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Endorphin and runners' high link shown
A German university study has shown that 'runners' high' is linked to endorphins for the first time.
The link between the endorphins - which are the body's own opioids - has long been suspected, but no conclusive proof has been found until research was undertaken by Technische Universitat and the University of Bonn.
Researchers recorded images of opioid receptors of ten athletes who they monitored before and after a two-hour jogging session, which showed that they became blocked resulting in endorphins 'flooding' the brain.
"We could validate for the first time an endorphin driven runner's high and identify the affected brain area," said Professor Henning Boecker, who co-ordinated the research.
"Moreover, we observed a significant increase of the euphoria and happiness ratings compared to the ratings before the running exercise," he continued.
The research backs up the long-held view that endurance sports, such as running, can reduce stress and anxiety and improve moods, as well as provide benefits for individuals in chronic pain.
About.com also claims other benefits for jogging, including weight losses, improved cardio-vascular fitness and fighting the aging process.
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