Hello my friend! Welcome to Oxytocin: week 3 of the Happiness Hormone series here and on my podcast, Positively Anti-Inflammatory .
Oxytocin, the “love hormone” is correlated with loving touch, trust, connection, reproduction, sexual arousal, and relaxation. It promotes bonding in both romantic and platonic relationships.
Oxytocin impacts your emotional response to social situations and regulates social behavior, so the higher your oxytocin levels the more relaxed you’ll feel in social situations. That makes sense given that oxytocin reduces aggression and stress levels.
It also aids in pain management and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, benefiting your nervous system and promoting immune health.
We’ve all experienced feelings associated with low levels of oxytocin. Oxytocin deficiency signs and symptoms include
Feelings of disconnection, irritability, and loneliness
Decreased ability to feel affection
Lack of interest in sex
Difficulty achieving orgasm
Depression
Sugar cravings
Increased anxiety over social interaction
Communication problems
Speaking of feeling good, here are 9 ways to increase oxytocin that aren’t sex
1. Spend time with friends
2. Hug someone you love
3. Have meaningful conversations
4. Sing, listen to or play music
5. Do yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing exercises
6. Give someone a compliment
7. Play with a pet
8. Give thanks and feel gratitude
9. Increase vitamin D, vitamin C and magnesium, which support oxytocin production
Boost vitamin D by spending time in the sun and eating fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines
Increase vitamin C with blueberries, strawberries, avocado, watermelon, oranges and broccoli
Magnesium rich foods include leafy greens, bone broth, and dark chocolate (yay!)
What are the ways you engage in oxytocin supportive activities? How can you add to that?
Remember, oxytocin is released in response to all feel-good activities, and any sense of connection leads to higher oxytocin levels, and with that comes a greater sense of wellbeing.
You deserve that!
Love, Your Wellness Coach,
Alyssa
P.S. If you’re ready for personalized support with your health and healing, EMAIL ME to set up your free consult call.
P.P.S. Listen to episode 126, Oxytocin: Happiness Hormones Part 3.
May 24, 2023
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