02/03/2018
After a nice long bout of aerobic exercise, some people experience what is known as a 'runners high' - a feeling of euphoria and a sense of well being. For decades, scientists have associated this phenomenon with an increased level of endorphins - natural opioid peptides released in the body, which create feelings of euphoria. This idea has recently come under scrutiny. The molecules creating these opioid peptides are too large to pass through the blood-brain barrier and they would be too big to make their way to the brain, when released during exercise. Some researchers have started to focus on ENDOCANNABINOIDS, the organic derivatives of cannabis found in the body instead. They are small enough to pass through the blood-brain barrier and when released in the blood stream have similar effect as opioids, reducing pain & anxiety and fostering feelings of well being. So it's not necessarily the endorphins that make us happy after we exercise but ENDOCANNABINOIDS which are the new kids on the block. Personally, I find this theory fascinating and I am currently researching the topic.
