Why do we need endorphins?

Le endorphins are our body's natural pain relievers and help improve and stabilize mood; these chemicals are naturally produced by the body during pleasurable activities (physical activity, sexual activity, laughter), but also during painful experiences.

Let's find out why we need endorphins and how to increase their levels naturally.

Index

What are endorphins and what are they used for?

Endorphins, or endogenous opioids, are groups of protein chains called peptides and are released by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland; they act on the receptors to relieve pain and promote feelings of pleasure.

Benefits

There are many benefits of endorphins:

Reduction of pain and discomfort
Reduction of stress and anxiety
Increased pleasure
Reduction of inflammatory states
Increase self-esteem
Mood improvement
Stronger immune system.

Shortage

If your body doesn't produce enough endorphins, you may be at risk for developing certain health conditions and symptoms, such as:

Stronger and more frequent pains
Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Sulking
Addiction
Difficulty sleeping
Frequent migraines.

How to Increase Endorphin Levels Naturally?

Let's see some natural methods to increase endorphins:

Physical exercise: Moderate to intense aerobic exercise and strength training can lead to an increase in endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Even non-intense physical activities such as cycling, running, gardening help to increase their levels
To laugh: laughter is one of the best medicines; laughing releases endorphins and other feel-good hormones and helps reduce stress and pain
Listening to music: the music helps support well-being and good mood; music therapy is becoming more and more popular and effective even in hospital settings
Acupuncture: this technique comes from Chinese medicine and has recently spread also in the West, proving to be an effective treatment against pain and various ailments. It involves inserting small needles into the skin to stimulate the central nervous system; this leads to the release of many chemicals, including endorphins
Dark chocolate: dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols such as i flavonoids which stimulate the brain to release endorphins; it is also a source of caffeine and this contributes to a good mood. The ideal is a dark chocolate at least 75%.
Sexual activity: sexual activity promotes the release of endorphins, dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter associated with the sense of trust
Dance: dancing can be a lot of fun and, above all, it's good for your health; is a form of cardiorespiratory exercise that increases heart rate and releases endorphins. Additionally, dancing in group settings can increase social connection and reduce stress levels
Meditation: meditation is a practice that requires the training of one's awareness; this activity promotes health by activating the nervous system and reduces the body's stress response system.

And you, did you know the powers of endorphins? Let us know in the comments and remember to follow us on our Telegram channel
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