Feeling good inside and outside the ring; Photo: pixabay.
Few things are as good as the feeling that comes after a solid workout or after some time in the ring against a worthy opponent. It's more than the love of sport and more than adrenaline — it's the release of serotonin, the brain substance linked to pleasure.
Secreted mainly by intestinal cells, the substance helps the brain communicate with various parts of the body. Its main function is to regulate stomach and intestinal movements, but that's not all.
It plays an important role in regulating appetite, sleep and mood. To the point that many of the main pharmacological antidepressants target serotonin levels. Its concentration in the body can be affected by various factors such as weather and climate, some positive, others negative. According to a study by the National Institute for Clinical and Health Excellence (United Kingdom), physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is a good way to increase it.
The Link Between Exercise and Serotonin
Published in the journal of neuropsychopharmacology, the study revealed that levels of this essential brain substance increase in two ways with exercise. One of these forms has almost instantaneous effects, while the other is best enjoyed as an ongoing result of exercises, training and fights.
Whether practicing with a sandbag, training on machines, in the boxing ring or in the MMA arena, all this activity causes the brain to control the synthesis and release of serotonin. The effects are almost immediate — good mood, a feeling of greater sociability and the awareness that a good night's sleep will be possible.
In addition to honing skills and improving physical health, regular workouts or other cardiovascular exercises increase tryptophan levels in the brain. This amino acid is an essential part of the production of serotonin.
Reach your Limit
Recognizing the extreme nature of boxing, MMA and other contact sports does not require participation. Even those who only watch the action on TV or broadcast on a website where punters can bet on the UFC and other fights know that the punches, kicks, injuries and blood are real.
Being in top shape requires testing your limits every day. The intense workouts required have more benefits than fighters realize. Articles published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Psychology Today and the Brookhaven National Laboratory make the relationship between intense physical activity, serotonin and dopamine a little clearer. The latter is another brain substance that plays an important role in reward-motivated behavior.
According to JM Davis, from the US clinical nutrition magazine, serotonin levels increase noticeably when exercises that stimulate the cardiovascular system are performed until physical and even mental fatigue is generated.
Research led by Gene-Jack Wang of Brookhaven has shown that half an hour of cardiovascular exercise, followed by ten minutes of cooling down, does not increase either serotonin or dopamine levels in humans. However, in animal studies, a shorter period of intense exercise was enough to demonstrate an increase in the level of these substances.
Expanding on Wang's work for Psychology Today, Dr. David J. Linden wrote that the research suggests humans would need higher-intensity exercise than the Brookhaven researcher used.
Serotonin: Life is Good
High levels of these important brain substances can benefit people actively involved in boxing, MMA and other sports, both in the ring and outside. Success in sports requires more than just training. Good nutrition, adequate rest and time with family and friends are also part of it.
Along with increased serotonin levels comes a positive and sociable mood, which naturally results in quality time with loved ones. However, serotonin's aid in regulating appetite and digestion also ensures that fighters maintain their appetite and that their bodies digest properly. The substance also regulates sleep, and sleepless nights are rarely a problem.
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