If you've ever felt euphoric while making music or performing, that's probably your endorphins kicking in.

Endorphins are created in your pituitary gland and hypothalamus, both located in the brain. Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter, or messenger in your body. They attach to your brain's reward centers (opioid receptors) and carry signals across your nervous system.

Endorphins are chemicals (hormones) your body releases when it feels pain or stress. They're released during pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sex too. Endorphins help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being.

While there are 20 different types of endorphins, the ones that are most frequently studied are known as beta-endorphins . These are the endorphins that boost well-being and provide pain relief. Two other endorphins that are often mentioned in research are gamma-endorphins and alpha-endorphins.

While there are 20 different types of endorphins, the ones that are most frequently studied are known as beta-endorphins . These are the endorphins that boost well-being and provide pain relief. Two other endorphins that are often mentioned in research are gamma-endorphins and alpha-endorphins.

Endorphins are chemicals (hormones) your body releases when it feels pain or stress. They're released during pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sex too.

Both legal and illegal opioid medications have potential for addiction, which may lead to overdose or death. While endorphins may not have as large of an effect as opioids, they can produce a “high” that is both healthy and safe.

Endorphins relieve pain naturally. When they attach to your brain's reward centers (opiate receptors), dopamine is then released. For example, endorphins will naturally help soothe a runner's achy muscles. Then dopamine will be released, producing a runner's high.

• Walking
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT
• Jogging
• Cycling
• Hiking

• Anxiety
• Substance use disorders
• Depression2
• Chronic migraine3
• Fibromyalgia4
• Sleep-wake issues

These endorphins are structurally similar to the endorphins in your central nervous system, but they're created in and released by your pituitary gland and released into your bloodstream.

• Sex
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Eating

There are more than 20 types of endorphins in your body. Beta-endorphins are the endorphins involved in stress relief and pain management. Beta-endorphins have a stronger effect than morphine on your body.

Endorphins both attenuate the stress response and act to reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines, while increasing levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, primarily through interaction with the mu.

Endorphins are created in your pituitary gland and hypothalamus, both located in the brain.

Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which improves the mood and your attention and increases endorphin production,” says dr shivdasani. Other food items that improve endorphin levels are leafy greens (they are rich in b vitamins), strawberries, avocados, nuts and seeds.