Why does runner’s high occur?
If you’ve run a marathon, you would understand this, but when you break through the barrier where you cannot run any more, you experience a moment when it feels like your body and mind suddenly sprout wings.
This phenomenon is called a runner’s high. Why does it happen, though?
The paper I discuss today is a review of the physiological foundation for the runner’s high.
This paper lists:
- the endorphin theory;
- the endocannabinoid theory; and
- the hypofrontality theory
as the theories classically considered as mechanisms relating to runner’s high.
So what are each of these?
Neurotransmitters and euphoria
First, the endorphin theory, which was proposed in the 1970s, holds that exercise causes the secretion of neurotransmitters called endorphins that have analgesic effects several times stronger than morphine, thus creating a feeling of euphoria.
However, this theory has come into question in recent years. It is true that endorphins in the peripheral bloodstream increase when exercising, but because endorphins have a large molecular weight to begin with, they may not be able to pass through the cerebral blood flow barrier and enter the brain, even if they are found to increase in the body’s peripheral bloodstream. Moreover, it is problematic that no research has shown any actual increase in endorphins in the brain.
Second, the endocannabinoid theory relates to a neurotransmitter called anandamide that derives from arachidonic acid, which is contained in the fat of pigs and cattle. Exercising increases the level of anandamide and because it has a small molecular weight, it can pass through the cerebral blood flow barrier. It also binds to cannabinoid receptors and operates like a narcotic in the brain.
Third, the hypofrontality theory holds that exercising decreases frontal function, which integrates consciousness, and suggests that this triggers a unique degenerative awareness state like when using alcohol, narcotics or tobacco.
In fact, since I began an exercise incorporating strength training in earnest, I have observed evident changes in that I have become more resilient and work has become less of a burden. I fantasize that this could be because the number of cannabinoid receptors has increased from the exercise, but what do you think?
Reference URL: Peak Performance, the Runner’s High and Flow
