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Endorphins
· Indicators of Endorphin Levels · Inhibitors of Endorphin Release · Effects · Autism
"Any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and causing an analgesic [relieves pain] effect." Compact Oxford English Dictionary: Endorphin
"But opposing evidence contradicts this hypothesis stating that perhaps it is not a lack of endorphins, but rather an excess of endorphins, or even that endorphins are not a factor in the depression question at all." The History and Future of Endorphins in Depression
"Endorphin- and serotonine-metabolism are closely related, and opioid peptides can directly inhibit serotonine release. (23) Therefore, besides sleeplessness, opioid peptides can also cause depressions. In chronically depressed people, free endorphin level is 3 fold higher (24) (because part of endorphin receptors have been destroyed)" Foods Causing Depressions and Sleeplessness
“lordwolf00 [someone’s user name]
starts off with the claim that ‘spinal jarring’ leads to endorphin
production. You may recall that this led to a ‘huh? What? I *doubt* it!’
response from me, and a promise to look it up in the medlit [medical
literature?] and report back. He wrote.... One theory
about physical play induced subspace is that when the spine is being
jarred even with light blows it sends a signal to the brain to produce
endorphins, I do not in any way advocate striking the spine, the spine
should be avoided at all costs. But it is the reaction to any shock, even
the shock of jogging that causes the spinal column to react.” Spyral Fox: Endorphins and Vibration (cached
by ‘Google’) “In his
post, lordwolf00 gave one specific example of something he claimed as an
example. However, ‘runners high’ is *NOT* linked to spinal jarring. The best theory I found is that ‘runner's
high is mediated by increased endorphin release as induced by placebo
responses arising from subjective expectancies and setting.’ For more details
on that, see: Hinton, ER; Taylor, S. Does placebo
response mediate runner's high? Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1986 Jun,
62(3):789-90. A somewhat later article, with
presumably more details on the biochemistry of it all, has an *alternate*
explanation for the endorphin release: Thoren,
Peter; Floras, John S.; Hoffmann, Pavel; Seals, Douglas R. Endorphins and
exercise: Physiological mechanisms and clinical implications. Medicine &
Science in Sports & Exercise. 1990 Aug. 22 (4): p.417-428. Abstract: ‘... prolonged rhythmic exercise can activate central
opioid systems by triggering increased discharge from mechano- sensitive
afferent nerve fibers (Group III or A-delta) arising from contracting
skeletal muscle. Evidence is reviewed that supports the concept that many of
the cardiovascular, analgesic, and behavioral effects of exercise are
mediated by this mechanism and that the same or similar mechanisms are
responsible for the central and peripheral effects of acupuncture.’” Spyral Fox: Endorphins and Vibration (cached
by ‘Google’)
Spyral Fox: Endorphins and Vibration (cached
by ‘Google’)
Spyral Fox: Endorphins and Vibration (cached
by ‘Google’) Pain The release of endorphins is caused by all pain, including eating spicy foods; masochism Endorphins - The Feel-good Molecules Overexposure to Light Endorphins are released by overexposure to light.
Other Causes Endorphins are released by both laughter and stress; sexual activity; exercise; endorphins cause euphoria Imagine YourHealth...look better...feel better...live longer!
Sweet Foods "First of all, the sheer pleasure of tasting a chocolate treat or powdery donut stimulates your brain's pleasure pathways and the release of dopamine and endorphins, the chemicals that makes you feel exhilarated."
Note: It may be wise to avoid the sweetener 'Aspartame'. "Aspartame is broken down into substances that are unhealthy for the brain, but the body may be able to protect the brain from limited amounts. "Maybe the normal safeguards break down with time, with stress, and with heavy exposure," Barth says. People with brain injury may be especially vulnerable to the effects of aspartame, as are the elderly and young children. And future studies might need to look at long-term memory problems after years of heavy aspartame use." What's Put in Your Mouth Could Go to Your Head
According to the book Food & Mood, chocolate sweetened by aspartame may produce more endorphins than chocolate sweetened with sugar.
Sugar Rush You also get a quick surge of energy as the sugar hits your bloodstream. Unfortunately, that energized feeling lasts only as long as the sugar rush. Once your blood-sugar levels drop (about an hour or two later), you're left feeling drained and out of sorts.You become an addict looking for another hit."
Hypervigilence, Trauma "Endorphins also persist during freeze/immobility, rendering the animal analgesic in the face of the injury from the attack…In the event of lack of completion of the freeze/immobility response, however, persistent recurrent dissociation with associated endophinergic reward might well potentiate the kindled trauma reflex. Endorphinergic influences might also contribute to the phenomenon of compulsive trauma reenactment (van der Kolk, 1989)." http://www.trauma-pages.com/scaer-2001.htm
Acupuncture · http://www.npsnet.com/holimed/acuPrinc.html
Crying · http://www.edwardwillett.com/Columns/crying.htm
Tickling and Laughing · http://www.thelaugher.com/Stress.htm
'Calming' Music · http://wiwi.essortment.com/musiceffectmoo_rqxu.htm
Drums, Alpha Rhythm "It’s the state of mind known as 'flow,' says Dr. Reuer. When musicians, and amateur drummers, find themselves in flow, especially at a slower, steady beat [an alpha rhythm], they can shift into a rhythm of deep relaxation and expanded awareness. These 'altered' states, she says, release the flow of endorphins—'feel-good' chemicals that can help improve, if even for a short time, your quality of life."
"Alpha rhythms tend to stimulate the release of the pleasure neurochemicals - endorphins, dopamine and norepinephrine. This is more so with the frequent use of alpha sound frequencies." http://www.mindtech.co.uk/soundfrequencies3.html
Avoid Transcendental Meditation, Mantras, Chants It may be wise to avoid transcendental meditation or mantra meditation.I've found articles on the Internet which claim that these forms of meditation can actually cause a release of endorphins, depersonalization and derealization--among other things. http://unstress4less.org/default.htm
Sound, Vibration http://holistic-alt.com/StarBed.htm
Shower Massagers Some shower massagers stimulate acupressure points and scalp nerve endings, and can cause a release of endorphins.
Erogenous Zones (Including the Ear) Stimulating the erogenous zones, including the ear, can cause a release of endorphins.
Massaging the Scalp Massaging the scalp can cause a release of endorphins. Does washing or brushing your hair also increase endorphin levels?
Histamine-Provoked Itch, Naloxone "Endorphins and enkephalins are important opioid neurotransmitters in the CNS that mediate the sensation of itch. Although morphine alleviates pain, it aggravates itch, as itch and pain share common neurological pathways. The central elicitation of itch by morphine results from binding to opioid receptors and this binding may mimic normal physiological binding of endorphins and enkephakins at these receptor sites. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, has been found to reduce histamine-provoked itch."
Under the Arm, the Ball of the Foot There are many nerves under the arm and in the ball of the foot. This increased number of nerves makes it more likely that stimulation in these areas will cause a release of endorphins.
Spinal Adjustments, Self-Adjustments (e.g. cracking knuckles), Poor Posture Note: I think that poor posture might cause a spinal adjustment, and a release of endorphins. "The reason that the self-adjustment feels good is the release of endorphins (body's natural opiates) into the area." Re: chronic neck/back pain (fibro?)
"Antrobus continues, "It used to be thought that endorphins were produced only by the brain, but they're also produced by the skin [from tanning?]." The Carillon: Drugs on Campus: The Highs and the Lows
"Endorphins are produced anytime you upset your balance organs, the semi-circular canals in your inner ear." The Carillon: Drugs on Campus: The Highs and the Lows
"Dancing, jumping on a trampoline, jogging, massage, skin contact, spinning until you're dizzy, going on a swing--all these activities release endorphins naturally." The Carillon: Drugs on Campus: The Highs and the Lows
· Sensory Processing: Vestibular System: Auditory (Inner Ear)
Indicators of Endorphin Levels Stress, Caloric Intake "This neuropeptide is an index of stress and a stimulant of caloric (e.g., ethanol) intake." Alpha-theta brainwave training and beta-endorphin levels in alcoholics
Yawning "The more of these compounds activated in the brain, the greater the frequency of yawns. Conversely, a greater presence in the brain of opiate neurotransmitters such as endorphins, the less the frequency of yawns." A Real Yawner: Causes, Concerns and Communications of the Yawn
Opioid Receptors and the Amygdala "The greatest concentration of opioid receptors is located in the amygdala [14, pg 135]. These receptors probably do not exert analgesic action, but may influence emotional behaviour." http://members.tripod.com/~Chrisfreu/ot/research/smd/project.htm
Inhibitors of Endorphin Release · Posture: Forward Head Posture: Effects: Endorphins
What are Opioid Antagonists? "The exact action of opioid antagonists is not fully understood, but they probably block the release of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), especially dopamine."
"Antagonist = a compound that will bind to a receptor to form a complex which does not give rise to any response, as if the receptor were unoccupied."
Histamine-Provoked Itch, Naloxone "Endorphins and enkephalins are important opioid neurotransmitters in the CNS that mediate the sensation of itch. Although morphine alleviates pain, it aggravates itch, as itch and pain share common neurological pathways. The central elicitation of itch by morphine results from binding to opioid receptors and this binding may mimic normal physiological binding of endorphins and enkephakins at these receptor sites. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, has been found to reduce histamine-provoked itch."
Naltrexone and Autism. Note: For more information about autism please visit the Research Topics page. "Naltrexone blocks the action of endogenous opioids at opiate receptors; endorphins are opiate-like substances in the brain and are associated with pleasure (e.g., runners' 'high,' sexual activity) and/or an anesthetic-like feeling. One theory states that autistic individuals have too much beta-endorphins in their central nervous system. This theory goes on to posit that naltrexone blocks the action of opiate receptors, and thus, reduces the level of endorphins."
Suboxone "Suboxone, is intended to be used in maintenance treatment of opiate addiction. Suboxone, is intended to be used in maintenance treatment of opiate addiction." Drugs for Addiction Withdrawal Approved
Subutex and Suboxone "The FDA has approved buprenorphine hydrochloride and buprenorphine hydrochloride combined with naloxone hydrochloride (Subutex and Suboxone; Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Slough, England) for the treatment of opioid dependence." Two Drugs for Opioid Dependence
Nalmefene and Naltrexone "Naltrexone, another opioid antagonist that is selective for the mu receptor, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1994 for use in alcoholism treatment. The newer nalmefene is a 'universal' opioid antagonist that works on all opioid receptors." Alcohol Researchers Identify New Medication That Lessens Relapse Risk
"Reduce pain and anxiety and increase the feeling of well being. They stimulate the immune system, and they help you learn. They reduce appetite for drug and alcohol seeking behavior. Endorphins also affect our reaction to light and darkness." Berkshire AD/HD Research Group DNA-Research Project
"The brain responds to pain signals by producing and activating morphine-like hormones called endorphins. This pain relief effect lasts for about 30 hours (longer than known analgesics), and without side effects when given frequently." http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C160798.html
Endorphins increase dopamine levels. "[Endorphins] disinhibit the dopamine pathways, causing more dopamine to be released into the synapses." Wikipedia Encyclopedia: Endorphin
Endorphins decrease serotonin levels. "Endorphin- and serotonine-metabolism are closely related, and opioid peptides can directly inhibit serotonine release. (23) Therefore, besides sleeplessness, opioid peptides can also cause depressions. In chronically depressed people, free endorphin level is 3 fold higher (24) (because part of endorphin receptors have been destroyed)" Foods Causing Depressions and Sleeplessness
How can endorphins reduce pain if they reduce serotonin levels? Does serotonin really reduce pain?
"Endorphins promote dendrite growth in the brain, allowing your brain to become more competent, diversified, and complex." The Carillon: Drugs on Campus: The Highs and the Lows
For more information about brainwaves and brainwave therapy please visit the Brainwaves page.
Alpha-theta training may be helpful in both treating hypervigilence and in stabilizing levels of endorphins. "Since elevations in serum beta-endorphin levels are associated with stress, their elevation in the traditional therapy group may indicate that this group is experiencing the stress associated with abstinence and fear of relapse. It is interesting that the PKBWNT group did not show an increase in this stress hormone after treatment, but instead showed a stabilization (Peniston & Kulkosky, 1989)." The Peniston-Kulkosky Brainwave Neurofeedback Therapeutic Protocol
Naltrexone and Autism. For more information about autism please visit the Research Topics page. "Naltrexone blocks the action of endogenous opioids at opiate receptors; endorphins are opiate-like substances in the brain and are associated with pleasure (e.g., runners' 'high,' sexual activity) and/or an anesthetic-like feeling. One theory states that autistic individuals have too much beta-endorphins in their central nervous system. This theory goes on to posit that naltrexone blocks the action of opiate receptors, and thus, reduces the level of endorphins."
For information about Endorphins and Autism please see the topic 'Endorphins and Autism' on the Research Topics page.
DLPA "It was discovered that d- and dl-Phenylalanine (DLPA), but not l-Phenylalanine, inhibit several of the enzymes responsible for endorphin destruction. DLPA appears to restore endorphin levels to a normal range, while simultaneously producing a reduction in pain." http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C160798.html
Endorphins and Exorphins Article Addictive Foods: Ingredients & Mechanisms
A balance between sugar and meat?"If you eat meat, you need sugar, and visa versa. Serious trouble can happen if the balance is off which is easy since sugar is addictive, like a drug. If you are a vegetarian and eat mostly carbohydrates, the effect of extra sugar is heightened."How to stop eating sugar?
"The release of endorphins lowers the blood pressure, a major indicator in heart disease, and has even been implicated in the fight against cancer." Article: Endorphins - The Feel-good Molecules
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