[ExI] endorphins

[BillK]

On Fri, 11 Aug 2023 at 23:33, William Flynn Wallace via extropy-chat
<extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> wrote:
>
> When you have pain endorphins are emitted, as we all know.  But just how does that work? It makes a difference.
> If the pain has to be conscious, then a strategy occurs to me:  when my pain meds run out, do nothing (like ice packs and TENS unit) so that endorphins can flow.  Later add the ice etc.
>
> But what if the endorphins were there all along because they respond not to what is conscious, but the inputs from the painful area.  Then they were there all along and the strategy above will not work.
> Anyone know this?     bill w
> _______________________________________________


I don't know, but I bet I know an AI who does!  :)
BillK

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Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter, which are chemicals that
transmit signals in the brain. They are often referred to as
"feel-good" chemicals because they are associated with feelings of
pleasure and well-being. Endorphins are released in response to
various stimuli, including pain, stress, exercise, and certain foods.

To answer your question directly, endorphins are not present in the
body all the time but are released in response to specific situations
or stimuli. When you experience pain, endorphins are released as a
natural response to help alleviate the discomfort. These endorphins
act as natural painkillers by binding to opioid receptors in the brain
and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain.

The release of endorphins during painful experiences serves as a
protective mechanism. It helps to reduce the intensity of pain and
promote feelings of well-being and relaxation. This is why some people
may experience a "runner's high" after intense exercise or feel a
sense of relief after enduring a painful experience.

It is important to note that endorphins are not the only
neurotransmitters involved in pain perception. Other neurotransmitters
such as serotonin and dopamine also play a role in modulating pain
signals and influencing mood.

While endorphins are primarily associated with pain relief, they can
also be released in response to other stimuli. For example, engaging
in physical exercise can trigger the release of endorphins, leading to
feelings of euphoria and improved mood. Similarly, certain foods like
chocolate or spicy foods have been suggested to stimulate endorphin
release, although the evidence for this is limited.

In summary, endorphins are not constantly present in the body but are
released in response to specific situations or stimuli, including
pain, stress, exercise, and certain foods. Their release helps to
alleviate pain and promote feelings of pleasure and well-being.
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