A runners high is defined as the euphoric feeling often described by individuals after prolonged aerobic exercise such as a long distance run. Originally, endorphins were thought to be the key players responsible for the biologically induced feeling. Although endorphin production is increased post exercise, several studies show that endorphins are incapable of crossing the blood brain barrier, making them unlikely to be the cause of pleasure response production in the brain post-run. Scientists have found that our bodies can produce natural cannabinoids termed as endocannabinoids that circulate throughout the body including the brain.
Similar in function to exogenous cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol from the C. sativa plant, endocannabinoids are naturally occurring lipid based neurotransmitters that bind to receptor binding sites found in both the central and peripheral nervous system. Upon binding of the endocannabinoid, the neurotransmitter elicits a pleasure response. After responses are triggered, enzymes help break down excess endocannabinoids in the blood.
Apart from triggering such responses, endocannabinoids play a role in many physiological mechanisms associated with maintaining body homeostasis, energy, metabolism, mood, memory, pain relief and immune response. A study was conducted where either endorphin receptors or cannabinoid receptors were blocked to examine the resulting effects on triggering pleasure responses. While blocking endorphin receptors had no effect, inhibiting cannabinoid receptors reduced beneficial effects of exercise on euphoric mood changes, pain and anxiety. So what are you waiting for? Go get that workout in!
Read more at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22442371/
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