What are endorphins?
Endorphins are chemicals produced by the brain and endowed with a powerful analgesic and exciting activity. Their action is similar to morphine and other opiate substances.
Currently four distinct classes of endorphins are known, respectively called "alpha", "beta", "gamma" and "delta".
Also synthesized in the pituitary, adrenal glands and in some parts of the digestive system, these peptides have their receptors in various areas of the central nervous system where they are concentrated above all in the areas responsible for pain perception.
In addition to increasing pain tolerance, endorphins are involved:
- in regulating the menstrual cycle
- in the secretion of other hormones such as GH, ACTH, prolactin, catecholamines and cortisol
- in the sense of well-being and satisfaction that arises at the end of a sexual relationship
- in the control of appetite and gastrointestinal activity
- in thermoregulation
- in the regulation of sleep
The release of endorphins into 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 nervous activities has been studied for a long time and the role of these substances in some respects has not yet been fully elucidated.
The most fascinating and interesting aspect of endorphins is 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 tolerate pain and on the other have a positive effect on the mood.
Endorphins therefore have the ability to give us pleasure, gratification and happiness, helping us to better tolerate stress. According to the most recent discoveries, the interaction of these substances with other hormones and neurotransmitters would be at the basis of numerous aspects of the psychological and sexual sphere of man. By studying the plasma concentrations of these substances in particular situations (betrayal, motherhood, love, sex, infatuation, etc.) it has in fact been discovered that there is a strong correlation between the aforementioned situations and the amount of endorphins and other substances present in the blood.
The addiction to certain drugs, such as heroin, is explained precisely in the inhibition of the endogenous production of endorphins. Inside our organism, heroin replaces the natural role of these substances by inhibiting their production. When the intake of this deadly drug is stopped, the plasma levels of endorphins are extremely low and this correlates with the feeling of tiredness, dissatisfaction and general malaise that leads the addict to seek a new dose.
Endorphins and physical activity
The synthesis of endogenous opioids, such as beta-endorphins, increases in response to exercise. Although this increase is subjective, on average, plasma concentrations of these hormones increase by 500% in both males and females.
This perfectly explains that 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 probably has the physiological significance of increasing the tolerance to prolonged fatigue. It is no coincidence that in highly trained subjects there is a slower degradation of the endogenous opioids produced during physical activity.
Endorphins would have a further positive effect on sports performance by improving movement coordination and muscle fiber recruitment.
Endorphin addicted hardened sportsmen?
A bit like chocolate and smoking, endorphins can also be addictive. This would explain why there are so many hardened sportsmen who would rather undergo who knows what torture rather than skip a workout! scientific basis in the greater sensitivity to endorphins found in trained subjects.
See also: Training and endorphins
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