What are endorphins?
Endorphins are chemicals produced by the brain and have a powerful analgesic and exciting activity. Their action is similar to morphine and other opiate substances.
Currently four distinct classes of endorphins are known, called "alpha", "beta", "gamma" and "delta" respectively.
Also synthesized in the pituitary gland, in the adrenal glands and in some parts of the digestive tract these peptides have their receptors in various areas of the central nervous system where they are concentrated above all in the areas assigned to pain perception.
In addition to increasing pain tolerance, endorphins are involved:
- in the regulation of the menstrual cycle
- in the secretion of other hormones such as GH, ACTH, prolactin, catecholamines and cortisol
- in the sense of well-being and contentment that arises at the end of a sexual relationship
- in controlling appetite and gastrointestinal activity
- in thermoregulation
- in the regulation of sleep
The release of endorphins in the circulation occurs in particular circumstances among which a particular role is played by physical activity.
An increase in the plasma concentration of these substances also occurs during analgesic therapies such as acupuncture, electrostimulation and sports massage.
The involvement of endorphins in the control of nerve activity has long been studied and the role of these substances in certain aspects has not yet been completely clarified.
The most fascinating and interesting aspect of endorphins lies in their ability to regulate mood. During particularly stressful situations our body tries to defend itself by releasing endorphins which on the one hand help to better withstand pain and on the other positively influence the mood.
Endorphins therefore have the ability to give us pleasure, gratification and happiness by helping us endure stress better. The interaction of these substances with other hormones and neurotransmitters according to the most recent findings would be the basis of many aspects of man's psychological and sexual sphere. Studying the plasma concentrations of these substances in particular situations (betrayal, maternity, love, sex, infatuation, etc.) it was discovered that there is a strong correlation between the aforementioned situations and the amount of endorphins and other substances present in the blood.
The dependence on some drugs, such as heroin, is explained precisely in the inhibition of endogenous production of endorphins. In our body, heroin replaces the natural role of these substances by inhibiting their production. When you stop taking this deadly drug, the plasma levels of endorphins are extremely low and this correlates to the sense of tiredness, dissatisfaction and general malaise that leads the drug addict to seek a new dose.
Endorphins and physical activity
The synthesis of endogenous opioids, such as beta-endorphins, increases in response to physical exercise. Although this increase is subjective, on average, the plasamatic concentrations of these hormones increase, both in males and females, by 500%.
This perfectly explains the undeniable feeling of euphoria and well-being that arises after practicing a little physical activity. Reduction of anxiety, stress, anger and appetite control are further beneficial properties of endorphins which also have a powerful analgesic effect involved in the reduced perception of pain.
This last point has in all probability the physiological significance of increasing tolerance to prolonged fatigue. It is no coincidence that in highly trained individuals there is a slower degradation of endogenous opioids produced during physical activity.
Endorphins would have an additional positive effect on sports performance by improving movement coordination and muscle fiber recruitment.
Endorphine addicted hardened sportsmen?
A bit like chocolate and smoke, endorphins can also be addictive. This would explain why so many hardened athletes exist who would rather submit themselves to some kind of torture than to skip a workout! Conclusion perhaps a bit risky but that certainly has a scientific basis in the increased sensitivity to endorphins found in trained subjects.
