what it is, function, benefits and how to stimulate production

When talking about physical activities, the endorphin It is often the first hormone people remember. This is because it is a substance whose main effect is the sensation of reward.

Because it is produced from body movement, especially in aerobic activities, it is usually a good reason for people to maintain a more active routine and commit to physical exercise for the sake of health and well-being.

But, despite its name being well known, information such as what endorphins are, how they are produced and what their functions and benefits are are still largely unknown. With that in mind, here we have gathered everything you need to know about this hormone.

Endorphin: what is it?

Also known as an endogenous opioid, endorphin is a type of neurotransmitter hormone produced by the pituitary gland (located in the brain), which acts on receptors in the nervous system.

Therefore, its main function is to inhibit irritation and stress, contributing to the feeling of pleasure, well-being and happiness, as well as reducing body tension and the feeling of tiredness, helping to alleviate pain and combat emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.

According to studies, there are more than 20 types of endorphins in the body. However, beta-endorphins are those involved in stress relief and pain management, having a stronger effect than even morphine on the body.

Endorphin functions

Endorphins are released by the body in the face of pain or stress, as a mechanism to help you survive. This occurs in the following way: the body’s nerves send pain signals to the brain, which releases endorphins to block the nerve cells that receive these signals, “turning off” this pain. Therefore, this action helps the body to continue functioning even in painful situations.

In addition to this function, the hormone also helps to reduce stress, as it acts by regulating the release of hormones related to it, and increases the feeling of well-being and pleasure.

5 important precautions before starting physical activity

What are the benefits of endorphins?

According to scientific studies, endorphins can offer many health benefits. Here are the main ones:

• Alleviate the symptoms of depression : endorphins released during exercise have been shown to help reduce symptoms of depression;
• Help with stress and anxiety : as endorphin levels increase, stress and anxiety decrease;
• Improve self-image : Studies have shown that endorphins can increase confidence levels, leading to better self-esteem;
• Contribute to weight loss : the release of endorphins has been shown to regulate appetite;
• Relieve labor pain : Studies have shown that higher levels of endorphins helped with pain relief during labor.

What releases endorphins in the body?

One of the easiest ways to release endorphins is by exercising – believe me: the more you exercise, the more endorphins your body will produce. But you don’t need to run around to get a feeling of well-being. Other activities that can help release endorphins include:

• Walk;
• Swimming;
• To dance;
• Have sex;
• Acupuncture;
• Massage;
• Eat.

Symptoms of low endorphin levels

Some people don’t produce enough endorphins, which can lead to certain symptoms caused by hormone deficiency, according to scientific research. Are they:

• Increased risk of depression and anxiety;
• Increased body pain;
• Fibromyalgia (chronic pain);
• Bad mood;
• Exercise addiction;
• Sleep problems;
• Impulsive actions;

Additionally, a study showed that people with migraines have lower levels of beta-endorphins in their blood.

Endorphin x dopamine x endocannabinoid

Although they are often confused, endorphins are not the same thing as dopamine or endocannabinoid. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and well-being hormone released by the brain’s reward center during moments of pleasure, such as when having sex, eating delicious food or watching a comedy program, as shown in a study carried out by researchers from Brazil and from United States.

Although both are part of the brain’s reward system, endorphins are quickly released during a specific act, such as exercise, to help relieve pain and stress. Dopamine, in turn, is released slowly and the feeling of improved mood you feel after the activity.

As for endocannabinoids, these are neurotransmitters produced by the body’s endocannabinoid system, which perform many functions in the body, such as relieving pain, reducing anxiety, regulating mood, controlling appetite and digestion, and improving sleep.

Interestingly, endocannabinoids are primarily responsible for the “runner’s high” people feel during exercise, which used to be attributed to endorphins. However, recent research suggests that endocannabinoids lead to feelings of euphoria since they are easily able to cross the blood-brain barrier, unlike endorphins, which are too large to do so.

With this, it can be concluded that, in most cases, the body releases many neurotransmitters and hormones simultaneously during pain and pleasure, which is why endorphins, endocannabinoids and dopamine are so closely related.

Endorphins are addictive?

Although there is limited research on the subject, some people may become addicted to the endorphin sensation caused by some activities. For example, thrill seekers may undertake dangerous activities to get a rush of adrenaline and endorphins.

Interestingly, a 2016 study including eight climbers observed withdrawal symptoms (e.g., shutting down, desire to climb, mood swings, and irritability) after avoiding climbing for a period of time.

Another example is self-harm, which leads to a rush of endorphins when hurting oneself to “feel” the release of emotional pain. A person can become addicted to the endorphin rush and continue to self-harm to get that feeling of emotional release, as research also published in 2016 pointed out. However, more research is needed to better understand endorphin addiction.