Endorphins & Integrative Medicine

Beta Endorphins, the endogenous opiates, have been the subject ofrnmany recent publications.
Beta Endorphin levels have positive effects, particularly on mood and
behaviour. Endorphins increased after aerobic exercise, massage, and sex.
Beta-endorphin is composed of the 31 amino acids and influence the sensation
of pain and well being. It has been shown also to Control the craving for
chocolate and and potentially addictive substances.
Endorphins also Control feelings of stress and frustration.
It Regulate the production of growth and sex hormones andr
Reduce symptoms associated with eating disorders.
Endorphins (“endogenous morphine”) are endogenous opioid peptides that function as neurotransmitters.
They are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise, excitement, pain, consumption of spicy food, love and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being.
The term endorphin implies a pharmacological activity (analogous to the activity of the corticosteroid category of biochemicals) as opposed to a specific chemical formulation. It consists of two parts: endo- and -orphin; these are short forms of the words endogenous and morphine,intended to mean “a morphine-like substance originating from within the body.
The term endorphin rush has been adopted in popular speech to refer to feelings of exhilaration brought on by pain, danger, or other forms of stress, supposedly due to the influence of endorphins. When a nerve impulse reaches the spinal cord, endorphins that prevent nerve cells from releasing more pain signals are released. Immediately after injury, endorphins allow animals to feel a sense of power and control over themselves that allows them to persist with activity for an extended time.
The human body produces at least 20 different endorphins with possible benefits and uses that researchers are investigating. Beta-endorphin appears to be the endorphin that seems to have the strongest affect on the brain and body during exercise; it is one kind of peptide hormone that is formed mainly by Tyrosine, an amino acid. The molecular structure is very similar to morphine but with different chemical properties.
While many people are vaguely aware that the blissful feelings one experiences after sex may be endorphin related, few are aware that endorphins are naturally produced by a wide range of activities like meditation, deep breathing, ribald laughter, eating spicy food, or receiving acupuncture treatments or chiropractic adjustments. Fewer still know that endorphins are actually good for health, and can play a role in helping drug and alcohol abusers overcome their addiction. Let’s explore some of the dynamics of endorphins and how they affect our daily lives.
Although more research needs to be done, endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the bodymind: they enhance the immune system, they relieve pain, they reduce stress, and postpone the aging process. Scientists also have found that beta-endorphins can activate human NK (Natural Killer) cells and boost the immune system against diseases and kill cancer cells. In contrast to short-intensity workouts like sprinting or weightlifting, prolonged, continuous exercise like running, long-distance swimming, aerobics, cycling or cross-country skiing appears to contribute to an increased production and release of endorphins. This results in a sense of euphoria that has been popularly labeled the “runner’s high.”
Dr. George Grant participated in early research[1981] in isolating Beta Endorphins in neonates at the faculty pharmacy, University of Sask. and the neonatal unit at the faculty of Medicine, University of Sask. with Dr. Wayne Hindmarsh, assistant dean of Pharmacy at Univrsity of Sask. currently Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto and Dr. Sankaran, Facutly of Medicine.
Dr. K. Wayne Hindmarsh, PhD; Dr. K.Sankaran,t MB FRCPC FAAP
CAN MED ASSOC J, VOL. 132, FEBRUARY 15, 1985