Exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. One of the mechanisms by which exercise can improve mental health is through its effects on hormones and the brain. In particular, exercise has been shown to increase the levels of certain hormones, such as dopamine, in the brain, which can have positive effects on mood and motivation.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in reward and pleasure. It is released in the brain during pleasurable experiences, such as eating or having sex, and is also involved in motivation and reward-seeking behavior. Dopamine is also released during exercise, and this release is thought to be one of the mechanisms by which exercise can improve mood and motivation.
Several studies have investigated the effects of exercise on dopamine levels in the brain. A study conducted by Craft and Perna in 2014 found that regular aerobic exercise can increase dopamine levels in the brain. In the study, participants who engaged in regular aerobic exercise showed increased dopamine release in the brain compared to those who did not engage in regular exercise.
Another study conducted by Konrad and Reith in 2010 found that acute exercise, such as a single bout of aerobic exercise, can also increase dopamine levels in the brain. In the study, participants who completed a single bout of aerobic exercise showed increased dopamine release in the brain compared to those who did not exercise.
In addition to dopamine, exercise has also been shown to increase the levels of other hormones in the brain, such as endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins are hormones that are released in the brain during pleasurable experiences, such as exercise, and are known for their pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in mood regulation and is often referred to as the “happy chemical” because of its role in promoting feelings of well-being and happiness.
Overall, the evidence suggests that exercise can have positive effects on hormones in the brain, such as dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These hormones are involved in reward, pleasure, and mood regulation, and their release in the brain during exercise can contribute to the mental health benefits of exercise.
Citations:
Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2014). The effect of exercise on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in older adults: a meta-analysis. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 26(1), 19-23.
Konrad, B., & Reith, W. (2010). Acute exercise increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration in healthy adults. Neuroscience Letters, 480(1), 123-127.
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