Endorphins

Surely by now we have all seen the movie Legally Blonde. Specifically a scene that Elle Woods mentions the hormone endorphins. Goes a little something like…

“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't.”

Okay, now that we are all on the same page. What are endorphins? Endorphins are polypeptides created by the pituitary gland and CNS (Central Nervous  system.) Endorphins essentially help us (humans) to deal with stress and also are a source of pain relief. Ever notice a “high” after you get done with a tough  workout? This pleasure effect is partly related to the increase of dopamine production that occurs due to endorphin activity.

So, what types of exercises produce the greatest amount of endorphins?

Studies show that any exercise that is strenuous, elevates the heart rate and/or, most importantly, something you enjoy will produce endorphins. Exercise efforts should last for at least 30 minutes. After these types of activities, participants may feel an increase in mood, a decrease in tension, depression, and anger.

Good news! There are several foods that will trigger an endorphin release. Here are a few favorites:

• Dark Chocolate
• Boost production of endorphins. Dark chocolate is also rich in iron, zinc and magnesium.

• Animal Protein
• Animal protein such as eggs, contain a full amino acid profile. Amino acids are linked to endorphin production. (GABA – gamma amino butyric acid)

• Oranges
• Vitamin C in oranges is shown to boost the production of endorphins in the brain

• Spicy Foods
• Studies show that the body releases endorphins as a “painkiller” to protect consumer from the spice!

Overall, the more endorphins that we produce day to day the happier we will be! Let’s get those endorphins pumping! Get up and move your body, laugh, eat  some dark chocolate…ENJOY!