Introduction –
Oxytocin, also known as the love, cuddle or bonding hormone plays an important part in human bonding. Cuddling, hugging, kissing and sexual intimacy can trigger oxytocin production and strengthen bonds between adults.This happy hormone has a positive impact on mood and emotions. In short, oxytocin is both a hormone as well asneurotrans mitter as it travels through the blood and acts on brain and nerve cells. In this blog we are going to tell you the Health benefits of oxytocin, so read this full blog to get the complete information.
Major health benefits of oxytocin –
Oxytocin in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
This hormone helps in starting labor by causing contractions in your uterus muscles. Once oxytocin is released into your blood when your baby pushes against your cervix, it attaches to cells in the inner wall of your uterus and activates them. It increases calcium in your cells and starts muscle contractions.Some women are given oxytocin as a drug to make contractions in order to get labor faster. Oxytocin also brings milk into your breasts and helps milk letdown.
Lowers stress and anxiety:
When people are under physical stress and pain, oxytocin levels rise in the blood. It stops your nervous system from shutting down and lowers your stress hormone cortisol. Also, oxytocin might help lower anxiety and bring calmness to the mind.
Build connections:
Oxytocin helps building social bonds and looking and responding for interaction with others.
Affects mood:
Oxytocin levels and production help people who are facing stress and depression.
Builds trust:
Studies show that oxytocin helps you feel trusting and correctly identify faces irrespective of threatening faces. The hormone helps you build trust and connection with others.
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Sexual arousal and orgasm:
Oxytocin leads to lubrication and arousal in vagina and penis.Itis also known to cause erection, move sperm via ejaculation and increase sperm count in men. No doubt, oxytocin from sex promotes good health and deepens relationships and bonding.
How to increase oxytocin hormone in your body?
Try yoga:
It offers plenty of benefits including less anxiety, stress, depression and other mood symptoms. Also, it will help you get better sleep and obviously, an improved quality of life. Studies revealed that yoga could help increase oxytocin in people with schizophrenia that often involves trouble recognizing facial emotions and other social difficulties.
Listen to music:
This hobby has numerous benefits including improving your mood, focus and motivation. Associated with oxytocin, it can easily help you to improve the ability to create social bonds. Evidence has found that music can help boost oxytocin levels in your body effectively.
Meditation:
This daily practice can help improve your mood, reduce stress and anxiety and help you feel more compassion towards others. It will enhance your sense of connection and bolster your relationships and lifestyle. Oxytocin production involves directing thoughts of love, goodwill and compassion toward someone in your life.
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Massage therapy:
Studies show that15 minutes of massage help people relax and boost oxytocin levels. It can magically implant less pain, stress and anxiety post-massage with an improved mood and greater feelings of well-being.
Share your love and affection with others:
If you want to strengthen your emotional connection with others, let express about it. Sharing your love and affection with people who mean the most to you can help increase oxytocin and pro-social feelings on both sides.
Spend time with friends:
It will definitely make a big difference in your emotional well-being. Strong friendship can help you feel socially supported and less alone in the world. All because of oxytocin at work in your body. Trust and affection towards your friends will increase when you share their company more often.
Hug or cuddle:
To get your oxytocin up in your body, take the help of physical intimacy like cuddling, hugging and hand-holding.
Have sex:
Sexual intimacy is one key to raise oxytocin levels and demonstrate affection for someone. It will help you feel closer and more connected to your partner, improve your mood and make you feel pretty.
Eat with someone special:
Research suggests sharing food can increase oxytocin level in your body.Preparing and eating a meal with friends can provide enjoyment with nourishment. The act of eating can produce pleasure and trigger oxytocin release.
Selfless behaviors:
It can also promote oxytocin release. A random act of kindness makes others happy, in turn you feel happy, too.
How is oxytocin given?
Oxytocin is injected into a muscle or vein by the healthcare provider. Your contractions and other vital signs will be watched closely while you receive oxytocin.
Does Oxytocin Have Side Effects?
Oxytoxin has some negative effects on some people which may include:
- fast, slow or uneven heart rate
- excessive bleeding after childbirth
- severe headache and blurred vision
- pounding in your neck or ears
- severe weakness and feeling unsteady
What foods are high in oxytocin?
Oxytocin or “love hormone” can be found in a different variety of food including Vitamin D, C and magnesium. In addition, you can add oxytocin in your diet via fatty fish, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach and avocados.
Final words –
Also called the love hormone, oxytocin is sometimes responsible for the positive emotions you feel during attraction and sexual desire. It creates feelings of calm and closeness in humans. It can’t repair a damaged relationship but gives you empathy to trust on your own. It plays a major role in the body functions as well as has social functions. Making connections and creating meaningful friendships and intimate relationships are some of the best ways to trigger your oxytocin level. With it, you can make an impact with bonding behavior, group memories and social recognition.
In last, I hope this blog sufficient enough to provide the complete information about Health benefits of oxytocin.
