Weird but True: How Running Affects Your Body

Welcome to Do Care, we know that running is a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy. But have you ever wondered about the strange things that happen to your body when you hit the pavement? Running doesn’t just improve your cardiovascular health and build muscles; it also causes some surprising and unusual effects. Let’s explore the weird things running does to your body.

Runner’s High: The Natural Euphoria

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


One of the most well-known, yet strange, effects of running is the “runner’s high.” This euphoric feeling is caused by the release of endorphins and endocannabinoids in your brain. These chemicals act as natural painkillers and mood lifters, making you feel incredibly happy and even a bit invincible after a long run.

Your Feet Can Grow

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


Regular running can actually cause your feet to grow. The repetitive impact and pressure on your feet can lead to the flattening of your arches, making your feet slightly longer and wider. This is why long-distance runners often go up a shoe size to accommodate the change.

Toenail Troubles

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


One less pleasant side effect of running is the potential for toenail issues. Runners often experience blackened or lost toenails due to the constant pressure and friction within their shoes. This is sometimes referred to as “runner’s toe.” Wearing properly fitted shoes and keeping your toenails trimmed can help minimize this problem.

Runner’s Face

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


While running is great for overall health, it can contribute to a phenomenon known as “runner’s face.” The repetitive bouncing motion can break down collagen in your skin, potentially leading to a gaunt or aged appearance over time. However, staying hydrated and using sunscreen can help protect your skin.

Improved Brain Function

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


Running has a surprising effect on your brain. It increases blood flow, which can improve cognitive functions and memory. Studies have shown that regular running can help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Digestive Changes

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


Running can stimulate your digestive system, sometimes leading to the need for an urgent bathroom break. The physical jostling can speed up your digestive process, which is why many runners plan their routes with restroom availability in mind.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


Intense running can cause hormonal changes in both men and women. For women, long-distance running can sometimes lead to irregular menstrual cycles or even amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation). Men might experience changes in testosterone levels. These effects are usually more noticeable in extreme cases or with overtraining.

Your Sense of Smell Might Improve

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


Interestingly, running can temporarily heighten your sense of smell. The increased airflow through your nasal passages and the heightened state of alertness can make your olfactory senses more acute during and immediately after a run.

Enhanced Hearing

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body


Running increases your heart rate and blood flow, which can improve circulation to your ears. Some runners report a temporary improvement in their hearing ability post-run, although this effect is usually short-lived.

Boosted Immune System

Weird but True How Running Affects Your Body-


Regular running can give your immune system a boost. Moderate exercise increases the production of certain antibodies and white blood cells, which help fight off infections. However, too much running without adequate rest can have the opposite effect and weaken your immune system.

Conclusion


At Do Care, we love helping you discover all the fascinating ways your body responds to healthy activities like running. While some of these effects may seem a bit strange, they are part of the complex ways our bodies adapt to physical exertion. Embrace these changes, stay informed, and keep running toward a healthier you!

FAQs about the Surprising Effects of Running


Q: What is a runner’s high?
A: A runner’s high is a feeling of euphoria caused by the release of endorphins and endocannabinoids in the brain during running.

Q: Can running cause my feet to grow?
A: Yes, regular running can flatten your arches, making your feet slightly longer and wider.

Q: Why do runners lose toenails?
A: Constant pressure and friction within shoes can cause toenail issues, sometimes leading to blackened or lost toenails.

Q: What is runner’s face?
A: Runner’s face refers to a gaunt or aged appearance caused by the repetitive bouncing motion during running, which can break down collagen in the skin.

Q: How does running affect brain function?
A: Running increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive functions and memory, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Q: Can running affect my digestion?
A: Yes, running can stimulate your digestive system, sometimes leading to the need for an urgent bathroom break.

Q: Do hormonal changes occur with running?
A: Intense running can cause hormonal fluctuations, leading to irregular menstrual cycles in women and changes in testosterone levels in men.

Q: Does running improve your sense of smell?
A: Temporarily, yes. Running can heighten your sense of smell due to increased airflow and heightened alertness.

Q: Can running enhance hearing?
A: Running increases blood flow, which can improve circulation to your ears and temporarily enhance hearing.

Q: How does running affect the immune system?
A: Regular running can boost the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and white blood cells, but excessive running without rest can weaken it.

Call to Action

Discover the surprising effects of running on your body. From runner’s high to improved brain function, learn how running can change you in unexpected ways.

you can check our contact us page and visit our Facebook page.

Share on:

Leave a Comment