Oxytocin is a vital hormone which is released from the pituitary gland. It is correlated with trust, sexual activities, empathy and love relationships. It is sometimes also effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression and intestinal problems.
We can boost oxytocin naturally by adopting different manners. Oxytocin effects are incredibly beneficial for our sexual and love life. That is why it is called the ‘love hormone’. Read on to find out ways to increase oxytocin in your body.
Developed in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, it is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays an important role in seasoning your sexual desires, benefits in building stronger relationships and boosts empathy and trust.
Why is Oxytocin Known as the ‘Love Hormone’?
Sexual activities usually stimulate oxytocin in our body. It plays a substantial role in orgasm and erection. Researchers have reported that people tend to have a higher level of oxytocin produced in their body when they are in the first stages of a romantic relationship as compared to single or less attached people.
Women manage to have a higher level of oxytocin than men. Trust, gazing, compassion, optimistic relationships, lust, affection, remembering, loyalty and positive communication provokes the level of oxytocin in the body. This is the reason this hormone is called the love hormone.
Oxytocin Effects on Our Lives
Here are the effects of Oxytocin:
1. Helps in a sexual and romantic bond
As the oxytocin is called the ‘love hormone’, it is responsible for stimulating orgasm and erection but it is not just beneficial for the sexual bond but also the loyalty and affection between couples. It is very important in strengthening and boosting the romance between couples.
Oxytocin has been directly associated with enhanced communication between affectionate partners. There is also a connection between loyalty or fidelity and oxytocin. Immersing in emotional or sexual contact with your romantic partner may increase your oxytocin levels, creating a behavior loop.
2. Induces Labor
The contractions during labor are evoked by none other than oxytocin. It assists in keeping the procedure in motion by boosting the production of relevant hormones required during the labor. It also enables the uterus to come into its prior size after the delivery of the baby.
3. Breastfeeding and mother-baby bonding
The oxytocin is the hormone responsible for letting down the milk for the baby. When the baby latches on the breast of the mother, the oxytocin is released in the mother’s body which assists the process of breastfeeding.
Love HormoneOxytocin also benefits the bonding between the mother and the baby. Women who have a higher amount of oxytocin in their body tend to take care of their baby like regular checking in on the baby, affectionate touch, singing to the baby, different grooming and bathing behaviors which boosts the bonding between the mother and the baby.
4. Psychological benefits
Oxytocin might help improve social and individual behaviors, and that it could benefit people suffering from some psychological problems. It can also help in treating autism. It can also help people who generally avoid social interaction and people who have anger issues. Stress and anxiety can also be relieved with an increased amount of oxytocin.
How to Boost Oxytocin Naturally?
Here are the different ways to boost oxytocin naturally:
1. Show love and affection
Oxytocin is triggered when there is bonding between people. When you show care and affection, your body produces oxytocin. Telling your partner, family member or friends how much you love them and care for them can provoke the oxytocin in your body. Hugging them with love and feeling the warmth of them can help increase the level of oxytocin in the body. Love and affection are what triggers the release of oxytocin.
2. Meditation and Yoga
Meditation and yoga which are known for their psychological and physical healing aspects are one of the ways to increase oxytocin in the body.
Love HormonePerforming yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety by eliciting the levels of oxytocin. These effects can assist you in increasing your feeling of connection and strengthening your relationships with others.
3. Cuddle
Cuddling with someone you love, it can be your romantic partner, your little one, your pet or even your friends can help boost the production of oxytocin. Hugs, hand-holding, and cuddling can all do the work. So take a few moments for a nice, long hug with your loved ones for stimulating oxytocin in the body.
4. Pet your dog
Petting a dog or even petting an animal you love can also trigger oxytocin in your body. If you love dogs, it is the best way to achieve high levels of this love hormone. You feel the same love and warmth by petting your dog like you do when you cuddle or hug your loved ones. The oxytocin generated by your interaction with your dog helps you feel slightly better.
5. Do something good
When you do something good, for example giving away something to a poor person to make them smile or donating something to a charity can help in the release of oxytocin. Any act of kindness gives you a reason to smile and make you feel a lot better. It makes you feel proud of yourself and a sense of selflessness. It is a good way to increase the level of oxytocin.
6. Have intercourse
Last but not least. Having sex can encourage your body to boost more oxytocin. Orgasm assists the body in producing a higher amount of oxytocin. The feeling of being closer and connected sexually to your romantic partner or sexual partner gives you a certain warmth which triggers the level of oxytocin.
What Foods Increase Oxytocin?
Consuming some supplements and foods can also boost the production of oxytocin in your body. If you are looking forward to increasing your levels of oxytocin, add these following to your shopping list right away!
- Vitamin D rich foods like eggs, chicken, meat, cereals and sunlight are the best source of vitamin D.
- Vitamin C can also trigger the level of oxytocin. Foods like lemon, orange, tomato, guava, sprouts and other vitamin C rich foods and supplements can help in the production of oxytocin.
- Magnesium-rich foods like almonds, banana, avocado etc.
- Watermelon
- Spinach
- Coffee
- Figs
- Green tea
So, next time you are overtly attached to a movie, book, fictional character, your partner, or anything random- you know who to blame!
