The researchers theorized that if there were receptors for morphine in the brain, then there had to be morphine or a morphine-like substance somewhere in the body. The puzzle was solved when the first components of the human body's natural, morphine-like substances were discovered. In fact, studies have proved that an endorphin called beta-endorphin is up to 50 times better at quelling pain than morphine, which was the most powerful pain killer previously known.
Endorphins are part of the body's natural pain-control network.
They work by interfering with pain messages traveling through the nervous system. Endorphins cut off the pain message, stopping it dead in its tracks. Unfortunately, we can't use the endorphins themselves as pain killers. Fortunately, we don't have to take endorphins in order to enjoy their pain-killing benefits. Instead, we can use natural substances that protect or boost the endorphins in our bodies, allowing their levels to rise to higher, more powerful levels.