What is an endorphin?

There is not one endorphin, but several.

They are neuropeptides synthesised by the brain, mainly by two brain glands, the pituitary and the hypothalamus.

They are found in many organs, including the brain and spinal cord.

There are several types, including: beta-endorphin, the most important, and enkephalins.

These hormones bind to morphine receptors in the thalamus and act in a similar way to this opiate.

They are released after 20 to 30 minutes, during moments of physical exertion, intense arousal, pain or orgasm.

Endorphins act on pain.

They also cause a feeling of relaxation, well-being and in some cases euphoria.

Differences with dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a molecule responsible for the transmission of information between nerve cells.

Dopamine is a "pleasure and reward" molecule that is released by the brain during an experience that it finds "pleasurable".

This could be listening to your favourite music, tasting chocolate, chatting with a friend...

Secretion

Endorphins are produced in the brain before being released into the blood and distributed throughout the body.

Sport, love and all forms of pleasure are the best stimulants for its release.

Benefits and effects on the body

• Analgesic: reduces the sensation of pain, a benefit that lasts for about 4 hours.
• Anxiolytic: reduces anxiety and stress. Once released, the effects can last up to 6 hours after exercise.
• In some people it causes drowsiness and relaxation, in others it is more like euphoria.

Foods that release endorphins

Although no food contains endorphins, some foods have the ability to stimulate the release of these hormones in the brain.

This is the case with dark chocolate (the higher the cocoa content, the greater the release), strawberries, oranges, spicy foods, nuts, seeds and grapes.

Endorphin excess: symptoms and causes

As they are molecules produced naturally by the body, it is difficult to speak of an excess.

On the other hand, synthetic endorphins (morphine, heroin, drugs, substitutes, etc.) are not present in physiological doses and can cause addiction and even death by overdose.

They can cause euphoria, hallucinations, insensitivity to pain, insomnia or, on the contrary, hypersomnia.

Endorphin deficiency: symptoms and causes

Brain dysfunction, a psychiatric disorder such as depression or schizophrenia, or certain medications can cause endorphin deficiency.

Malnutrition and chronic pain can also play a role.

Regular exercise also creates a "virtuous" addiction, but if it is suddenly stopped, it can also cause deficiencies that we risk compensating for by eating or drinking too much.