Endorphins: The “feel good” chemicals for well-being.

Endorphins: the “feel good” chemicals for well-being.

The term "endorphin" is derived from two words: "endogenous," meaning within the body and "morphine," an opiate pain-relieving drug.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain. As natural hormones, they can alleviate pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance your sense of well-being. The body releases endorphins when you do pleasurable activities such as eating, exercise, and sex, etc.  

Types of Endorphins

The human body produces over 20 types of endorphins, each with specific functions. Among these, beta-endorphins stand out as particularly potent stress and pain relievers, surpassing even the powerful effects of morphine.

Function of Endorphins

When you experience pain or stress, pain signals travel through the nerves to your brain, which release endorphins to block nerve cells from receiving the pain signals. This mechanism acts as a pain-relieving switch, enabling you to continue functioning even in challenging and stressful circumstances. Because, naturally, we evolve to avoid pain and do something that makes us feel good.

Benefits of Endorphins

• Relieving symptoms of depression: Exercise-induced endorphins have demonstrated their ability to alleviate depression symptoms effectively.
• Easing stress and anxiety: Increasing endorphin levels helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• Enhancing self-love: Studies indicate that endorphins can boost confidence and improve self-esteem.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: The release of endorphins can help regulate appetite.
• Reducing childbirth pain: Higher endorphin levels can help manage pain experienced during childbirth.

Activities that help release endorphins.

• Exercise such as running, power walking, swimming, hiking, and dancing.
• Eating
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Sex

There are many ways to stimulate your body to release and maintain high endorphins levels. You can eat dark chocolate, listen to your favorite songs, play musical instruments, watch funny movies, create an art piece, laugh with your friends, try aromatherapy, do volunteer work, or meditate.

Disorders

If your body cannot produce and release enough endorphins, you may develop anxiety, bodily aches and pains, depression, impulsiveness, sleep problems, and even addiction. Endorphins play a role in enhancing the release of dopamine, which is another neurotransmitter affecting mood regulation. When there is a deficiency of endorphins, it can lead to a reduction in dopamine levels, potentially contributing to signs of depression and other health problems such as:

• Fibromyalgia: You feel chronic pain throughout your body.
• Self-harm: Some people commit self-injury because it triggers endorphin release.  
• Exercise addiction: Some people are addicted to excessive exercise because they like the feeling of runner's high, which occurs after lengthy, intense exercise.

FAQ

• What is the difference between endorphins and dopamine?
  Endorphins and dopamine are two chemicals in your body; they work together to contribute to feelings of happiness; endorphins act as natural pain relievers. When endorphins are attached to the brain opiate receptors, your body releases dopamine. 
  For instance, when you are running, endorphins are released to relieve muscle aches, followed by dopamine release, which can lead to a runner’s high. You will feel motivated to run again to experience that extreme pleasure.
• What is the difference between endorphins and serotonins?
  Both endorphins and serotonin are “happy” chemicals in your body, but their roles and mechanisms differ. Serotonin is primarily responsible for stabilizing mood, aiding in the proper functioning of various systems in your body, and promoting overall well-being. On the other hand, endorphins are primarily stress and pain relievers.
• When should I consult with my doctor?
  Seek immediate medical care if you develop the following symptoms.
  • Chronic body aches 
    •    Exercise addiction.
    •    Depression.
    •    Self-harm.