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Of Workouts and Addictions

Key in the word addiction to Dr Google and you'll get the definition "the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity," ad verbatim. My teacher of English taught me never to describe a word using the same word. Another quick fire search from Wikipedia returns the definition, "Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug or engage in a behavior that produces natural reward, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences." The question is, does it really have to be negative, all the time? Fitness is like a drug (substance) and it sure has its consequences. Having been involved in fitness activities for more than a decade, I only have positive words to say. 

So what about working out makes it an addiction in the traditional sense of dopamine-reaward system? When we work out we activate the classical fight or flight system and consequently raise adrenaline levels. This is important for good heart health. Other hormones that are affected by exercise are; testosterone, cortisol (stress hormone), human growth hormone, glucagon, serotonin and dopamine. We shall discuss the other hormones in coming articles but our focus today will be serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. 

Serotonin is the feel good hormone and is usually produced in the gut (90%) and brain (10%). Its chief function is mood regulation with relaxation effects. Normal serotonin levels make an individual feel focused, emotionally stable, happier and calmer. Other functions of serotonin are increasing libido, proper sleep and digestion. 

Endorphins are the body's natural painkiller. They are released when you workout and provide a temporary high after exercise. This is commonly observed in athletes as "runner's high." Other closely associated neurochemicals are endocannabinoids that have similar functions. 

Lastly, dopamine is the feel good hormone and is known so for good measure. It affects motivation, reward, and mood. You guessed it right, it is raised by exercise. The more you workout out, the higher your dopamine, the more new neural circuits are created to reinforce this habit (exercise) the more you want to do it. Get the gist of it? All three are of course elevated by a good diet and sufficient rest (sleep). 

Is exercise a drug?