You guys know that great feeling you get after an intense workout or cardio session?

Those feelings are apparently caused by endorphins. According to Wikipedia: They are opioid peptides produced by the pituitary glands and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise and intense feelings like excitement or pain. They function as neurotransmitters in your body and have the abilities to produce a feeling of well-being.

I found a good article called "what causes runner`s high?" recently posted by the new york times here. Basically researchers are trying to determine what causes these feelings of well being and satisfaction after strenuous workouts. We assume they are endorphins, but researchers say that endorphins are their molecules are too big to bypass the blood brain barrier. So researchers have looked into other possible causes, such as the involvement of the endocannabinoid system.

I'll post cliffs about the article indicating the main points.

CLIFFS:
- people assume its endorphins that are released in the body after a strenuous workout or running session.
- researchers say that endorphins are too big molecules that aren't able to pass the blood-brain barrier.
- researchers believe the endocannabinoid system is more likely responsible for the feeling instead of endorphins.
- One study found increased blood levels of endocannabinoid molecules in groups of college students after a 50 minute treadmill or stationary bicycle session.
- They say endocannabinoid molecules act like cannabis, the active ingredient in marijuana that group as receptors and bind to the nervous system to produce reactions of reduced pain, anxiety, and increased relaxation and well-being.
- They tested rats by blocking their endocannabinoid receptors, causing no increase in forming new brain cells.
- Another test bred mice with no functioning endocannabinoid receptors, leading to the mices only running half as much as they normally would.

Its definitely an interesting topic to discuss about..learning about what happens naturally in our body and the physiological and psychological aspect behind it. I enjoy reading articles like these discussing the science behind exercise and fitness. I'll try to post more articles relating to the topics of fitness trends, products, and exercise tips. Cheers