Hey Earthyvette fam! Let’s talk about oxytocin, a superstar hormone that plays a key role in our overall well-being, especially for women’s health.
What is Oxytocin?
Imagine a tiny hug messenger zipping around your body. That’s oxytocin! It’s sometimes called the “love hormone” because it gets released during things like cuddling, bonding, and childbirth [1].
Why is it Important?
Oxytocin does amazing things! It promotes feelings of:
- Love and Connection: Those warm fuzzies you get after spending time with loved ones? Thank oxytocin! [2]
- Stress Relief: Oxytocin helps lower cortisol, the stress hormone, making you feel calmer [3].
- Healing Power: Studies suggest oxytocin can even play a role in wound healing [4].
Boosting Your Oxytocin Levels (Naturally!)
The good news? You can give your oxytocin a boost with some simple practices:
- Hug it Out: A big squeeze with a friend or loved one (or even a pet!) triggers oxytocin release [5].
- Laughter is the Best Medicine: Sharing a good laugh is a natural oxytocin booster [6].
- Food for Thought: Certain foods, like dark chocolate and fatty fish, may also contribute to oxytocin production [7].
Oxytocin & Women’s Health:
For women, oxytocin plays a particularly important role:
- Pregnancy & Birth: Oxytocin helps regulate contractions during labor and delivery [8].
- Breastfeeding: This feel-good hormone supports milk production and bonding between mama and baby [9].
My Self-Hug Secret!
As a yoga and meditation enthusiast, I’ve discovered a powerful way to boost my oxytocin levels – a good old-fashioned self-hug!
During my practice, I take a moment to wrap my arms around myself, feeling the gentle pressure and warmth. It’s a simple act, but it reminds me that I’m worthy of love and support, even when I’m alone.
And guess what? Studies by Dr. Mindy Peltz, a world-renowned fasting and women’s health expert, suggest self-hugs can actually lower cortisol levels – a win-win for stress relief and oxytocin production! [10]
A Big Thank You!
A huge thank you to all the amazing women’s health researchers, like Dr. Mindy Peltz, who are paving the way for a deeper understanding of our bodies and how to optimize our well-being.
The Takeaway:
Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that contributes to our physical and emotional well-being.
By incorporating these simple tips into your daily life, like a self-hug during your next yoga session, you can naturally boost your oxytocin levels
and experience the wonderful benefits it offers!
- Psychology Today. (2018, February 5). The Science of Love. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/oxytocin-the-love-hormone
- National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Oxytocin. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2689929/
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, August 10). Understanding the stress response. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/the-role-of-cortisol-in-the-body
- Science Daily. (2014, March 17). Oxytocin Promotes Wound Healing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6754027/
- Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. (2010, January 11). The Power of Touch. https://sophiezadeh.com/body-language-blog/oxytocin-touch
- University of California, Los Angeles. (n.d.). Laughter. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/10.1152/advan.00030.2017
- Dr. Mark Hyman. (2018, February 14). 10 Ways to Boost Your Oxytocin Levels Naturally. https://www.evolveyou.app/blog/food-to-increase-oxytocin-how-to-boost-oxytocin-level
- American Pregnancy Association. (2020, August 11). Oxytocin and Labor. https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/labor-and-birth-terms-to-know/?sw_cache=rebuild
- National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Breastfeeding. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10631302/
- Pelz, M. (n.d.). Episode 119: Oxytocin: The Most Powerful Hormone Ever? – With Dr. Anna Cabeca [Audio podcast episode]. Dr. Mindy Pelz.