MadSci Network: Neuroscience
Query:

Re: Is there any ways out there to trick the body into producing endorphins?

Date: Wed Aug 29 16:08:04 2001
Posted By: Michael Parker, Research Chemist
Area of science: Neuroscience
ID: 998882633.Ns
Message:

Endorphins are natural peptide hormones that act within the brain to 
regulate emotional responses and to regulate pain.  There are many simple 
ways to harmlessly stimulate the release of endorphins – and you don’t 
need to trick the body to do it.  Laughter, physical contact (such as a 
massage), and vigorous exercise are among the ways believed to naturally 
stimulate endorphin release.  Any of these methods could be appropriate 
for use in your science fair project.

Although this would not be appropriate for a science fair project, the 
body can be “tricked” into responding as if endorphins were present when 
they are not.  Some chemicals, such as those in a class called opiates, 
interact at the same receptors within the brain that endorphins use.   
This is how pharmaceutical drugs such as codeine reduce pain.  (And this 
is how illegal drugs such as heroin can cause a brief emotional “high” 
followed by addiction.)

If you want to learn some basic background information about endorphins, 
you should be able to find useful information in a college-level 
biochemistry textbook, or a thorough biology textbook.





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