Hanson Net

Admin | December 25, 2011 | Comments Off

Hanson Net

Hanson Net

Sarah Willett describes a runner's high as a theoretical state of euphoria experienced by a person during intense exercise. The common belief is that runner's high is only experienced by runners, hence the name, but, according to Gina Kolata, more recent studies show that a runner's high may be experienced by anyone undergoing intense exercise.

The Physiology of a Runner's High

What happens to our body during this theoretical state of bliss? Our body undergoes stress during intense exercise; Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD explains two common factors result in endorphin release; pain and stress. It is common knowledge that the body responds to continuous exercise by releasing endorphins: neurochemicals that block pain signals in the brain.

Jude Dickson and colleagues say that endorphins are synthesized in the hypothalamus and are then released from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream. In combination with stress and pain, an exercise-induced event known as acidosis is believed to play a role in the release of endorphins. During acidosis, oxygen flow to the muscles is decreased which promotes anaerobic respiration, producing lactic acid. This is best described as the numbing, burning feeling felt in muscles after prolonged stress. To understand this more clearly, hold your arms out level to your shoulders for as long as you are able. You will begin to feel the burning sensation which is quickly proceeded by a numbing feeling. The formation of lactic acid is believed to stimulate endorphin release. Sarah Willett believes that prolonged exercise tends to result in an elevated mood which is linked to the presence of elevated endorphins.