Promote self-love: Studies have shown that endorphins can help increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Helps control weight. Endorphins help control appetite.
- Ease the pain of childbirth. Higher levels of endorphins can help relieve pain during childbirth.
Activities that help the body release endorphins
- Exercises such as running, brisk walking, swimming, hiking and dancing.
- Eating
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Having Sex
There are many ways to stimulate your body to release endorphins and keep your endorphins levels high. These include eating dark chocolate, listening to your favorite music, playing an instrument, watching a funny movie, doing art, laughing with friends, engaging in aromatherapy, volunteering, or meditating.
Various diseases
If the body is unable to produce or release enough endorphins, it can cause anxiety, body aches, depression, impulsivity, sleep problems, or even drug addiction. Endorphin are substances that stimulate the release of dopamine. When there is a deficiency of endorphin, dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls mood, decreases, leading to depression and health problems such as:
- Fibromyalgia (Fibromyalgia) Chronic body pain
- Self-harm: Some people may intentionally harm themselves because self-harm stimulates the body to release endorphins.
- Exercise Addiction Some people can become so addicted to exercise that they are addicted to the “runner’s high” feeling that is often felt after long, intense workouts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How are endorphins different from dopamine? Endorphins
and dopamine are chemicals in the body that work together to create a feeling of pleasure. Endorphins act as natural pain relievers. When endorphin attach to opiate receptors in the brain, the body releases dopamine. For
example, when you run, your body releases endorphins to relieve muscle pain, followed by dopamine, which creates a “runner’s high,” making you want to run again to feel that same feeling. - How are endorphins different from serotonin?
Both endorphins and serotonin are “happy” chemicals that have different functions and mechanisms of action. Serotonin regulates mood, helps various systems in the body function normally, and promotes good health and well-being. Endorphins are chemicals that reduce pain and stress. - When should you see a doctor?
You should see a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:- Chronic body pain
- Exercise Addiction
- Depressed
- Self-harm