Endorphins and Dopamine

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that stimulate neurones involved in reducing the intensity of pain Increased levels of endorphins are also linked to the feelings of pleasure obtained from activities such as eating, sex and prolonged exercise

Endorphin production increases in response to severe injury, prolonged and continuous exercise, stress and certain foods

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of pleasure and reinforces particular behaviour by activating the reward pathway in the brain

The reward pathway involves neurons which secrete or respond to the neurotransmitter dopamine The reward pathway is activated on engagement of beneficial behaviours e.g. eating when hungry