This episode we’re talking endocannabinoids and sports bras (the two are not related!).
For years it was thought that the “runner's high” was due to the release of endorphins.
Endorphins are chemicals that are produced by the body to relieve stress and pain, and they work on the opioid receptors in the brain (the same receptors that opiate drugs like morphine act upon).
An increasing body of evidence suggests that this so-called “runner's high” is notdue to the release of endorphins but is instead due to the release of another type of neurochemical called endocannabinoids.
And yes, the word endocannabinoid sounds a lot like the word cannabis, and in the same way that endorphins act upon the opiate receptors in the brain, endocannabinoids act upon the same cannabinoid pathways as cannabis.
Sarah explains why it’s theoretically possible to get a little “high” on exercise, and Gab has some sports bra recommendations for you to check out.
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WLY resources and recommendations:
Neuromodulation of Aerobic Exercise—A ReviewSerum Endocannabinoid and Mood Changes after Exercise in Major Depressive Disorder
Yoga With Adriene Morning Yoga Flow (22mins)
Nike Run Club ‘Don’t Wanna Run Run’
WLY Spotify playlist
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