When the sun finally comes out in spring it seems like everyone is going for a run.
It is well known that physical activity has positive effects on body and mind. And then there is the concept of "runner's high". What exactly is it? Bettina Schmerl uncovers the science behind it.
When accomplishing enduring and physically demanding tasks our body has a built-in reward system. This phenomenon is known as runner’s high, and is described as a sudden euphoria, anxiolysis, relief of pain and an enormous sense of well-being arising after 1-2 hours of exercise [1]. For many years, it has been known that moderate physical activity has positive effects on health of body and mind [2]. This has influenced the clinical sphere as well: Patients with depression can receive huge benefits from physical activity [3].
However, for a long time researchers and physicians doubted the existence of a physical/chemical "runner’s high". How can mere exercise alter our neurochemistry in ways that prescription drugs often can't? This question was partially unravelled when a nuclear medicine diagnostic group from Munich found a candidate agent in runners' brains: endocannabinoids binding to opioid receptors in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system [4]. Their discovery also solved the longstanding mystery of neuroendocrine regulation.
Feeling Good From The Outside... In?
Endorphins (like epinephrine/adrenaline) are released into the peripheral vacular system with exercise, but how do these "feel-good" chemicals cross the blood brain barrier and cause euphoria? The secret is in the chemical nature of endocannabinoids: These lipophilic molecules have no trouble migrating through the barrier, on their way to reward centers in the prefrontal cortex and other areas [2].
Further investigation of the role of endocannabinoid system in animal models of depression and analgesia have identified the underlying molecular mechanisms, and provided a more definitive link between physical activity, and this type of signalling [1,2]. Could exercise, therefore, be the key to treating all kinds of physical and psychological ailments? Or can we mine its chemistry to get all of the benefits... minus the exertion? For now, we still have to keep moving! But stay tuned for new exciting benefits in this field in years to come!
[1] Fuss et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2015
[2] Tantimonaco et al., Cell Mol Life Sci, 2014
[3] Dinas et al., Ir J Med Sci, 2011
[4] Boecker et al., Cereb Cortex, 2008
by Bettina Schmerl, PhD Student AG Shoichet
This article originally appeared June 2016 — Volume 09, Issue 02 in "The Sporty Brain"
It is well known that physical activity has positive effects on body and mind. And then there is the concept of "runner's high". What exactly is it? Bettina Schmerl uncovers the science behind it.
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| by skeeze via pixabay |
When accomplishing enduring and physically demanding tasks our body has a built-in reward system. This phenomenon is known as runner’s high, and is described as a sudden euphoria, anxiolysis, relief of pain and an enormous sense of well-being arising after 1-2 hours of exercise [1]. For many years, it has been known that moderate physical activity has positive effects on health of body and mind [2]. This has influenced the clinical sphere as well: Patients with depression can receive huge benefits from physical activity [3].
However, for a long time researchers and physicians doubted the existence of a physical/chemical "runner’s high". How can mere exercise alter our neurochemistry in ways that prescription drugs often can't? This question was partially unravelled when a nuclear medicine diagnostic group from Munich found a candidate agent in runners' brains: endocannabinoids binding to opioid receptors in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system [4]. Their discovery also solved the longstanding mystery of neuroendocrine regulation.
Feeling Good From The Outside... In?
Endorphins (like epinephrine/adrenaline) are released into the peripheral vacular system with exercise, but how do these "feel-good" chemicals cross the blood brain barrier and cause euphoria? The secret is in the chemical nature of endocannabinoids: These lipophilic molecules have no trouble migrating through the barrier, on their way to reward centers in the prefrontal cortex and other areas [2].
Further investigation of the role of endocannabinoid system in animal models of depression and analgesia have identified the underlying molecular mechanisms, and provided a more definitive link between physical activity, and this type of signalling [1,2]. Could exercise, therefore, be the key to treating all kinds of physical and psychological ailments? Or can we mine its chemistry to get all of the benefits... minus the exertion? For now, we still have to keep moving! But stay tuned for new exciting benefits in this field in years to come!
[1] Fuss et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2015
[2] Tantimonaco et al., Cell Mol Life Sci, 2014
[3] Dinas et al., Ir J Med Sci, 2011
[4] Boecker et al., Cereb Cortex, 2008
by Bettina Schmerl, PhD Student AG Shoichet
This article originally appeared June 2016 — Volume 09, Issue 02 in "The Sporty Brain"
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