Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA or noradrenaline are already known.

These are substances that act at a cerebral level contributing to the transmission of information between different neurons , causing a great diversity of effects at a physiological, cognitive, emotional and behavioural level. We know that dopamine participates in the brain’s reward mechanism, that serotonin is the so-called tranquillity hormone or that noradrenaline helps us to remain awake and alert.

However, in addition to these substances, there are other neurotransmitters of great relevance to our lives, being the molecules that cause us feelings of true satisfaction and happiness, as well as those that help us endure pain. We are talking about endorphins.

Getting to know endorphins

Endorphins are a type of endogenous neuropeptide, that is, chains of proteins made by the body itself , which are in charge of stimulating the brain areas that produce pleasure in the body. These substances are also known as endogenous opiates, because their chemical composition and action is very similar to that of opium derivatives such as heroin and morphine. These are molecules which generally do not produce a nerve signal by themselves, but which modulate and alter the neuronal sensitivity to other substances.

The synthesis of endorphins takes place mainly in the pituitary gland or pineal gland, a brain structure that through the secretion of hormones regulates the balance of the body, participating in processes as relevant as growth and maturation, sexuality and metabolism. From this structure, endorphins are distributed throughout the rest of the nervous system. Their presence has also been observed in the gastrointestinal system.

Their absence or a low level of them induces depressive and anxious symptoms , making it more difficult to overcome aversive situations and traumas. Furthermore, it facilitates the fall and/or relapse into addiction to substances that can simulate their effect.

Basic functions of endorphins

Endorphins are really important substances in our lives, participating in very diverse processes and contributing to the adaptation capacity of the human being. Some of their basic functions are as follows.

1. The molecules of happiness

His best known performance has to do with feelings of pleasure , which is why they are known as the hormones of happiness.

In this aspect they create a sense of well-being and calm both on a physical and mental level, which induces a feeling of happiness. In fact, this makes their segregation perceived by the organism as a kind of reward, which leads us to repeat the behavior that causes this mechanism of hormone release.

2. Inhibition of physical pain

Another of the main and also best known functions of endorphins is based on the inhibition of pain. When we give ourselves a blow or make a cut or make an extreme effort the tissues of the organism emit signals to the nociceptors or receptors of pain that they possess. However, when these signals reach the brain, the pituitary responds by almost immediately releasing endorphins.

This release temporarily inhibits or decreases the sensation of pain , allowing the body to be able to make a life-saving adaptive response. This, for example, would allow us to escape from a predator or a fight despite being injured. It is what causes that when we break a bone the initial pain is not as intense as the pain that will be felt later, once we are relaxed.

3. Inhibition of psychoemotional pain

In the previous point we have talked about the role of endorphins in inhibiting physical pain. Endorphins also act in the same way in the face of psychological suffering , such as that produced by painful life events, trauma, stress or anxiety.

When we are given bad news or a painful event occurs, such as the death of a loved one, the initial response often seems to have no immediate effect, acting as if nothing has happened.

It is speculated that this phase is due to the production of endorphins that inhibit pain at the psychic level, since these substances reduce the level of initial tension and stress. It is explained in this way that before certain situations of stress, somatic symptoms are produced once this has been resolved although these were not produced in the stressful situation itself. The endorphins could act by compensating this discomfort.

4. Influence on immune system

Depressed moods and persistent stress decrease over time the immune system’s ability to cope with external microorganisms. This is why when we are in a stressful time it is easier to get sick both then and after the situation has passed. The release of endorphins, however, produces a strengthening of this system by improving the emotional situation and allowing the coping with painful situations.

5. Memory and attention

Apart from the effects mentioned, it has been proven that these substances participate in the memory and attention, facilitating it as well as increasing the capacity and many stimuli are associated to emotional states.

6. Participation in sexuality

Several studies reflect that the release of endorphins has a very relevant role in sexuality , facilitating desire and inducing the synthesis and release of hormones that predispose to the maintenance of relationships. Likewise, it is one of the types of substances that facilitate romantic bonds between the members of the couple, by provoking feelings of happiness and well-being.

Situations and behaviors that enhance the production of this neurotransmitter

The action of endorphins helps us feel happy and decrease painful sensations both physically and emotionally. It has been observed that some activities and situations favor their production, such as the following.

1. Laughing

Studies show that laughing sincerely produces endorphins . Joking and a sense of humour can help both ourselves and others to improve our mood and make us happier.

Attending laughter therapy sessions has also been shown to have a certain level of effectiveness, since laughter is generally contagious due to the activity of mirror neurons. In fact, even if it is not a sincere laugh, the muscular effort already causes the secretion of endorphins, which in turn facilitates the appearance of a genuine laugh.

2. Fulfilling an objective

The fact of achieving something desired also produces a deep satisfaction , which translates into an increase in the production of endorphins. The feeling of achievement and the achievement of the goal, whether there is an extrinsic reward or not, improves our well-being. Especially when the level of effort employed has been high.

3. Have sex

Maintaining relationships in a satisfactory manner is another activity that generates a high level of endorphins . In fact, along with other substances such as oxytocin and progesterone, endorphins are excreted just after orgasm.

4. Physical exercise

It is common knowledge that running or doing sports generates endorphins . Specifically, cardiovascular and aerobic exercises are recommended, as they produce a higher level of physical effort, a greater sense of achievement and greater subsequent satisfaction.

5. Relaxing

The synthesis of endorphins does not depend only on performing a specific action . Often it is enough just to relax. Taking a bath, listening to music, reading something for pleasure or simply meditating can generate a lot of endorphins, especially after a stressful day.

6. Sleep

Maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential to keep endorphin production high. That is why after a good night’s sleep we usually wake up in a good mood, and vice versa in the case of a bad night’s sleep. Satisfactory sleep facilitates a positive attitude and the presence of energy needed to perform any activity.

7. Caresses, kisses and massages

Physical contact with another person generally means, assuming that neither the person nor the situation is aversive to us, an increase in endorphin production if it is done with a certain level of precision. If you have a positive emotional bond with the person who or what you are doing these actions with, the increase in endorphin production is much greater. It reduces the level of cortisol and blood pressure and improves the connection with the other person .

8. Falling in love

More than once we have heard that love is like a drug . The truth is that this expression is more correct than we think, because the feelings of happiness and satisfaction we feel when we fall in love are produced at a biochemical level by endorphins, along with other substances such as dopamine and noradrenaline.

9. The tail biting whale

Looking at different situations or activities that cause the release of endorphins, it is possible to realize that, in general, it is the fact of feeling good or happy that causes these substances to be released . Thus, it can be observed that although endorphins cause the feeling of happiness, this feeling of happiness in turn causes the synthesis of endorphins. In this way, allowing oneself to enjoy the small moments of happiness causes us to be happier at that moment and also to tend to have more such moments.

A risk

The production of endorphins and the maintenance of the sensations they produce is something very desirable and sought after by most people. However, it is necessary to take into account that these are substances that, although they are generated endogenously and therefore do not produce a hook by themselves, represent a high level of well-being that can be actively or even compulsively sought by the individual .

Thus, the behaviors used to reach a level of endorphins that makes us feel good can easily become addictive, and can produce tolerance, dependence and withdrawal problems. This can lead to compulsive sensation seeking and even promote highly risky behaviors. Likewise, in some people this search for the replication of the effects of endorphins leads to the consumption of different drugs, with the dangers and side effects that they imply.

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