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Excellent Endorphins!

It is no secret that I have been involved in a good amount of exercise over the past several months. One of the things that I have experienced in exercising is the so-called “runner’s high.” During cardiovascular exercise, the body reaches a point where it releases “feel-good” chemicals known as endorphins. One of the effects of endorphins is (among other things) to minimize minor aches and pains-which, in turn, encourages a person to continue exercising. This “high” can be experienced at different ranges-from a mild “good feeling” to a strong sense of euphoria, depending on how much an individual exerts himself. The result is that the person doing the exercise is encouraged to do more, and also is encouraged to make exercise a general habit.

Endorphins are not only responsible for aid in exercise, but also may prevent the body from experiencing excruciating pain in severe trauma. In the 1970s, this chemical was first discovered by scientists studying the drug morphine. Prior to the 1970s, emergency medical personal were often amazed that some people with serious injuries were lucid enough to communicate and in apparent lack of pain. Researchers discovered that endorphins were an even more powerful chemical than morphine, but without the unpleasant side effects of drug addiction. Endorphins are now known, by scientists and emergency technicians alike, as the morphine made by the body.

Endorphins may also be released from other positive behaviors such as smiling, laughing, meditating, singing, listening to good music, and even eating good food. Is this ability of the body to provide chemicals that encourage good behavior not evidence of good design? Consider the following facts. First, endorphins are dispensed only when needed. Second, they are released only in the dosage that is required. Third, they are powerful enough to counteract strong pain. Fourth, they are not addictive. Fifth, they encourage good behavior. Sixth, a person must exert a certain amount of positive effort to enjoy their benefits. Those are some of the same types of standards that pharmaceutical companies use as they try to develop beneficial new medicines. The psalmist wrote, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). How wonderful it is to know that the human body that God made for us has such incredible design!

Special thanks goes to an anonymous reviewer in helping to prepare this article.