GET HIGH!
The holographic truth about the "Runners High"
The holographic truth about the "Runners High"
New research on endocannabinoids brings researchers one step closer to understanding how exercise can stabilize your mood, make you feel better, sleep better, perform better and live longer. The benefits on the brain and body are so many that this article could convert any non-runner into a runner.
Do you also crave for some excitement in your everyday situation? What if we told you there’s a way to get high without smoking weed? All you gotta do is run for fun!
You probably heard about runner’s high. Associated with moderate distance running, it could be described as a kaleidoscopic feeling of well-being, a blissful euphoria rush topped off with increased endurance. The star player used to be endorphins, but after more neuroscience studies on the runner’s high topic, it seems like endocannabinoids are the main character. Our body’s natural versions of cannabinoids.
It’s a fact that the Cannabis sativa L. plant could do some magic on your health. But do you really need to consume it and to what extent? It comes with several side effects too, such as mental impairment, etc.
You probably heard about runner’s high. Associated with moderate distance running, it could be described as a kaleidoscopic feeling of well-being, a blissful euphoria rush topped off with increased endurance. The star player used to be endorphins, but after more neuroscience studies on the runner’s high topic, it seems like endocannabinoids are the main character. Our body’s natural versions of cannabinoids.
It’s a fact that the Cannabis sativa L. plant could do some magic on your health. But do you really need to consume it and to what extent? It comes with several side effects too, such as mental impairment, etc.
CANNABINOIDS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants that causes people to feel high.
CBD (cannabidiol), is an extract of the cannabis plant that is infused in some foods, medicines, oils and many other products with many proven health benefits. It does not produce the same euphoric intoxication as THC.
Endocannabinoids - humans naturally created versions of these chemicals. “Endo” refers to cannabinoids produced in the body rather than from a plant or in a lab.
ENDOCANNABINOIDS
Endocannabinoids are tiny molecules made of lipids (fats) that circulate in the brain and body and cause plenty of positive effects. Forget about anxiety and stress - go for a run! Don't take that pain relief pill - do some jogging instead! Enhance your learning and memory, prevent inflammation and a poor immune system - set the endocannabinoids free by moving your body. New studies show how they also affect hunger, and above all, they don’t have any unwanted effects.
Aren’t we born to run? When we do, endocannabinoids and endorphins are released and give us the majestic feeling of well-being. Together with dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline the addicting feeling of pleasure, focus and endurance sets in. Leptin levels are lowered when running, and could lead to exercise addiction (!) and strong running performances. (Evolutionarily explained, leptin tells the brain that there’s a lack of food, and when we run to look for food we are rewarded). Furthermore, running at the right hour gives us a better circadian rhythm (melatonin release at bedtime and cortisol release in the morning) and a better quality of sleep
Running is proven over and over again to keep our organs healthy and dramatically decrease the risk of ill-health such as, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, depression, anxiety and psychosis, etc etc, etc. SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Do it now, tonight or tomorrow. The practical thing with running is that it’s free and almost always possible. Do it alone or in a group for as long as you like. Plus, you get fresh air.
Pssst, don't overdo things. It is also proven that moderate exercise is most beneficial. Work for the results, but keep your heart rate elevated around 70% and 80% of age-adjusted maximum heart rate for at least 30 minutes.
We end this supersonic article with a quote from Kathrine Switzer, the woman who changed the running community forever when she toed the starting line of the 1967 Boston Marathon, as the first woman to run as a numbered entry (and was attacked during the race by one race official)
“Running is simple, in essence. It’s accessible but also immediately profound in ways that other sports are not. Anyone can run. It’s just putting one foot in front of the other. But it gives you a sense of stress relief + confidence that I would argue other sports just can’t do. There’s no downside to running. Just put on your shoes + go. Just get out there + move.”
ALSO READ
CANNABINOIDS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants that causes people to feel high.
CBD (cannabidiol), is an extract of the cannabis plant that is infused in some foods, medicines, oils and many other products with many proven health benefits. It does not produce the same euphoric intoxication as THC.
Endocannabinoids - humans naturally created versions of these chemicals. “Endo” refers to cannabinoids produced in the body rather than from a plant or in a lab.
ENDOCANNABINOIDS
Endocannabinoids are tiny molecules made of lipids (fats) that circulate in the brain and body and cause plenty of positive effects. Forget about anxiety and stress - go for a run! Don't take that pain relief pill - do some jogging instead! Enhance your learning and memory, prevent inflammation and a poor immune system - set the endocannabinoids free by moving your body. New studies show how they also affect hunger, and above all, they don’t have any unwanted effects.
Aren’t we born to run? When we do, endocannabinoids and endorphins are released and give us the majestic feeling of well-being. Together with dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline the addicting feeling of pleasure, focus and endurance sets in. Leptin levels are lowered when running, and could lead to exercise addiction (!) and strong running performances. (Evolutionarily explained, leptin tells the brain that there’s a lack of food, and when we run to look for food we are rewarded). Furthermore, running at the right hour gives us a better circadian rhythm (melatonin release at bedtime and cortisol release in the morning) and a better quality of sleep
Running is proven over and over again to keep our organs healthy and dramatically decrease the risk of ill-health such as, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, depression, anxiety and psychosis, etc etc, etc. SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Do it now, tonight or tomorrow. The practical thing with running is that it’s free and almost always possible. Do it alone or in a group for as long as you like. Plus, you get fresh air.
Pssst, don't overdo things. It is also proven that moderate exercise is most beneficial. Work for the results, but keep your heart rate elevated around 70% and 80% of age-adjusted maximum heart rate for at least 30 minutes.
We end this supersonic article with a quote from Kathrine Switzer, the woman who changed the running community forever when she toed the starting line of the 1967 Boston Marathon, as the first woman to run as a numbered entry (and was attacked during the race by one race official)
“Running is simple, in essence. It’s accessible but also immediately profound in ways that other sports are not. Anyone can run. It’s just putting one foot in front of the other. But it gives you a sense of stress relief + confidence that I would argue other sports just can’t do. There’s no downside to running. Just put on your shoes + go. Just get out there + move.”