Oxytocin - More Than a Love Hormone.
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin, the hormone known for its role in bonding and love, is capturing widespread attention due to its remarkable health benefits. While commonly associated with childbirth, this hormone holds much more potential than previously recognised.
When released by the hypothalamus in the brain and dispersed throughout the body by the pituitary gland, oxytocin evokes a range of emotions, including love, empathy, trust, and comfort. In essence, it leaves us with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
The Many Benefits of Oxytocin.
Recent research has shed light on additional advantages of oxytocin, including:
Weight regulation: By promoting feelings of satiety and reducing cravings for high-calorie foods, oxytocin may aid in weight management.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Oxytocin's anti-inflammatory effects can provide support for joint and muscle pain.
Heart health: Oxytocin contributes to lowering blood pressure, facilitating arterial dilation, and promoting the delivery of vital nutrients, blood, and oxygen to the heart.
Happiness: Oxytocin works with serotonin and dopamine promoting emotional wellbeing.
Bone health: Current studies suggest it may help with osteoporosis
Gut health: Through its ani-inflammatroy effects it can reducing the risk of food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, and underlying infections.
Ageing and tissue regeneration: Oxytocin shows promise in countering accelerated signs of ageing and promoting better regeneration of aged tissue cells.
You cannot test for oxytocin like you can for oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid, cortisol, testosterone. However thats ok, as perhaps the best bit about oxytocin are they ways in which you can increase your oxytocin naturally to reap the benefits.
How Do We Make Oxytocin?
Boosting your oxytocin levels can be enjoyable and doesn't have to cost a thing. The activities listed below are not only free but also fun and fulfilling.
Hold hands with someone.
Give someone a big, heartfelt hug (the longer, the better!).
Treat yourself to a soothing massage.
Stroke and cuddle your beloved pet (they will also make oxytocin)
Embrace intimacy and enjoy more moments of pleasure, including sex and orgasms.
Fun physical activity that you enjoy, whether its walking, running, dancing, working out..
Spend quality time with friends and loved ones (even planning a get-together can bring joy!).
Reconnect with someone you haven't spoken to in a while.
Share the joy of giving or receiving a thoughtful gift.
Volunteer or donate to a worthy cause.
Cook and share meals with others, fostering connection and shared experiences.
Have a good laugh with your favorite comedy or spend time with someone who brings laughter into your life.
Listen to uplifting music that fills your heart with positivity and happiness.
Practising self care, basically anything you love doing that just for you, that allows you to disconnect from life’s stressors.
