A new research made by scientists at the Central Institute of Mental Health at the University of Heidelberg, in Mannheim, states that running could get a person high just like when he or she is smoking marijuana.
In an article that the Midday Daily wrote, endorphins are not the ones to blame why a person could get high or experience being less stress and even be happy after running, it is due to some compounds being released by the body that is just similar when smoking weed. The research paper for this finding was published earlier this week and can be found in Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences. The people behind this research used some laboratory mice.
Since this study was made, the theory about the feeling of being stress free when running is caused by endorphins is now debunked. There are also other studies related to it that was done earlier stating that the said compounds causing such euphoria could also be released during intense or really vigorous workouts. These compounds could even act as pain relievers and it helps a lot in maintaining a healthy body.
For those who wonder what are these mystery compounds called, scientists named them the "endocannabinoid." These chemical compounds that the body naturally releases after running or exercising. These things are also found to resemble the cannabinoids that are in marijuana. They would reach the brain to go near its receptors, which would make an individual lighten up their mood. And this is why being calm can be experienced after.
NYMAG also wrote about it and even calls this phenomenon a "runner's high." This is another great news for those who are looking for an alternative to make them lessen their stress level. And instead of getting high, why not just run? Not only would one get high, but even stay fit and lose weight
