Steve Haywood Health & Fitness

Messi was particularly happy after the Champions League Final 2009

I have a confession to make, I have been on drugs for a very long time. Are you shocked? Well I’m not because until recently I didn’t even know and this article touches on why.

Although research is continuing as you read this, it is increasingly accepted that exercise secretes more of natural substances in your body that make you feel good. I will touch on two as examples, although now they are on the trail researchers are turning up more and more fascinating possibilities.

The first example of natures high are endorphins of which there are around 20 types. These are known as neurotransmitters and have a positive effect on the brain creating levels of euphoria and some research shows they have a pain killing effect, a bit like morphine. Endorphins are found in foods too, such as chilli peppers and chocolate and also other activities promote increased levels like acupuncture, sex, massage therapy and meditation NB Don’t try doing these all at once.

The second example and another neurotransmitter is serotonin which affects the brain similar to prescribed anti- depressants. Some studies in the USA are looking at how even mild exercise can combat depression and other mental disorders, and they appear to have encouraging results.

So there are just two reasons for my confession, having been a runner since the early sixties I am well addicted. Once I lived next to a doctor and when she spotted me about to go for a run would say, “Enjoy your fix”. So how about experiencing natures gifts? No money involved, no snorting something up your nostrils or needles in appendages, no prescribed drugs  -all you need is to exercise. There is a lot of help out there to get you started, make it today. Enjoy