It's called the love hormone, but oxytocin produced in the brain can affect almost every cell from head to toe. It's being increasingly shown to offer up a wide range of benefits for both mind and body at the end of pregnancy. Oxytocin (the word is derived from the Greek meaning "pregnancy movement") is secreted into the bloodstream where it acts to induce uterine contractions. Sometimes doctors will administer a synthetic pharmaceutical version of the hormone, if labor induction is deemed a medical necessity.
After delivery, oxytocin stimulates lactation for breastfeeding moms. Oxytocin is a hormone of attachment and bonding. It's associated with a feeling of calmness and closeness. It also has stress relieving properties and can reduce signs of nervousness in laboratory animals separated from their mothers and their siblings.
Oxytocin has demonstrated potential for treating social anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, autism and depression. Oxytocin reduces skin inflammation and it improves wound healing. It's a pain reliever and helps reduce cravings and dependence on alcohol and drugs. It can also help with food addictions and it's being investigated for use as an anti-obesity medication.
You can eat to amp up your "love hormone" levels. Dark chocolate, eggs, bananas and figs maybe oxytocin boosters. Oxytocin surges when people are trusting or empathetic. Physical and social connection work. Hugging, making eye contact, being smiled at and even shaking hands are all easy healthy ways to naturally induce your own oxytocin.
