Boost Oxytocin to Live Longer & Happier

Did you know that the hormone oxytocin could play a part in living a longer and happier life?

Have the COVID lockdowns left you feeling a little less like you normally do?

Have they caused more stress in your life than you are accustomed to?

Do you miss hanging out with some of your favorite people?

There may be a reason for that. A special hormone called Oxytocin behind your connections and bonds with fellow humans.

What is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus in your brain.

Oxytocin helps you feel good and socially bond with others. This is important because humans are social animals.

Oxytocin levels in blood rise in pregnancy and are quite high during labor and childbirth. Oxytocin reduces pain and anxiety associated with labor and prepares the mother to meet her baby for the first time.

This is likely why your mom (still) loves you so much.

Oxytocin is involved in sexual activity, childbirth and breastfeeding.

Oxytocin is known as the love hormone, the cuddle hormone and the connection hormone. But could oxytocin also help you live longer? Read on.

Benefits of Oxytocin (And A Longer Life?)

Oxytocin helps you bond with others and form group memories.

As mentioned, during childbirth a mother’s body is flooded with oxytocin. It’s important for babies to have a strong bond with their mother because they are defenseless for so long.

Experts believe an increase in oxytocin increases trust in others, causes you to be more generous, feel safer and better read social cues.

A study in 2012 found that people in love had higher levels of oxytocin compared to others.

One study found that frequent hugs from their partners and higher oxytocin levels were associated with lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Oxytocin also goes up when you do spend time in the company of friends. Maybe this is why people with strong social networks tends to help people live longer.

A 2015 study showed that supplementing oxytocin caused formation of new muscle fibers, while reducing oxytocin levels caused muscle regeneration to decline. Turns out this hormone even works double duty to keep you looking good naked.

Like all good things, oxytocin is affected by your aging as well. A study found that circulating levels of oxytocin decreased during natural aging.

How to Increase Oxytocin?

Hugging, kissing and sexual intimacy raise oxytocin levels in humans.

The act of touching someone seems to boost oxytocin levels. Getting or giving a massage can cause oxytocin levels to rise.

Oxytocin also goes up when you do spend time in the company of friends. Maybe this is why people with strong social networks tends to help people live longer.

Spend time with people you like. This is one way to hack oxytocin to live longer.

Cooking and eating together can help increase levels of oxytocin in your body.

If all else fails, you can try getting oxytocin injections or a nose spray. Make sure to test your oxytocin levels first and work with a functional doctor before you supplement from external sources.

Check out some of my other recommendations.