It is said that love is the greatest of all things.
Now research is confirming what people have intuitively known for centuries.
Many studies have shown that people who are in enriching, loving relationships tend tolive longer, healthier lives.
Have you ever wondered why?
Well, on a physical level it all comes down to hormones and neurotransmitters.
These chemical messengers of your endocrine system and brain are what’s behind the magical thing we call love.
Who doesn’t want to keep their relationship on fire?
If you just need a little kindling (or a barrel gasoline!)
Blood-rush hormones
You know that feeling of being twitterpated?
Your heart beats faster, your cheeks flush, and you break out in a cold sweat.
You’re either being chased by a bear or you’re falling in love.
Being love struck activates something called the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis.
Your brain-adrenal communication gets turned on, flooding your body with thesehormones of intensity.
Dopamineyour pleasure hormonesaying “love is a drug” isn’t that far off.
When you are in love your brain releases dopamine into your bloodstream triggering an intense rush of pleasure.
Dopamine has thesame effecton the brain as cocaine!
The euphoria felt from this neurotransmitter is why relationships can be addicting and keep you coming back for more.
This biological mechanism is what makes people get obsessive about their new love interest.
Thisdip in serotonin1almost identically resembles people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)!
Bonding hormones
You know that warm and fuzzy feeling when you’re in love?
Thank oxytocin for that.
Oxytocin, released by your brain’s pituitary gland, is the powerful hormone surging during orgasm.
This was one of the main biological reasons why sex is a bonding experience for couples.
Studieshave even shown that the rush of this hormone actually increases monogamy in couples!
Have you ever had “butterflies in your stomach” being with your amore?
That’s due to our friend oxy as well.
No wonder your gut is referred to as the “second brain.”
How to fire up your love hormones in three steps:
1.
You and your love bunny can make deliciousadaptogenic elixirsto try together!
Bonding + adaptogens = winning.
I sprinkle a little bit into my tea every day.
Reconnect
Increase oxytocin, dopamine, and adrenaline by reconnecting with your partner.
As relationships mature we can take things we love for granted.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
