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Loading...8 Drug-Free Natural Highs
- Megan, selected from Planet Green
- April 21, 2010
- 11:04 am
- 116 comments
By Rachel Cernansky, Planet Green
The brain is pretty good at playing tricks on us, especially on our moods. But that doesn’t mean we can’t play tricks on it, too. As the book Natural Highs points out, almost all mind-altering substances are actually similar to brain chemicals and work their effects by mimicking, enhancing, or blocking their effects. Which means we should be able to get “natural highs” without relying on these harmful substances.
Valium, for example, creates its effect by enhancing the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, and some anti-depressants are SSRIs, or selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors—all simply making the brain do things it already does, just in different proportions.
A lot of herbs will do the same thing—St. John’s Wort and Kava Kava are two herbs well-known for their positive effects on mood and stress levels. Others, such as lemon balm, valerian, chamomile, peppermint, and skullcap, also have calming and balancing effects.
Runner’s high
The endorphins produced during exercise (of all forms, not just running) have a chemical effect on the brain: they are groups of peptides that interact with opiate receptors and reduce the perception of pain and stress—similarly to opiate drugs, except they are naturally occurring in the body and aren’t addictive. When endorphin levels increase, you feel happier and more relaxed.
Sex
Endorphins are produced after an orgasm, too. So if you missed your jog for the day…
Read more: Diet & Nutrition, Do Good, General Health, Green, Health, Mental Wellness, Natural Remedies, drugs, endorphins, mood
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Megan, selected from Planet Green
Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination devoted to the environment and dedicated to helping people understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Its two robust websites, PlanetGreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer original, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
people are talking
Interesting :-)
Thank you :)
It sort of depends on the job. Not everyone has an office job!
thanks for sharing
Came back for another look, big cats are a delight to watch.
116 comments
+ add your ownThank you.
I have severe depression and i'm taking medication, but including fruit salads with chocolate sauce won't hurt...
First take care for yourself and than doing something nice for someone,that gives you a good feeling Thanks for the good advice
Thanks
putting others first gives you a good feeling
thanks.
It's been way too long since my last massage or accupuncture session...
where can I get a potentilla leaf? haha
Great tips. I especially enjoyed the recommendation of carbohydrates through fruits instead of overloading on grains. Great article.
Thankyou. Spending time with animals triggers endorphin release for me & doing something nice for someone.
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