Contents
What is and why is it needed
Oxytocin is produced in the brain, in the hypothalamus. He is responsible for our social contacts. For example, studies have shown that it increases the degree of trust in others – people whose blood levels of this hormone are high enough forgive easily when they are deceived. They are more willing to make contacts, communicate with others with pleasure. Do people annoy you? Maybe you just don’t have enough oxytocin.
The same hormone is responsible for maternal love, its level in a woman’s body increases during breastfeeding.
On his account, our sexual arousal – with hugs, kisses and intimacy, its level in the body increases significantly. Moreover, oxytocin acts on men in an interesting way – they become more generous. Ladies, take note.
Another interesting feature of oxytocin was discovered by Australian scientists – they experimented on rodents and found that high doses of this hormone make animals immune to alcohol. Perhaps this effect can be used to treat alcoholism – methods are already being developed.
Oxytocin helps us cope with stress by lowering stress hormones such as cortisol. The more oxytocin in the blood, the less cortisol. And if something upsets you, it is enough just to hug a loved one – and anxiety will begin to recede. In addition, it depresses the brain centers that are responsible for fear – scientists believe that this can be used to treat anxiety disorders.
And yes, love is also the action of oxytocin.
How to increase the hormone oxytocin in the body of a man and a woman
In fact, increasing the level of oxytocin in the blood is a simple task.
Communicate
What do many people do when they feel bad? That’s right, they go to friends to share their problems. We do this sometimes subconsciously – we must speak out. But in fact, it works at the hormonal level – communication with loved ones also increases the level of oxytocin in the body.
hug
This is a very simple, but at the same time effective way – if you are sad, anxious, just hug a person close to you. Oxytocin levels will rise, cortisol levels (the stress hormone) will drop, and your mood will immediately improve. If there is no way to hug, just take the person by the hand. This works too.
get married
Women’s happiness – would be cute next. There is no need to explain anything, women understand this very well. But men often avoid official relations and in vain! Of course, short-term intimate relationships increase the level of oxytocin, but it has been proven that this hormone is produced much more if a man is married. Just imagine: you come home from work tired and annoyed, and at home – a delicious dinner, your beloved wife hugs you, kisses you and that’s it – goodbye stress! Statistics confirm this officially.
Go for a massage
It should be light and relaxing. It is based on tactile touch, and they also provoke the release of oxytocin. Such relaxation will be useful to everyone.
Get a pet
This is for those who do not want to get married or get married. Yes, yes, the level of oxytocin increases when communicating with pets. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cat or a dog, a hamster or a rat. Caring for your neighbor, even if he is four-legged, has a positive effect on our emotions – again, this is due to oxytocin. Plus tactile contact.
Sow the seeds
Have you singled out those crazy summer residents who sowed seeds, and then immensely rejoice at every sprout, every leaf and every flower? It turns out that growing plants also increases oxytocin levels. And it is much higher if the plant is not bought in a store, but grown from a seed. So, if you suddenly feel lonely, grab your beloved dog and run to the garden – it’s time to sow something. Winter? Sow at home in pots.
Popular questions and answers
We asked you to answer popular questions about the hormone oxytocin pathophysiologist, nutrition specialist Alena Paretskaya.