The THC-like substance in marijuana that makes you feel good while running is anandamide. Anandamide, also known as “Happiness molecule“is a natural cannabinoid that our body produces. It binds to the same receptors in the brain as THC and produces a feeling of euphoria, relaxation and well-being.
Not everyone feels the same joy from exercise, but in general exercise is associated with reduced stress and radical happiness.
Exercise is extremely beneficial for emotional health and when doing certain sports, such as running, many people experience feelings of euphoria, joy and endless energy, they even said they had an orgiastic feeling.
Some theories suggest that humans have evolved and have a great need for this activity. Just a few thousand years ago, it was a matter of life and death whether a hunter could escape until he had exhausted his prey.
Perhaps, in this sense, the joy of running is linked to the need to increase travel time in order to survive.
What studies say about this THC-like substance
Recent studies, particularly those conducted in 2015 by Johannes Fuss, a researcher at the Institute for Sexual and Forensic Psychiatry in Hamburg, have shown that this THC-like substance, anandamide, an endocannabinoid compound, is not a hormone, but may have effects on stress reduction, which are very similar to those experienced when consuming THC.
It is believed that this is because the happiness hormones released do not reach the brain.
In addition to humans, dogs are another species that secrete endocannabinoid compounds while running. They are so named because their pharmacological functions are very similar to those of THC and are closely related to stress relief.
For their part, Alejandro Lucía and Helios Pareja, experts in the benefits of exercise on neurons from the European University of Madrid, show that the amount of endocannabinoids released into the blood when smoking cannabis cannot be compared with the amount of endocannabinoids that It is released there when running, which is why THC can even cause opposite effects such as anxiety and paranoia.
In addition to anandamide, other factors contribute to well-being when running:
- Endorphins: These are hormones that act as natural painkillers and also produce a feeling of well-being.
- Dopamine: It is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in motivation, reward and pleasure.
- Nitric oxide: It is a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles.
All of these factors, together with the THC-like substance, create a feeling of well-being and euphoria that can be very pleasant. The intensity of the sensations can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, such as the intensity and duration of the exercise, the person’s physical condition and their genetic makeup.
It is important to remember that the well-being generated by running is not an addiction. It is the body’s natural response to exercise and can have many benefits for physical and mental health. Running is not only a physical activity, but also a path to overall well-being. Its beneficial effects affect both the body and the mind, giving you an experience that fills you with health and vitality.
Tips for more well-being while running:
- Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your runs.
- Listen to your body and rest when you need it.
- Wear clothing and shoes appropriate for running.
- Drink enough fluids before, during and after running.
- Choose a nice environment to run.
- Vary your routes and training sessions to avoid monotony.
- Run with friends or join a running club to stay motivated.
Running is an accessible and rewarding activity that allows you to achieve total well-being. Take the first step and discover the incredible benefits that await you.
Remember that it is important to consult a doctor before beginning any exercise program.
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