Scientists discover humans have 'hope molecules' and reveal how the body can 'produce antidepressants'
'Hope molecules' may sound like something from Inside Out but they're real and we can unleash them in our bodies if we do a certain activity
The 'most exciting find of the last decade' is the discovery of 'hope molecules', according to one health psychologist.
It turns out there's a bunch of chemicals which your body can secrete under certain conditions which have been dubbed 'hope molecules' - yep, it sounds like something out of Inside Out and I am here for it.
What are 'hope molecules' and why they're so good
Health psychologist, lecturer and author Kelly McGonigal, PhD, explained the 'hope molecule' to Rich Roll on his podcast.
She said she came across the term in a scientific paper and questioned why it's not used more, revealing 'hope molecules' are used to refer to a group of small proteins called myokines.
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McGonigal explained that our muscles 'are like an endocrine organ' and when we 'contract' our muscles 'in any type of movement' they 'secrete chemicals into [the] bloodstream' such as myokines.
And while the chemicals released are 'really good for every system' of the body such as 'heart health' and 'immune function' and some of the them able to 'kill cancer cells', a 'big part of these proteins that are being released by our muscles' also have a 'profound effects' on the brain.
How you get 'hope molecules'
McGonigal continued: "So you go for a walk, or a run or you lift weights and your muscles contract and they excrete these proteins into your blood stream, they travel to your brain and they cross the blood-brain barrier.
"And in your brain they can act as an anti-depressant [...] they can make your brain more resilient to stress, they can increase motivation, they help you learn from experience."
And if you're sat here questioning whether there's not some other way to get hold of the same chemicals?
Well, sadly not, with McGonigal adding: "And the only way you get these chemicals is by using your muscles. This is part of how we become our best selves, we have to use our muscles."
Yes, I'm sorry, going on a run will make you happier - it's scientifically proven.
But why were myokines nicknamed 'hope molecules' - bar the fact it's probably the most fitting name for them?
Why they're called 'hope molecules'
McGonigal added: "Scientists called them 'hope molecules' because in this one study they found exercise could protect rodents from experiencing depression and PTSD if you severely traumatize them so the idea that these molecules are giving you hope even in difficult times."
McGonigal believes we should 'frame movement' as if we're giving ourselves an 'intravenous dose of hope'.
She resolved: "It's something you can choose to do to really powerfully influence your mental health and resilience and every time you move you're doing that."
Topics: Health, Mental Health, Science
Poppy Bilderbeck