Can You Improve Your Well-Being With Love?
Written by: Dr Lynn Anderson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Science tells us that specific serological contributors based on brain chemistry release certain hormones that contribute to the sensation of love and that these chemicals all contribute to our well-being.
The feeling of love can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost our immune system, and generally provide a positive uplift to our perceptions and attitudes.
Some of the essential chemical elements of love are:
Dopamine is a chemical our body produces known as the feel-good neurotransmitter. It provides that warm feeling when hugged or in the presence of those we love.
In conjunction with dopamine, phenylethylamine, also known as PEA, gives us extra energy and exhilaration when in the early stages of love. Oxytocin then takes over, creating more of a balanced flow.
Oxytocin makes people feel more empathetic and closer to others because it is the hormone for touching and social bonding. Touching and social bonding keeps us psychologically connected.
All of these hormones contribute to well-being by flooding our brain waves with good feelings, reducing stress, drawing us to connect (hug and touch), and creating the desire to bond, all things that have contributed to well-being socially.
Did you know we can use diet to support the healthy uptake of these hormones? To increase dopamine, eat protein-rich foods such as meats, eggs, dairy, soy, and legumes.
To increase PEA (my favorite), dark rich chocolate. In ancient times, bringing chocolate to your loved one was believed to bring romantic love.
To increase oxytocin, eat foods rich in amino acids, essential fats, caffeine, L-theanine, ginseng, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Eat more figs, avocadoes, spinach, mushrooms, and almonds, and drink green tea and coffee.
Nourish your body with the right balance of healthy foods, and you’ll keep these neurotransmitters tuned to the best possible frequency for experiencing the joy of love, and that is how love can bring well-being to the body, mind, and soul!
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Dr Lynn Anderson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Doctor Lynn is a Naturopath, yoga nutrition therapist, fitness professional, karma master, published author, international speaker and video producer with over 40 years’ experience in the field of natural health and fitness. She has been featured in Redbook, Reader’s Digest, Huffington Post, Shape, SELF and various other national publications, TV networks and Podcasts. She is the author and producer of the Soul Walking series; Karma, Prosperity, Vitality and The Naturopathic Wellness Series; The Yoga of Nutrition and Recipes for Health, Sex, Happiness and Love; and Doctor Lynn’s Proactive-Aging Workouts; DVDs and TV with international distribution; CEC author, Burnout – it happens to all of us.
