Everyone assumes we really feel nice after train due to our endorphins, the naturally occurring opiates within the physique. Nevertheless it seems we really feel good as a consequence of our endocannabinoids (our physique’s personal naturally occurring marijuana) which kick in after we ramp up the center price. Gretchen Reynolds of the NYT simply reported on a brand new examine to show that endocannabinoids had been extra of an element than endorphins. 

Scientists had been skeptical of endorphins as the principle think about exercise-induced euphoria as a result of they don’t cross the blood-brain barrier, however endocannabinoids do cross. In a latest examine, volunteer runners had been break up into two group: one obtained a drug that blocked the opiate receptors, and the opposite group obtained a placebo. Each teams ran for 45 minutes, and equally reported feeling a buzz after the run; which means the group with opiate blockers nonetheless felt the identical excessive. The teams repeated the train assessments by strolling and never working for 45 minutes. In that case, not one of the folks skilled an train excessive. 

Dr. John Ratey writes in his e book Spark that there are just a few chemical compounds within the mind that carry temper and scale back nervousness. He’s not writing particularly about feeling excessive, however simply feeling higher. Train will increase the degrees of BDNF, a neuropeptide within the mind that reduces stress and lifts temper. He additionally mentions phenethylamine, a psychostimulant, and anandamide (a cannabinoid) that each trigger emotions of euphoria. 

At Cardio Excessive we like intense train due to the best way it makes the physique really feel. A sloggy jog makes us really feel simply okay, barely higher than a session sitting on the sofa. However breaking a sweat and hitting 80+% for even just some minutes makes us really feel manner higher and improves power for hours after a session. It seems naturally occurring “weed” could also be an essential contributor to those constructive emotions. 

Pricey Dr. S –

A number of the commenters within the NYT article identified “…it’d simply be simpler to take a seat again and simply spark up a joint to get a runner’s high…” What’s your tackle this less complicated method?

Dr S. replies:

I like endocannabinoids, however THC has been demonstrated to be actively dangerous to the mind. ENDOcannabinoids are made and controlled by the physique. You’re by no means going to flood your receptors and start to downregulate them. Additionally, Pure THC unbalanced by protecting CBD has no chemical “brake” for paranoia, dysphoria or psychosis. If you happen to’re inhaling THC, you might be damaging your lungs. If you happen to use edibles, you might be nonetheless doing harm to your mind with out all the opposite advantages that train supplies. I like to recommend hitting the gymnasium as an alternative of the native weed store.