Endorphin, from the words endogenous morphine, is a chemical produced by the body that serves to suppress pain. They have analgesic and sedative effects and are known as a feel-good chemical that helps counter mild anxiety and depression.
Scientists believed that endorphins are released when a person is in pain, during starvation, and during exerciseresulting in what is known as a "runner's high." Moreover, emotional stress triggers the release of the chemicals in the limbic system to produce euphoria. Endorphins are found in the brain, the spinal cord, and in some other parts of the body. They function as neurotransmitters that send electric messages within the nervous system. Primarily, they manage the sensation of pain by preventing the transmission of pain messages to the brain.
Types of Endorphins
There are three major types of endorphins: beta endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins. Beta-endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and are generally believed to provide a considerable amount of natural pain relief. On the other hand, enkephalins and dynorphins are dispersed all over the nervous system. Dynorphins and leu-enkephalin have comparable properties but the former is more potent and are found in pituitary, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. Dynorphins and enkephalin modulate such areas as the extra pyramidal motor function, cardiovascular and water balance systems, eating, signal processing and pain reception.
What triggers endorphins?
Endorphins are produced in the body in different ways among individuals. The release of endorphins are not exactly the same for the same food taken nor activity done. Certain foods like chili and chocolates induce the release of endorphins. Strenuous exercise, sex, laughter, massage therapy and acupuncture are activities that produce the chemicals in the body.
Benefits of endorphins
Sufficient levels of endorphins not only lessen pain and the negative effects of stress but also give one a positive feeling. Similarly, they help regulate the appetite, the release of sex hormones and strengthen the immune system. Endorphins are non-addictive and they spare the individual the risks and side effects associated with antidepressants. This may be interesting piece of news for individuals suffering from depression, which is 1 in 10 Americans according to Centers for Disease control and Depression (CDC). The recent Paxil lawsuit is just one of the many issues that brought to fore the safety of drug medication in treating depression and chronic pain. The discovery of endorphins is one of the many proofs that the human body has built-in mechanisms to cope with certain health ailments and risks.
Scientists believed that endorphins are released when a person is in pain, during starvation, and during exerciseresulting in what is known as a "runner's high." Moreover, emotional stress triggers the release of the chemicals in the limbic system to produce euphoria. Endorphins are found in the brain, the spinal cord, and in some other parts of the body. They function as neurotransmitters that send electric messages within the nervous system. Primarily, they manage the sensation of pain by preventing the transmission of pain messages to the brain.
Types of Endorphins
There are three major types of endorphins: beta endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins. Beta-endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and are generally believed to provide a considerable amount of natural pain relief. On the other hand, enkephalins and dynorphins are dispersed all over the nervous system. Dynorphins and leu-enkephalin have comparable properties but the former is more potent and are found in pituitary, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. Dynorphins and enkephalin modulate such areas as the extra pyramidal motor function, cardiovascular and water balance systems, eating, signal processing and pain reception.
What triggers endorphins?
Endorphins are produced in the body in different ways among individuals. The release of endorphins are not exactly the same for the same food taken nor activity done. Certain foods like chili and chocolates induce the release of endorphins. Strenuous exercise, sex, laughter, massage therapy and acupuncture are activities that produce the chemicals in the body.
Benefits of endorphins
Sufficient levels of endorphins not only lessen pain and the negative effects of stress but also give one a positive feeling. Similarly, they help regulate the appetite, the release of sex hormones and strengthen the immune system. Endorphins are non-addictive and they spare the individual the risks and side effects associated with antidepressants. This may be interesting piece of news for individuals suffering from depression, which is 1 in 10 Americans according to Centers for Disease control and Depression (CDC). The recent Paxil lawsuit is just one of the many issues that brought to fore the safety of drug medication in treating depression and chronic pain. The discovery of endorphins is one of the many proofs that the human body has built-in mechanisms to cope with certain health ailments and risks.
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