Sex, love and fitness

Today is Valentine's Day. It's not often my column falls on Feb. 14, so what a great day to talk about sex, love and fitness. To be more specific, let's review the common connection between sex, love and fitness. In a word, endorphins! Endorphins, also known as the biogenic amine/endorphin system, are produced in your brain, spinal cord, nervous system and pituitary gland. The etymology of the word endorphin comes from endogenous, or growing within, and morphine. Since endorphins are produced naturally in your body as a pain reliever, these chemicals act similar to morphine.

So how do endorphins tie together with sex, love and fitness? Endorphins help control your body's response to pain, injury, stress and mood. They are also a major factor in how your body regulates the release of certain hormones. It has been know for years that moderate to strenuous exercise releases endorphins into the blood stream. Your body is also flooded with endorphins during an orgasm. When it comes to love or the feeling of love, endorphins play a primary role with feelings of attachment and comfort. Kissing and hugs also release endorphins, plus they help fire up your oxytocin or love hormone levels.

Can too much of a good thing deplete your endorphin levels or lead to additive behavior? It has been suggested that your body can become depleted of endorphins, but research has not yet proven the exact ebb and flow of these levels. Endorphins do activate your opiate receptors like morphine and other opiates, but it does not lead to addiction.

When we talk about the chemistry that makes up our brains, what makes us feel good becomes a much more complicated question. Endorphins are just one component of a larger group of chemicals that affect our brain.

Any one of the following can affect many aspects of mood and how we feel:

* Serotonin - regulates sleep and appetite

* Noradrenalin - manages energy levels

* Oxytocin - the so-called love or bonding hormone

* Dopamine - pleasure center chemical

* GABA - calms you

* Acetylcholine - affects overall brain function and memory

All these substances play a part in feeling good or not good in some cases. But when it comes to endorphins, and there are roughly 20 different types, these guys pack a punch. Endorphin release leads to a very quick feeling of euphoria, can lead to a change in appetite, release of sex hormones and boost your immune response.

Let's start again with a look at nutrition to help support your endorphins and the other chemicals of your brain. Since endorphins are made up of 15 different amino acids, getting enough protein is essential. People with poor nutritional habits, eating lots of processed sugar along with junk food, have high instances of mood swings and are more susceptible to behavioral issues.

Vegans and vegetarians also need to ensure they are getting enough protein in their diets to avoid impacting their brain chemistry. Another key nutritional factor is getting enough good fats from foods like fish and avocados into your diet. It is common for people who have low fat diets or have very low body fat to suffer from mood swings and/or depression. Once again, eat healthy whole foods with good fats and plenty of protein!

During exercise, endorphins are naturally released and the more strenuous exercise, the more pronounced the affect. Keep in mind that one of the key functions of endorphins is to help you reduce the negative impact of pain. Studies have shown that regularly exercising for 20 minutes or more not only promotes endorphin secretion, it also enhances your libido. Increasing your fitness levels makes you healthier and happier, feel sexier, confident plus more energized in part from endorphin release.

The common connection that brings sex, love and fitness together through endorphins can be seen or rather felt in this way. Fitness and exercise induces endorphin release which gives you that calming, in control, feel great sensation. This in turn triggers euphoria, hormone release and production. An added benefit is increased testosterone levels which become a powerful ingredient for a happy and active libido. Studies have shown that intimacy immediately after exercise enhances happy endings and reinforces feelings of love and connection in both women and men. Exercise and fitness is a great way to turn on endorphins to jump-start your sex drive, increase your sexual function and have a fulfilling relationship.

We don't always recognize that a happy and healthy life is tied so closely to our brain chemistry. Once we understand the positive triggers like endorphin release through fitness and exercise, it simplifies managing a stressful life by enhancing intimacy, moods and feelings of love.

Here is my usual caution if you're just starting an exercise program: Please approach with moderation and be mindful of your body to avoid injury. Be sure to get checked out by your physician or get a physical to ensure you are healthy enough to do moderate to strenuous exercise.

It's Valentine's Day, so hug your loved ones and kiss your significant other like you mean it. Be sure to get outside and run, walk, hike or bike, just be sure to release those endorphins on what should be a wonderful day!

Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.