Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. Released bythe hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being.
The name of these hormones comes from the term "endogenous morphine." "Endogenous" because they're produced in our bodies; morphine refers to the opioid painkiller whose actions they mimic.
About 20 different types of endorphins exist. The best studied of these is beta-endorphin, which is the one associated with the runner's high. We also release endorphins when we laugh, fall in love, have sex, and even eat a delicious meal.
How to release endorphins
You can increase your body's endorphin release by engaging in these activities:
- Exercise. A moderately intense pace, whether you're walking fast or doing another form of aerobic activity, seems to be best for releasing endorphins.
- Acupuncture. An effective way to release endorphin is with pressure points. Placing fine needles into the skin at specific points around the body triggers the release of endorphins.
- Meditation. Breathing deeply and focusing your brain calms your mind and eases pain.
- Sex. These hormones are the reason for that blissful feeling many of us get after having sex. Experts believe that endorphins promote the release of other hormones that are involved in feelings of love.
- Playing music. When you sing, dance, or bang on a drum, you do more than entertain others. You also release a rush of endorphins, which research suggests might increase tolerance to pain.
- Laughter. A good belly laugh can do wonders for your state of mind. Along with releasing endorphins, laughter alters levels of serotonin and dopamine.
- Ultraviolet light. It's no wonder that some people feel happy when they spend time outdoors in the sun. Ultraviolet light stimulates the release of beta-endorphins in the skin.
Endorphins are just one of the four feel-good hormones. To learn more about the others and how they work, head to the beginning of this series.
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FAQs
Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. Released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being.
What are endorphins the brain's natural pain reliever? ›
Endorphins are hormones that are released when your body feels pain or stress. They are produced in your brain and act as messengers in your body. Endorphins are produced to help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve mood.
What supplement increases endorphins? ›
Mushroom Supplement Lions Mane Kava Kava Rhodiola Rosea Vitamin B12 Turkey Tail Reishi - Nootropic Mushroom Complex Ashwagandha Magnesium Citrate Turmeric Panax Ginseng Inositol - 60 Caps
- endorphin.
- dopamine supplement.
- endorphin speed 3.
- serotonin.
If you want to increase your endorphin levels, try exercising, having sex, eating chocolate, meditating, or any activity that makes you laugh and have a good time.
What foods release endorphins? ›
In addition to chocolate, the brain will also experience a spike in endorphins if you eat the most palatable food. Whether that's ice cream or French fries, any food that makes you salivate will likely give you an endorphin boost.
What is the strongest natural painkiller? ›
Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. Released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being.
What food is a natural pain reliever? ›
Foods That Fight Pain
- Ginger. 1/9. A staple of traditional medicine, this pungent root is probably best known for its anti-nausea, stomach-soothing properties. ...
- Blueberries. 2/9. ...
- Pumpkin Seeds. 3/9. ...
- Salmon. 4/9. ...
- Turmeric. 5/9. ...
- Tart Cherries. 6/9. ...
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil. 7/9. ...
- Chili Peppers. 8/9.
Research says that vitamin C modulates the release of endorphins. You can easily supplement with vitamin C or try to obtain it directly from your diet.
What herb increases endorphins? ›
Ginseng may benefit people who are feeling fatigued and over-stressed and those recovering from a long illness. The herb has been shown to balance the release of stress hormones in the body and support the organs that produce these hormones. It may also help release endorphins.
What exercise releases the most endorphins? ›
Group fitness classes may actually lead to a higher release of endorphins.
- Moderate exercise can still lead to an endorphin release.
- High-intensity interval training results in more of an endorphin burst.
- Exercises that involve large muscle groups and group fitness classes are ideal for endorphin release.
However, people can become obsessed with feeling the endorphin rush that comes with high endorphin levels. This can cause some people to increase their endorphin levels in unhealthy ways, such as engaging in obsessive exercise or inflicting self-harm.
What happens if you don't have enough endorphins? ›
Endorphins are a type of brain chemical that helps people cope with pain and stress. Healthy levels of endorphins can help people deal with physical pain, moodiness, and symptoms of anxiety or depression. Low endorphin levels may increase a person's risk of body aches and pains, sleep difficulties, and addiction.
How do you treat endorphin deficiency? ›
Treatment. Antidepressants may offer relief if you're struggling with endorphin deficiency. You ideally want to find a medication that acts on the neurotransmitters that are desensitized, meaning they are exhausted due to overstimulation or not working properly.
What drinks release endorphins? ›
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Experiments with mice confirms that drinking low to moderate amounts of alcohol -- but not high amounts -- releases pain-killing "feel-good" substances in the brain called endorphins.
What blocks endorphins? ›
Official answer. Naltrexone is a drug used to treat both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. It binds to the body's endorphin receptors and blocks the effects of alcohol and opioid drugs. This type of drug is called an opioid receptor antagonist.
What increases endorphins the most? ›
Moderate-intensity exercise may be best.
A 2017 study found that 22 participants experienced euphoric feelings linked to endorphin release after an hour of moderate-intensity exercise. Moderate exercise means your heart rate and breathing speed up.
What is brain endorphins? ›
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.
What are happy endorphins in the brain? ›
Endorphin also studied as a neurotransmitter in happiness. Endorphins are endogenous opioid peptides that function as neurotransmitters. They are released during continuous exercise, fear, love, music, chocolates eating, laughter, sex, org*sm etc.
What are the brains pain relieving chemicals? ›
Endorphins are “feel-good” chemicals that your body releases to help relieve pain or stress, as well as in response to a range of other activities. Regularly increasing your endorphin levels can also boost your mood and brain function, reduce inflammation, and may help protect against certain diseases.
Are endorphins natural opioids? ›
Endogenous morphine, coined by the morphing of the two descriptive terms into endorphins, are opioid neuropeptides that are naturally produced in the body that serve a primary function as an agent blocking the perception of pain and, additionally, present in cases of pleasure.
