Continuing Research on The "Runner's High"

You guys know I’m a big fan of the runner’s high, that physical/spiritual feeling that chills you out once you’ve worked a good tempo for 80 minutes or so (at least that’s where it kicks in for me). New research around the physiological/chemical definition of the runner’s high (often called “anandamide” – click here for my crash course) continues to abound, with promising applications in psychological applications such depression and diet.

(Photo courtesy of Matthew Dingee, see his other great photos at Flickr)

Here’s some of the latest info:

Runner’s High In A Pill

Preclinical lab tests found that a new drug, URB597, blocked the degredation of naturally-produced anandamide and “triggered feelings of well-being…resulting in measurable antidepressant effects”. It’s the RUNNER’S HIGH IN A PILL!!! They say it’s non-addictive, but my trail running regiment might suggest otherwise. Click here for the press release.

Anadamide May Influence Appetite

At Columbia University, they have found the CB1 receptor (the chemical receptor that “receives” anandamide) influences appetite and how the body maintains weight. Well, in mice anyway. What’s interesting about this study is that suppression of CB1 (suppression = slowing the ability to process anadamide), helps regulate appetite. Perhaps an application to help the obesity problem? It would certainly explain why I’m so damn hungry all the time. And, of course, why people get the munchies after they hit the bong. ;oP

Anandamide May Reduce Inflammation

A study performed by Oliver Ullrich and others at the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg in Magdeburg, Germany, has shown that anandamide may reduce inflammation in the brain and may be helpful in treating brain damage diseases.

No need to wait for clinical trials to test it yourself – just get out and run! I hope you are all enjoying the winter season.

Cheers,

SD