Oxytocin – nicknamed as the “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone” is one of the most important hormones that we produce playing a key role in social bonding, building relationships, reproduction, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus in the brain, often referred to as our control center and most often is released by the pituitary gland. Once the hypothalamus sends signals for oxytocin to be produced, it’s either released in the bloodstream or to other parts of the brain and spinal cord. It binds oxytocin receptors, influencing how we feel and behave towards others.
We often think of oxytocin as a feminine hormone, but men produce oxytocin as well. Why is oxytocin called the “love hormone”?
It’s responsible for many aspects of social bonding and sexual pleasure. Situations that make us feel safe, happy and connected tend to cause the release of several feel-good hormones, including oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. Oxytocin also has similarities to endorphins because we release more in order to soothe ourselves in response to sources of pain and stress.
Increased oxytocin can potentially increase feelings of generosity, forgiveness, trustworthiness, joy and security. It also helps increase fidelity and monogamy in relationships by keeping us honest and facilitating compassion and empathy towards others.
Why is Oxytocin good for healing?
Oxytocin helps social bonding and relationships. It boosts our ability to cope with stress.
Research is starting to show that oxytocin may have anti-aging and anti-obesity effects as well. Higher oxytocin release is now linked with protection against accelerated signs of aging and better regeneration of aged tissue stem cells, including muscle cells.
Oxytocin is produced by physical contact such as hugs, massages, being intimate and even shaking hands. Did you know a person should have 8-12 hugs a day? Family therapist Virgina Satir once said “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
Essential oils such as Clary Sage encourage production of your love hormone. You can purchase it here: Clary Sage Essential Oil – Help You Get Heathly Shop (gethealthy.shop)
What are some other ways we increase our oxytocin levels? We can easily boost your production of Oxytocin in order to promote feelings of well-being and connectedness by:
- Making eye contact
- Laughing
- Giving and Receiving Gifts
- Sharing Meals together
- Petting your dog or cat (or a friends dog or cat if you don’t have one)
- Meditation or visualization
- Telling someone you love them
- Listening to calming music
- Speaking to someone you trust on the phone
- Walking or exercising with someone
- Looking at photos or videos of people you care about
As a nutritionist I often get asked if food has oxytocin in it?
It is not found in any food, but it plays a role in regulating appetite. Eating aphrodisiac foods such as oysters, maca, fish, avocado, honey figs and basil may also improve your mood and desire for connection, leading to higher release.
My suggestion – Get your daily dose of Oxytocin in! Live healthier naturally!