Endorphin is a word you have probably heard of, but do you know what it means? Most people recognise it in relation to physical activity or exercise.
But did you know, whether it is the feeling of trying a physical activity for the first time, the relaxation after an intense workout or simply laughing, in all three activities, chemicals flood your body called endorphins which are responsible for the pleasant feelings? Contrary to taking drugs that also provide us with short-term feelings of pleasure, the feeling the release of endorphins brings is completely natural and better balanced.
The word “endorphin” originates from the two words “endogenous” meaning from within the body, and “morphine”, which is a pain reliever. In other words, they are natural pain relievers secreted by your own body.
Endorphins are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. As they are capable of acting on the opiate receptors, which are responsible for the transmission of pain, endorphins can reduce feelings of pain and a boost of pleasure resulting in a state of well-being.
Additionally, they are identified as "Neuromodulators". Neuromodulators act to alter the condition of a neuron (either post or pre-synaptic) in the way it deals with neurotransmitters. This means that not only do activities that release endorphins feel good they also alter the state of neurons leading to longer-lasting effects of neurotransmitters such as dopamine (joy and pleasure) and serotonin (pride and self-esteem).
Purpose
- Reduce our perception of pain
- Improves our ability to manage stress
- Plays a key role in keeping us physically well
- Promotes feelings of euphoria
- Modulation of appetite
- Release of sex hormones
- Enhancement of immune response
Common symptoms of low endorphins
- Chronic pain/discomfort throughout the body
- Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
- Fatigue and low energy