All about the ‘Love Hormone’

Love is taking on new meanings. Long gone are the days of waiting on a sweet valentine to send you a rose. Nowadays, it’s about planting the seeds for our own sweet romance or buying that rose bouquet for yourself. Even those sweet, warm, tingling, connected sensations are actually created inside of YOU. We are speaking about the neurotransmitter, oxytocin, better known as the, “love hormone”, or “bonding hormone”.

This hormone, mostly released during childbirth to connect mother and baby, during intimacy or a long hug, contributes to strengthening bonds between people and overall emotional and mental well-being. According to Dr. Sarah Edwards, an expert in the field, “Low levels of oxytocin in the brain are related to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, social phobia, autism, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder.”

This hormone is powerful in reducing stress and anxiety since it reduces the release of “stress hormone”, cortisol. It improves mood, feelings of contentment, enhances sexual desires, increases empathy, feelings of purpose, self-esteem, warmth, trust and openness. Sounds like the hormone we can do with for our emotional well-being, especially during the pandemic, social distancing, the lack of physical exchange situation some of us find ourselves in.

Sunshine, or more specifically the powerful nutrient, Vitamin D

Known as the “happy vitamin”, Vitamin D is better understood as a ‘prohormone’, since it is converted within the body when we absorb the sun’s rays through our skin. It can also be supplemented through foods fortified with Vitamin D Other ways are through foods that naturally contain them like mushrooms which when allowed to soak in the sunshine before eating will boost the amount of Vitamin D since mushrooms convert it through the sunshine too [1]

Improved Gut-Health

The anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics have shown promising results throughout many studies that show pro-biotics, specifically Lactobacillus reuteri, significantly increase serotonin levels in the brain via the Vagus nerve. Bacteria-triggered oxytocin release has also shown to activate and enhance wound healing too.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is not only excellent for immunity boosting and immune support, studies in psychiatry have shown that vitamin C decreases stress reactivity and increases oxytocin release.[1] Which means this vitamin is the best winter blues sidekick to be healthier and happier, and it’s easy to supplement through foods. Try berries, guava, citrus fruits, tomatoes, brussels sprouts and leafy greens like broccoli, spinach, kale etc.

Magnesium

An essential mineral, vital for a vast amount of biochemical reactions, including optimal functioning of the nervous system and neurotransmitter activity. This includes the oxytocin receptors that require magnesium to function properly. [1][2] Some magnesium-rich foods include: Pumpkin seeds, nuts, spinach, soymilk, black beans, dark chocolate, brown rice, oatmeal and bananas. Alternatively, one can enjoy an Epsom salts bath where the magnesium absorbs through the skin.

Herbs, like Anise seed, Sage, Jasmin, Fenugreek and Chamomile

Most of these herbs have been used traditionally to induce a more heightened state of relaxation, improved mood and to manage stress, especially the ones listed. Research has shown that anise seed can increase oxytocin in pregnant women and have been proven to be effective in reducing postpartum depression[1]. These are easy to supplement with by flavouring your dishes or making a tea.