The term endorphins was created by combining the two words: endo<\/b>genous morphin<\/b>e. These compounds trigger a natural high in our brains which encourages us to repeat the experience that produced it. Addictive drugs like heroin hijack this process to create dependency, but plenty of natural and healthy experiences, supplements, and foods act on this system to make us feel pretty good.This post will discuss ways that you can either increase endorphins or activate the body’s opioid system.<\/p>\n
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The brain opioid systems play an important role in motivation<\/b><\/a>, emotion, attachment behavior, the response to <\/b>stress<\/b><\/a> and <\/b>pain<\/b><\/a>, and the control of food intake<\/b> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n There are four opioid receptors in our brain: mu-opioid (MOR), kappa-opioid (KOR), delta-opioid (DOR) and nociceptin (NOP). <\/b>Activating these receptors or increasing the molecules that bind to them will produce an opioid high.<\/p>\n Activation of the mu receptor by a substance such as morphine causes sedation, euphoria and decreased respiration [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although morphine increases sedation, it decreases the total amount of deep sleep<\/a> and rapid eye movement sleep in humans [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Individual differences in the function of the mu-receptor system predict personality traits that confer vulnerability to or resiliency against risky behaviors such as the predisposition to develop substance use disorders [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Molecules that bind to delta opioid receptors show robust evidence of both antidepressant effects and also increase of BDNF<\/a> production in the brain in animal models of depression<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n They also protect against heart damage from strokes by preconditioning our heart [R<\/a>]. DORs are neuroprotective as well and work in part by reducing TNF<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Activation of delta receptors produces some pain relief, although less than that of mu-opioid activators [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Kappa activation actually produces a bad mood (dysphoria), some pain relief (analgesic), and increased urination (diuretic). In high doses, kappa opioid activators may produce hallucinations [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Activation of the KOR opposes many of the effects of the MOR and can prevent addiction to morphine, alcohol, and cocaine<\/a>. It can cause an appetite increase and is activated by stress [R<\/a>]. KOR activation causes a release of prolactin<\/a>, a hormone known for its important role in learning, neuronal plasticity, and myelination [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n These are among the factors that are currently under investigation<\/b> for their potential to release endorphins, activate opioid receptors, or re-sensitize the brain after addiction or trauma. Many of these are limited to animal studies, meaning that there is no clinical evidence to support using or taking them to activate your opioid receptors.<\/b><\/p>\n In the next sections, we\u2019ll discuss many of them in more detail. Talk to your doctor before making significant changes to your diet, exercise, or supplement regimen.<\/p>\n These strategies have been investigated in clinical trials, but the evidence is not considered strong enough to determine effectiveness. Talk to your doctor before making significant changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement regimen.<\/p>\n Physical exertion can release opioids to produce a mental state famously called the \u201crunner\u2019s high\u201d [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Researchers have found that light-to-moderate weight training or cardiovascular exercise doesn\u2019t produce endorphins for roughly the first hour, or until the body crosses from aerobic to anaerobic exercise. Power-based heavy weights or training that incorporates sprinting or other anaerobic exertion are required to quickly produce endorphins [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n When your body crosses over from an aerobic state to an anaerobic state, it has to operate without enough oxygen to satisfy the muscles and cells screaming out for it. This is when the \u201crunner\u2019s high\u201d occurs [R<\/a>].<\/p>\nMu-Opioid Receptors<\/span><\/h3>\n
Delta-Opioid Receptors<\/span><\/h3>\n
Kappa-Opioid Receptors<\/span><\/h3>\n
A Natural, Drug-Free High?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Top Strategies (Likely Effective)<\/span><\/h2>\n
1) Exercise<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n