The hormone oxytocin is produced naturally by the body, being found in both women and men, as it is very important not only for labor and breastfeeding, but also to improve interpersonal relationships and feelings of pleasure and well-being.
This hormone is secreted in greater quantity when the person is relaxed and safe, or in the presence of physical contact, such as hugs, massage, physical activity and other activities that provide pleasure, so the less tense the person is, the greater is the production of oxytocin into the bloodstream.
Some people are looking for artificial alternatives to oxytocin that are purchased from pharmacies, but the truth is that there are ways to make oxytocin naturally stimulated and increased in the body.
Thus, the main natural ways to increase oxytocin are:
1. Physical contact
The physical contact, in the form of hugs, massage, cafuné and carinhos stimulate the production of oxytocin, and is one of the causes of the well being when it is realized. The intimate contact between partners is also a way to increase the production of this hormone, since it is fundamental for the sensation of pleasure in these moments.
In addition, dating is good for health because when a person is in love, his heart beats stronger and there is release of adrenaline, noradrenaline, oxytocin and serotonin in the bloodstream, which are hormones responsible for the sense of well-being.
2. Practice good deeds
Being generous, honest and compassionate is able to raise the levels of oxytocin in the bloodstream, because the brain interprets these attitudes as ways to inspire confidence and good body sensations, causing more production of this hormone.
Cultivating a positive emotional state stimulates not only the production of oxytocin, but also other hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, which are essential to the feeling of happiness. Thus, levels of these hormones are decreased in people with depression, anxiety and exaggerated stress, and therefore, these people have greater difficulty in interpersonal relationships and less libido. Learn about other benefits that oxytocin can bring to the body.
3. Breastfeeding
The sucking motion of the baby to breastfeed in the breast has immediate effect on the hypothalamus, a region of the brain capable of releasing oxytocin into the bloodstream. So, for this reason, the more the child suckles, the more milk will be produced.
Because the production of this hormone is greatest when the woman feels relaxed and secure, it is important to feel good to breastfeed, so that tension and nervousness make it difficult to produce milk.
Food is also capable of stimulating the production of substances and hormones by the body, both good and bad, so a balanced and healthy diet based on vegetables, fruits, vegetables and cereals helps the body produce hormones of well- be. See foods that increase the production of antidepressant hormones.