How To Get More Oxytocin
A rarely discussed topic is oxytocin. Despite being referred to as the ‘love’ hormone, oxytocin has many benefits you may be unaware of.
This hormone is released in your brain (in your hypothalamus), then distributed by the pituitary gland to the rest of your brain. It can stimulate emotions of love, trust, connection, empathy, bonding, and comfort.
Oxytocin also works with serotonin and dopamine, making them a powerful trio of super-happy hormones!
When is oxytocin released?
- During childbirth, its main job is to stimulate contractions
- When you need to bond with your baby (cuddling and breastfeeding trigger it)
- When you fall in love, during sex and orgasm
- When with good friends
- By hugging, holding hands, or being massaged
- By stroking or hugging your pet
As well as making you feel good, oxytocin research has revealed its far-reaching health benefits.
How does oxytocin benefit your health?
- It decreases the level of stress hormones (primarily cortisol) your body manufactures – helping us to feel calm and sleep better.
- It can protect the heart by dilating the arteries, supplying the heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients – lowering your blood pressure.
- It is healthy for your gut – studies claim that oxytocin calms inflammation, reducing the risk of food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, and underlying infection.
- It can aid muscle and joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
- It can offer protection against accelerated signs of aging and better regeneration of aged tissue cells.
- It is good for weight loss – oxytocin can reduce hunger signals in the brain.
- It can improve sexual pleasure as well as help with conception (uterus contractions helping sperm motility).
- Oxytocin is a potential treatment for anxiety and depression.
We all need oxytocin, so here’s how to get some without giving birth!
- Hold hands with someone
- Give someone a big hug – the longer the better
- Get a massage
- Stroke your pet
- Have more sex and/or orgasms
- Spend time with friends or people you love (even planning a get-together can provide you with a boost!)
- Phone someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
- Give (or receive) a gift
- Volunteer or donate to charity
- Cook and share meals with others
- Have a good laugh (watch your favorite comedy or spend time with someone that makes you laugh)
- Listen to your favorite uplifting music
If you can’t do any of that right now, have a relaxing bath in Epsom salts and your favorite essential oil – a bit of self-care can be just as nourishing.
Do share the love – send this blog to anyone you know who needs a bit more oxytocin!
Do share the love – send this blog to anyone you know who needs a bit more oxytocin!
And do contact us if you need help with your hormones or health for info on how we can help.
menopause, Tictoc, BioTe
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