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In other words, a runner’s high is a short-lived, deep state of euphoria where a feeling of relaxation washes over him/her. Euphoria is simply a state of extreme joy or delight.
It usually occurs after intense or prolonged exercise. As previously mentioned, people who experience runner status claim to feel less anxious and less in pain immediately after a long run.
However, not everyone experiences the same intensity of a runner’s high because the experience is subjective. You have to cover those extra miles in one go to achieve a runner’s high. For some people, bridging such a long distance may be very unlikely.
The connection between body and brain in response to running
Runner’s high is not the only side effect of running or exercising. The benefits of running go beyond our cardiovascular health.
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“When people participate in strenuous cardiovascular exercise such as running, their bodies release endorphins, which are natural painkillers that promote feelings of fatigue. fun and happiness. Endorphins work with the pain receptors in the brain that sense pain, reduce stress and regulate mood. This connection makes a runner feel superior. In addition, these act as natural painkillers that help you endure longer periods of running or other exercises,” says the expert.
For years, scientists have pandered to the idea that endorphins are responsible for runner’s high. Somehow it made sense, considering they had a lot of advantages.
The relationship between runner’s high and endorphins
Only recently have researchers revealed that endorphins have less to do with runner’s high. Instead, they found a new molecule: endocannabinoids. These molecules affect your endocannabinoid system, the same system that is affected by the active compound in cannabis.
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Long periods of exercise release endocannabinoids into your bloodstream. So if you feel euphoric or very relaxed after running, we can safely admit that these are the molecules responsible.
Endorphins are large molecules. They are indeed microscopic and difficult to see with the naked eye, but compared to other chemicals in the body they are considerably large.
Due to their large size, they cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. These molecules act as a nuisance and prevent certain pathogens and other molecules from entering your brain. However, endorphins cannot penetrate and reach your brain.
On the other hand, endocannabinoids are small molecules and small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier. These, as mentioned earlier, act on the receptors in your endocannabinoid system.
Anandamide, a type of endocannabinoid, is found in high concentrations in the blood of people who have just run. According to some research, anandamide can cause a runner’s high.
However, research clarifying the link between the body and the brain regarding endocannabinoids is still limited.
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