Is Running Essential for Survival (and good sex)?
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Byron Richards, CCN
For the first time the release of endorphins from the human brain in response to a two-hour run has been proven. The theory of the runner’s high has been around for quite a while but never proven in a scientific lab. In the current experiment sophisticated brain PET scans were taken before and after running. The evidence showed release of endorphins from specific brain regions known to process pain.
Endorphins are your own natural opiates, the most powerful pain killers and mood elevators known. The release of them is always associated with survival, which is why they are also released during sex at orgasm. Their release can be tied to pain of any type (to help deal with it) and to pleasure stimulation of any type (such as laughter). While doing behaviors that produce endorphin and dopamine release is common to all addiction (including excess eating), this problem sits on top of the fact that endorphin release is fundamental to survival.
It could very well be that running is ingrained in our genetics at a core level of survival. This idea was emphasized several years ago when researchers concluded that the most significant event in evolution that enabled humans to evolve over apes was when we quit swinging from trees and started running. Such gene-related advantages take tens of thousands of years to form and are thereafter core survival principles in human physiology.
What does this mean to you? Since a good endorphin release from sex or running can last up to 48 hours, in terms of its anti-inflammatory benefits, and since excess inflammation is a primary co-factor in every single disease of aging, it makes sense to take a decent run, if you can, at least 2-3 times a week. It also makes sense to have a balance of other endorphin-helpful activities to help offset stress. And it is a good idea that these activities are healthy for you and kept in balance and do not become obsessive and addictive in nature (meaning they have an aspect to them that is obviously against survival in some way).
It is interesting to note that some individuals never get a runner’s high or even a good relaxed feeling and mood boost from exercise. Some individuals have occasional trouble reaching orgasm. Some are drained by chronic pain. And others feel very little pleasure in life and don’t even feel like laughing. These are all signs that the nervous system does not have enough concentrated energy to enable an adequate release of endorphins, typically because daily stress or pain has depleted the nerves. Such individuals are more likely to fall into addictive patterns (including sugar consumption) in an attempt to alleviate physical or emotional pain.
This is a sign that nerve-boosting nutrients are lacking. Top choices for this problem include co-enzyme B vitamins (as found in Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin or Super B Complex), specialty nutrients that readily boost brain energy (Pantethine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and Carnosine – all found in Stress Helper), and nerve structure nutrients that improve electrical function of brain cells (Leptinal/DHA, Calcium AEP, Phosphatidyl Serine).
How much of each product you may need or how many different products you need will vary from person to person and will be based on what it takes for you to notice a positive response. You know when you have enough support because your general mood will be better, your overall energy improved, you find pleasure in the little things in life, it is easier to laugh, and you at least feel refreshed and a general better mood when you consistently exercise.
The fact that running is so intimately tied to endorphin release, evolutionary advantage, and survival indicates many gene systems in your body are likely to work better if you are fit enough to run. For example, the ability to turn on the primary fat burning gene (PPAR delta) is directly activated by running. Running improves the soluble leptin receptor function throughout your body, meaning that you will be better able to metabolize fat and carbohydrates that you eat. These two changes alone can dramatically change obesity issues, diabetes issues, heart disease issues, and the risk for many types of cancer (especially breast and prostate).
By conditioning endorphin systems to work better you will feel better mood in general and have better pleasure in life – including better sex.
A primary goal of fitness is to be fit enough to run. Next best is a long walk. A primary goal of dietary supplements is to help improve your energy level and body tissue repair capacity so you have the energy to exercise, less risk for injury during exercise, and the ability to recover from exercise – all so that you can maintain fitness. Your quality of health and length of life depend on it.
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Byron J. Richards, Founder/Director of Wellness Resources, Inc., is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist and has been a charter professional member of the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists (IAACN) since 1991. His professional experience with nutrition, thyroid, and weight issues dates back to 1985 when he began working as the nutritionist for one of our nation’s leading thyroid doctors, Keith W. Sehnert, MD. Time Magazine considered Dr. Sehnert the “George Washington of medical self-care.” He was one of the founding fathers of alternative health and sadly passed away in 1999. Together they were true pioneers in the area of thyroid health, hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis…
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