2007-02-18 03:51:24 · 5 answers · asked by sylvie s 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
The term "Endorphin" is an abbreviation of "Endogenous Morphine", first quoted by the biochemist Solomon H. Snyder in 1976.
Endorphins are "neurotransmitters", composed of small proteins, produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Endorphins are naturally produced analogs of morphine; in fact, morphine and other opioid drugs work by stimulating receptors in the brain that normally respond to endorphins. Morphine, however is not a protein.
Endorphins suppress pain, relieve stress, and cause an increased feeling of overall well-being. They are produced during vigorous activity, or highly stressful situations, (and I might tentatively add, during sex...) During such situations, endorphins help you stay calm, and keep the brain from being distracted by pain, or stress. In the body, endorphins may work in conjunction with "Endogenous Cannabinoids"; natural analogs of THC - the active ingredient in marijuana.
Endorphins also effect the activity of the heart, lungs, and digestive system, and may cause the muscles and liver to release glucose sugar into the blood.
The action of endorphins can be blocked by morphine antagonists such as Nalaxone or Methadone.
Probably more than you wanted to know.....
~Donkey Hotei
2007-02-18 04:48:07 · answer #1 · answered by WOMBAT, Manliness Expert 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Endorphins do not "rid" the body of anything. They are peptides released by the pituitary gland which act as a sort of natural morphine. As such, endorphins act as pain inhibitors and may give a person an enhanced sense of well being.
They were first discovered in 1976. It has at times been suggested that running tends to release endorphins, and this effect has been called the "runner's high". I have personally experienced the runner's high so tend to believe it to be real, but studies have since cast doubt on the idea that the "runner's high" is caused be the release of endorphins.
2007-02-18 12:09:20 · answer #2 · answered by True Blue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Endorphins are the body's natural pain killer
2007-02-18 11:55:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure that they detox. But they give a high and thus help brain forget the pain signals and help the body perform much longer than otherwise possible.
2007-02-18 12:03:45 · answer #4 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing. They bring feelings of pleasure.
2007-02-18 11:58:19 · answer #5 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋