Our bodies produce thousands of chemicals that control impulses necessary for everyday function and sensory navigation. Endorphins, a multi-functional chemical, are emitted to counteract and deal with sensations by transmitting electrical impulses through the body to the nervous system. One of their duties is to help combat pain, much in the same way as morphine or codeine does. Endorphins are also responsible for producing the euphoric feeling one usually experiences after sex, or after an intense work out (often referred to as “runners-high”). Rigorous work outs not only keep us in shape, but also decrease our stress level due to the endorphins released into the body during the exercise. Other ways to trigger the release of these hormones is through the practice of meditation, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Food and Endorphins
Certain foods have a direct effect on one’s mood. Like exercise and meditation, food such as cookies, cake, chocolate, candy (known as pleasure foods) can bring a person out of the worst mood. This occurrence is not simply due to the delightful sensation of dessert on the tongue together with the awakening of our taste buds. It is largely due to the chemical reaction that occurs in our brain when we eat sugar. The signal causes the body to release endorphins and dopamine giving the consumer a sense of exhilaration, otherwise known as a “sugar rush”. The addiction felt by those who eat these types of foods regularly is the result of the body craving not only the sugar, but also the wonderful euphoric feeling that is brought on by the brain’s reaction to the sugar being consumed.
Low endorphin levels make us crave fatty foods and or sweet foods.

Low serotonin levels make us crave sugar

Similarly, another hormone, serotonin and sometimes Dopamine makes us feel calm, poised, confident, and relaxed. When our serotonin/dopamine levels are low, we feel nervous, irritable and stressed. We don't crave fat, now we crave sugar.

When we have cravings for sugar, we can use frozen yogurt or popcorn may help raise serotonin/dopamine levels with far less calories.
Low dopamine make us feel foggy. Mentally "foggy" at times? This just may be caused by low dopamine levels. When we don't get adequate protein, dopamine levels drop and this makes us mentally sluggish. When we feel mentally sluggish, we crave sugar and fat.



Author's Bio: 

Dr. George Grant, Ph.D., I.M.D. Specialist in Integrative Medicine & Biofeedback www.academyofwellness.com