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ENDORPHDecember 2012

WHAT IS A NEUROTRANSMITTER ?

A neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse. By diffusing across the synapse or junction, it causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure (chemicals that pass along signals from one neuron to the next).

Where: Neurotransmitters are packaged into synaptic vesicles clustered beneath the membrane in the axon terminal, on the presynaptic side of a synapse.

What they do: Neurotransmitters play a key role in the function of the central nervous system and can either prompt or suppress the further signaling of nearby neurons.

INSEndorphins act the

same as morphine or other opiates without

the addiction

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Want to know more?Stress and pain are two factors that influence the release of endorphins. Endorphins interact with opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain. Endorphins act similarly to drugs such as morphine and codeine. Unlike opiates though, endorphins do not lead to addiction. Not only are pain receptors reduced but endorphins also lead to feelings of euphoria or happiness and an enhancement of the immune response. We feel fewer effects of stress when our endorphin levels are high. An example would be what runners will call a “runner’s high” after prolonged exercise. While it is somewhat of a continued controversy between doctors and scientists, it is agreed at least that endorphins are released after continuous exercise. Endorphins are excitatory neurotransmitters. After laughing excessively, or working out, the feelings you have are endorphins and can last up to twelve hours. Their effects on the body are very beneficial. Endorphins can lower blood pressure which can be preventative for heart disease; they boost your immune system, slow down your

body’s aging process, and reduce anxiety and pain. Humans have more than 20 different types of endorphins in our bodies. Scientists have found that

some endorphins have been found to kill cancer cells. Endorphin levels do vary between

individuals and two people who have exercised the same mount will not necessarily be producing the same amount of endorphins. There are some foods that have been known to trigger the

release of endorphins like chili peppers and chocolate. (Not at the same time though.) If

the body does experience a large amount of endorphin release and then the levels of endorphins go down, then the body will go into withdrawal somewhat, like runners after a long period of running often and then stopping, or or women after giving birth that experience postpartum depression. If the body releases too few endorphins then that is when a person experiences more stress, fatigue, and possibly depression.

Endorphins help

overcome stress

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Endorphin Deficiency Syndrome is a condition that lacks the production of endorphins. A deficiency of hormones causes depression, chronic unexplained pain, and a low tolerence for pain. This disease is often mistaken for depressive disorders. As a result of this, people “self-medicate” themselves with starchy junk food followed by tobacco use, alcohol consumption, prescription drugs, or street drugs. Symptoms include a weak immune system, no runner’s high, allergies, and hypersensitivity. Thankfully, there are a few way to boost one’s endorphin level other than exercise. These include acupuncture, eating capsaicin (found in chili peppers), and taking nutritional supplements, such as D-Phenylalanine.

The easiest way

to get an

“Endorphin high”

is to exercise or laugh

ENDORPHIN DEFICIENCY SYNDROME IS A CONDITION THAT RESULTS IN A LACK OF ENDORPHINS. TO FEEL BETTER, THEY SELF- MEDICATE. THIS DISEASE CAN BE MISTAKEN AS DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS. A DEFICIENCY OF ENDORPHINS CAUSES DEPRESSION, CHRONIC UNEXPLAINED PAIN, AND A LOW TOLERANCE FOR PAIN. THIS PERSON MAY CRY FOR NO REASON AT ALL. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE

EXTRAS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sk0BFpaPcQ

http://www.wikihow.com/Release-Endorphins

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/how-to-maximize-your-endorphins-high.html

Madi Kreuser, Maggie Eisfelder, Katelyn Jacobsen