hormone production Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Oxytocin (The Love Hormone): Benefits + How to Increase Levels

The AHA! Team — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:11:36 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Why is oxytocin called “the love drug”? It’s responsible for many aspects of social bonding and sexual pleasure and affects emotions. Oxytocin, nicknamed by some experts “the tend and befriend hormone,” is one of the most important hormones that humans (and many other mammals) produce. It plays an important role in: social bonding building relationships reproduction childbirth breastfeeding raising children Here’s something that may come as a surprise: According to the American Psychological Association, oxytocin is released in response to both positive social connection and stressful conditions. Levels have been found to be higher when someone is under stress, such as when exposed to social isolation or when in an unhappy relationship. It’s thought that increased levels may help motivate people to reach out for help. On the other hand, situations that make us feel safe, happy and connected tend to cause the release of several “feel-good hormones,” including oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. What is oxytocin? Oxytocin is a hormone (technically a peptide or neuropeptide) that is involved in bonding. As a neuropeptide, it’s a “chemical messenger” that acts on organs, including the brain. What does oxytocin do, and where is it produced? Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus region in the brain, often called the “control center” of the brain. It’s also thought to be influenced by activation of the amygdala, which is the region of the brain mostly associated with fear and memories. Once the hypothalamus sends signals for oxytocin to be produced, it’s either released into the bloodstream or to other parts of the brain and spinal cord. It binds to oxytocin receptors, influencing how we feel and behave toward others. Oxytocin influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. This includes having an effect on the “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis” (also called the HPA axis), which dictates release of many hormones. This peptide hormone has been said to have “broad implications” for general health, including facilitating adaptation to stressors, development, growth, healing, reproduction and social behavior. It also seems to have anti-inflammatory and even antioxidant effects, since it defends the body against trauma, illness and stress-induced damage. Additionally, it helps keep blood pressure levels in the normal range and also balances cortisol levels, a primary “stress hormone.” We usually think of it as a feminine hormone, but do men produce oxytocin too? Yes. While it was originally considered a hormone that was only found in women due to its tie to labor, lactation and raising children, it’s now known to be present and important in both men and women (although women are still thought to produce more). For example, oxytocin helps with male reproduction, as well as female reproduction, by supporting production of testosterone in the testes and motility of sperm. Additionally, it affects both sexes’ metabolisms, moods, immune systems and more. How the love hormone affects emotions Why is oxytocin called “the love drug”? It’s responsible for many aspects of social bonding and sexual pleasure and affects emotions. Oxytocin also has similarities to endorphins (opiate chemicals) because we produce more in order to soothe ourselves in response to sources of pain and stress. How does oxytocin make you feel? Here’s a basic overview of the emotional effects of oxytocin: Research has told us that oxytocin’s effects are basically the opposite of those linked to our “fight or flight” response. Higher levels are linked to feeling calmer and having a better capacity to deal with stress. Newer research has suggested that increased oxytocin can potentially also increase feelings of generosity, forgiveness, trustworthiness, joy and security. It seems to help increase fidelity and monogamy in relationships by keeping us honest and facilitating compassion/empathy toward others. Plus it increases feelings of protectiveness. Benefits/uses 1. Helps with social bonding and building relationships Can oxytocin make you fall in love? The release of oxytocin is associated with feelings of love and protection, as well as empathy, trust and connectedness. Studies have shown that oxytocin enforces pro-social behaviors, attachment, bonding and even fidelity by rewarding those who maintain good relationships with positive, calm feelings of well-being. One study demonstrated that people in the early stages of romantic attachment, within the first six months of a new relationship, had higher circulating levels of oxytocin. It’s also known that oxytocin levels are high during sexual activity and after orgasms. Many forms of social contact seem to result in bursts of oxytocin, even if it’s anticipated social contact, such as planning for a date, party or get-together. The hormone also works on a “positive feedback loop.” It makes us want to socialize, which further increases our oxytocin production, which then makes us feel good so we continue to seek out relationships with others. 2. Boosts ability to cope with stress While it also works under times of low stress, oxytocin has been shown to be elevated under times of high stress, too. Some studies have found that people who report having poor social relationships usually have higher circulating levels of both oxytocin and the stress hormone cortisol than those reporting better relationships. Externally administering the hormone via supplements has been shown to help mitigate stress reactions, acting as a type of natural buffer. It can make people who are stressed seek out support through better social connections. It may also help protect the nervous system from shutting down in the face of stressful circumstances, including childbirth. By increasing someone’s motivation to find help from others, the hormone can help people find opportunities and engage in behaviors that lead to more security, joy and love. 3. Induces labor What does oxytocin do in women to facilitate reproduction? Not only does it help women bond with their sexual partners or potentially the future fathers of their children, but oxytocin also strengthens labor contractions during childbirth, along with helping control bleeding after childbirth. It facilitates production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that move labor along by increasing contractions. In prescription/synthetic form, it can be used to induce labor or speed up the process. The most widely used form is the brand-name drug Pitocin, which is commonly given to women in the hospital during labor. 4. Supports breastfeeding and child rearing According to a 2018 study focused on human evolution, some of oxytocin’s main functions are to support breastfeeding and nurturing maternal behaviors among both mothers and fathers. Research has linked the hormone to a mother’s ability to care for her infant in multiple ways, one of which is through breastfeeding. When a baby nurses from his/her mother’s breast, nerves in the nipple send a signal to the pituitary gland to produce oxytocin, which then causes tiny muscles around the nipple to squeeze and release milk. Experts also believe that oxytocin helps new mothers and fathers feel calm even during difficult life transitions, one of which is having and caring for a new baby. Levels have been shown to rise in parents due to affectionate touch and contact with their babies and children. 5. May have anti-aging and anti-obesity effects In one study, it was shown that higher oxytocin release is linked with protection against accelerated signs of aging and better regeneration of aged tissue stem cells, including muscle cells. Oxytocin injections may be used in the future to help injuries heal better, improve bone health and possibly prevent obesity. For example, some animal studies have found that oxytocin administration leads to sustained weight reduction by reducing food intake, which is believed to happen because it dampens the brain’s food-related reward circuitry. Additionally, it seems to reduce muscle and joint pain due to pain-dulling and anti-inflammatory effects. Higher circulating levels are also thought to be positively associated with lean mass and bone mineral density. 6. May help with social disorders Oxytocin has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric conditions characterized by social deficits and anxiety, including social phobia, autism spectrum disorders and postpartum depression. Research has suggested that oxytocin may modulate social behaviors and reduce anxiety, making it a promising candidate for treating social phobia. A review of clinical trials indicated that oxytocin administration could have beneficial effects across several conditions, including social anxiety. Oxytocin’s role in enhancing social cognition has led to studies exploring its application in autism as well. A meta-analysis of clinical trials found that oxytocin administration showed a significant combined effect in improving social behaviors in individuals with autism. The involvement of oxytocin in mood regulation and maternal behaviors has prompted investigations into its potential therapeutic effects on postpartum depression. Oxytocin is considered a promising neuromodulator for psychotherapeutic interventions in various psychiatric illnesses, including postpartum depression. While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and the therapeutic use of oxytocin for these conditions is still under investigation. Further studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety profiles in these contexts. How to increase it Both higher- and lower-than-normal levels of oxytocin can cause health problems and changes in behavior among women and men, according to endocrinologists. Here are some examples of how: High levels among men may contribute to enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and urinary problems. Low levels (what some might call “oxytocin deficiency”) among women can interfere with child labor and breastfeeding. Low levels among both sexes have been linked to depression and anxiety, although it still isn’t totally clear how administering oxytocin supplements can help treat these and other mental health conditions. It’s also believed that low levels may be tied to autism and autistic spectrum disorders. Wondering, “How can I increase my oxytocin levels?” Is there a supplement for oxytocin or foods that can naturally boost production? Here are ways that you can naturally boost your production in order to promote feelings of well-being and connectedness: Physical contact. Hugs, massages, being intimate, shaking hands and breastfeeding all cause the release of oxytocin. Physical contact can increase levels whether it’s between lovers, friends, or children and their parents. Essential oils. Research has shown that certain essential oils, including clary sage oil, may help balance hormones and encourage production of “the love hormone.” Making eye contact Laughing Giving and receiving gifts (including money) Altruistic behaviors, such as cooking for others and sharing meals together Petting a dog, cat or other pet Doing “loving kindness” meditations or visualization Telling someone you love him or her Listening to calming music Speaking to someone you trust on the phone Walking or exercising with someone Looking at photos or videos of people you care about, including via social media Supplements, sprays and dosage What happens if you take oxytocin in supplement or spray form? Although more research is still needed to confirm how oxytocin supplements and sprays affect our behaviors and moods, researchers think there’s a possibility that administering this hormone may help people dealing with social and emotional problems. Conditions that oxytocin may be able to help include: autism or Asperger’s disorder social anxiety schizophrenia depression Some early experiments have suggested that oxytocin nasal sprays or injections may help people with these conditions better identify emotional content and facilitate social information processing. The synthetic version of oxytocin given intravenously (Pitocin) is also used to induce labor. Can oxytocin be taken orally? At this time there isn’t an oral supplement of this hormone available. Because it’s destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract, it’s given by injection or nasal spray instead. Dosage of oxytocin depends on why it’s being given and someone’s response; therefore it must be individualized. When it’s given to induce labor, IV infusion is used along with frequent monitoring. Infusion doses starting at 0.5 to 1 milliunits/minute, in some cases increasing up to 6 milliunits/minute, are typically given to women during labor. Does food have oxytocin? This hormone is not found in foods, but it does play a role in regulating appetite. Eating aphrodisiac foods (such as chocolate, coffee, fish, avocado and some herbs) may also improve your mood and desire for connection, leading to higher release. Risks and side effects Are there any oxytocin supplement...

The post Oxytocin (The Love Hormone): Benefits + How to Increase Levels appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Discover 3 Powerful Herbs that Improve Liver Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:04 +0000

Natalie Robins via NaturalHealth365 – Along with the skin, kidneys, and intestinal tract, the liver is one of the body’s main organs for removing poisons from your body. The liver does a lot to keep toxins from building up inside your body and causing you harm, but you still need to take care of it so it can keep looking after you. You can help with detoxification or by taking natural remedies to help improve liver health. Many natural health experts recommend three powerful herbs: burdock, dandelion greens, and milk thistle. In fact, convincing research supports the role these herbs have in promoting liver health, and you can easily add them into your daily routine. Learn How to Improve Liver Health Quickly and Naturally The liver helps remove toxins from your body, allows metabolism to occur, and helps regulate hormone production. Common liver diseases include cirrhosis, hepatitis A, B, and C, plus fatty liver disease. You can help protect your liver by eating organic food, proper hygiene, and cleaning up your immediate living space by avoiding personal care products loaded with toxic chemicals, plus purifying your air and water supply daily. But, in some cases, herbal remedies may be helpful. Which Herbs Are Best to Help Detoxify the Body and Improve Liver Health? Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is an herb whose roots can be eaten as a vegetable like it is commonly done in Asia. It has a diuretic effect, and the excess urination it produces can help lower your blood pressure. It is also known as a diaphoretic – which means it increases sweating. Remember, one of the best ways to detoxify the body is through sweat. Another important benefit of burdock root is its high antioxidant content. The antioxidants in burdock root can help protect the liver against poisonous substances. In addition, burdock can cleanse the liver, allowing it to do a better job of detoxifying the blood. Dr. de Souza Predes from the Department of Biological Sciences at the Universidade Estadual do Paraná in Brazil and colleagues recently published research investigating the ability of burdock to improve liver health. The authors found that “the liver function indicators showed that A. lappa [burdock] protected the liver against cadmium toxicity damage.” You can eat burdock root like a vegetable by cooking it. You can steam or roast it or make a stir fry dish, as Asian cultures might do, with toasted sesame oil, non-GMO soy sauce, and organic chili flakes. Dandelion roots and leaves can help improve liver health, especially in the case of hepatitis C. Taraxin, the active compound in dandelion, is a choleretic, which means that it stimulates bile production by the liver. This aids in fat absorption and digestion, and another benefit is to fight constipation. You can cook dandelion greens with other greens or on their own with onions and garlic. You can also use dandelion root to make tea. Just keep in mind, these greens are bitter to taste. Milk thistle is another herb known for its liver health benefits. It has been used to help treat chronic liver disease and hepatitis B and C. Its active component is a compound called silymarin, and like, dandelion, it is a choleretic. Milk thistle seeds are most potent, but you can also eat the rest of the plant. For example, you can stew the stems and seeds after removing the prickles and roast or boil the roots. It’s always best to remove any known toxic agents, from your life, before starting any supplemental routine. Of course, when dealing with a severe health condition, it’s best to work with an experienced healthcare provider to develop a plan of action. By taking better care of yourself, you can put your liver in a better position to take care of yourself. Depending on your situation, plant remedies usually will provide a powerful yet safe way to improve overall health without harmful side effects. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Discover 3 Powerful Herbs that Improve Liver Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

The Surprising Benefits of Swimming in Cold Water (+ How to Stay Safe)

AHA Publisher — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 07:00:12 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – People living in cooler locations such as Russia, Finland and England have been practicing cold water swimming for hundreds of years. Since the 1800s swimming in cold water has even grown in popularity as a competitive sport and hobby, done without wet suits in the form of quick “polar plunges” and ice water races. There’s even a mile-long swim challenge in freezing water, called Ice Zero, that’s held in places such as Antarctica, Russia and Northern Europe, which to date only 11 brave people have ever completed. You may already know that swimming is linked with benefits including improved endurance and breath control, but what about water temperature? Is it better to swim in cold or warm water? While a heated pool might feel cozier to lounge in, swimming in cold water is associated with some unique health perks — such as a boost in your metabolism and immune function. It’s also described as a “thrill” that can quickly lift your mood and energy if you’re willing to deal with the feeling of shock that can come along entering into ice cold water. Benefits What happens when you swim in freezing water? Are the benefits akin to taking a cold shower? As a form of aerobic exercise, swim workouts in general offer benefits for your heart, lungs, immune system and more. Swimming is considered one of the most ideal forms of exercise for people with injuries and who are older, since it’s not a weight-bearing activity. When you add cold water to the swimming equation you also experience a boost in cellular health and even your metabolism. Cold water winter swimming is overall thought to be more difficult than regular temperature swimming and has the added potential to increase body tolerance to stressors. Here’s more about what cold exposure does to your body and some of the potential benefits of swimming in cold water: 1. Gives Your Metabolism a Boost Exposure to cold water reduces your deep body temperature. This acts as a stimulus for your metabolism and serves as an adaptive process. When your temperature drops, your body reacts by shivering to generate more heat, via involuntary contraction of muscles. Your heart also pumps blood faster to boost your circulation, and in general your body works harder on a cellular level to maintain homeostasis and prevent hypothermia. All of this uses energy in the process. As such, it can actually increase your metabolic rate (although it’s likely not enough to cause weight or fat loss on its own). 2. Releases Endorphins Even though it can be nerve-racking to enter into freezing water, most find that it’s an instant mood-booster once they work up the courage to do it. Not only is swimming in cold water a form of aerobic exercise that can help fight stress, anxiety and depression, but it also releases endorphins (“feel good hormones”) because it’s a form of pain. As the International Ice Swimming Association explains, “Cold water swimming brings us close to the pain barrier.” Our bodies produce endorphins when we face pain as a way of helping us cope and respond. Many cold water swimmers find that after exiting the water they feel calmer and more positive. Some also feel that it helps manage chronic pain, such as nerve damage, neck pain and shoulder pain that may be tied to inflammation. Additionally, cold exposure is linked to reduce fatigue and enhanced recovery from exercise (a type of positive “stressor”). Another potential perk of swimming in freezing water is the social aspect if you choose to do it with a team or group of friends. For example, it’s becoming more popular in communities where the temperature is cold to host “polar plunges” in the winter time, such as for charities and other causes. 3. Promotes a Strong Immune System Cold water causes an increase in the amount of white blood cells produced by the immune system. It does this to help defend against potential threats, and in the process it can enhance protection against getting sick. Freezing water swimming also seems to have anti-inflammatory effects. That can help explain its supposed pain-killing effects. 4. Supports Cardiovascular Health Swimming offers many benefits for the whole cardiovascular system, including the heart itself, the veins, arteries and capillaries. When swimming in cold water, blood moves to the surface of your skin and to your extremities to help keep you warm. In the process you experience improved circulation and support for healthy blood pressure. 5. May Aid Hormone Production Some research suggests that another benefit of swimming in cold water is support for hormone balance and production, including a boost in estrogenand testosterone production, which contributes to fertility and a healthy libido. Higher production of these reproductive hormones is also linked with other positive effects, such as an easier time building muscle, more confidence and self-esteem, enhanced mood, and more energy. Risks and Side Effects What water temperature is too cold to swim in? You want to avoid swimming in freezing water that is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (or 10 degrees Celsius). Lower temperatures can cause complications including numbness, pain and feelings of shock. Can you get hypothermia from swimming in cold water? Your extremities, such as the hands and feet, are most susceptible to developing hypothermia when you’re swimming in freezing water, so monitor how they look and feel. People who are inexperienced at swimming in cold temps, as well as older adults, are most likely to experience hypothermia and other side effects. That’s because repeated exposure to very cold water helps us adapt to the cold over time, so people who practice cold water swimming can become more resistant to hypothermia. The body goes through a metabolic adaptive response (hypothermic-insulatative adaptation) that helps increase internal heat production more easily once someone is accustomed to the cold. For most people signs of hypothermia usually set in after 15 to 30 minutes in freezing water. Look out for these signs and other side effects due to cold exposure, including: pain numbness purple/redness of the skin mental confusion slurred speech poor movement coordination Swimmers in this state should remove themselves from cold water immediately, take off wet clothes and be wrapped in dry, warm clothes and blankets to prevent complications. Is swimming in cold water bad for your heart? Cold water causes a shock response. This usually includes an initial gasp, rapid breathing and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Swimmers can habituate to this response with practice, but at first it can be risky for someone with a history of heart problems. Those who are risk for heart-related side effects should start swimming in the cold slowly to give themselves a chance to adapt, such as doing five or six three-minute immersions where the whole body (not the head) are immersed in cold water. How to Stay Safe How long can you swim in freezing water? It really depends on how adapted to the cold you are, along with how cold the water is. The Outdoor Swimmer website tells us that it’s a good idea to monitor how much time you spend in the water and also to train in progressively chillier waters. If the water is very cold, consider staying in it for only several minutes or even just one to two minutes. When you first begin to practice freezing water swimming, try doing so in short increments repeatedly. According to one avid cold water swimmer, “The general rule is that you can spend 1 minute per degree of water temperature [Celsius] in the water — obviously, you need to listen to your body too.” This mean that it’s generally safe to spend about 10 minutes in water that is 50°F (or 10°C). To obtain the most benefits from swimming in cold water without risking complications, here are some tips: Give your body time to acclimate. Ideally start swimming when the water temps aren’t too cold yet, and then continue doing so as the temperature keeps dropping over the course of weeks and months. Enter the water slowly. Do not dive or jump in unless you are used to the cold water, since this can cause a shock reaction that can make it hard to breathe. Keep moving and swimming to help generate heat. Wear the right gear, which can help preserve body heat. Try a swimming hat, neoprene gloves, booties, balaclava or a wetsuit. Warm up afterward. Remove wet clothes as soon as possible. Dress in dry, warm clothes, including a hat, gloves and thick socks. Drink something warm, such as warm water or tea. Don’t take a hot shower right away. It can be too shocking. Wait about an hour to shower so your core temperature can normalize first. Don’t worry about shivering — this is a natural adaptive strategy that helps you rewarm and return to balance. Conclusion Is it safe to swim in freezing water? As long as you acclimate slowly and monitor how much time you spend in the water, swimming in freezing water benefits can include support for your immune system, metabolism, mood, heart and more. Ice cold water decreases your body temperature. This makes your body work harder to maintain homeostasis, using energy in the process. It kicks off an adaptive process that can increase your metabolic rate, releases endorphins and help boost production of white blood cells. To prevent hypothermia and other side effects, aim to swim in water between that’s around 50°F (or 10°C). Spend about one minute in the water for every degree Celsius that the water temp is. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

The post The Surprising Benefits of Swimming in Cold Water (+ How to Stay Safe) appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Depression Is Prevalent During Menopause, Confirms Study

AHA Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 07:00:10 +0000

The North American Menopause Society via News-Medical Net – Depression has been shown to be prevalent during menopause, affecting as many as 70% of women transitioning into menopause. A new study not only confirms the high prevalence of depression but also the greatest risk factors for it in postmenopausal women, as well as any relationships with anxiety and fear of death. Study results are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). With the decrease in hormone production during menopause, women are more prone to a number of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, sadness, restlessness, memory problems, lack of confidence and concentration, and a loss of libido. At the same time, as women age, the fear of death becomes more pronounced. Depression and anxiety, which are the most common psychological problems that occur during the menopause transition, likely increase that fear. In this new study involving 485 postmenopausal Turkish women aged between 35 and 78 years, researchers sought to determine the frequency of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women, the variables affecting it, and the levels of anxiety and fear of death. They then evaluated the relationship between all these variables and postmenopausal depression. They found that depression in postmenopausal women is a common and important health problem that requires further study. In this specific study, 41% of the participants were confirmed to experience some form of depression, although it is theorized that this rate was lower than in some previous studies because of the somewhat lower age of participants (average age, 56.3 y). In addition, the researchers identified those risk factors that most affected depression in postmenopause. These included being a widow or separated from one’s spouse, alcohol consumption, any medical history requiring continuous medication, the presence of any physical disability, physician-diagnosed mental illness, and having four or more living children. They did not, however, confirm any relationship between depression and the fear of death, although the somewhat younger age of the study group may have influenced this lack of association. Study results appear in the article “Depression, anxiety and fear of death in postmenopausal women.” “The findings of this study involving postmenopausal Turkish women are consistent with existing literature and emphasize the high prevalence of depressive symptoms in midlife women, particularly those with a history of depression or anxiety, chronic health conditions, and psychosocial factors such as major stressful life events. “Women and the clinicians who care for them need to be aware that the menopause transition is a period of vulnerability in terms of mood,” Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Medical Director, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) To read the original article click here.

The post Depression Is Prevalent During Menopause, Confirms Study appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.