Oxytocin and Bonding

Oxytocin hormone in our body

In most cases, people are much more intrigued with hormones that impact their physical well-being. But the matter of fact is that some of the hormones also influence the mental functions in our body. As dominant as brain is, it can’t cover all the functions and processes in our organism. Having that in mind, it needs to use hormones in order to transfer certain information so that the body can work properly. For example, cortisol and adrenalin are very important for our instincts and they give us instant surge of energy and warn us of danger. However, when it comes to social processes and our social interaction with other individuals, there is one dominant hormone that performs most of the functions.

Oxytocin is a hormone which is secreted in hypothalamus. Afterwards, it is released into our bloodstream and it gives us an elated sensation. It is often referred to as “bonding hormone”. To be honest, this is the best way to describe it because it influences all bonding processes and relationships which we form with other people. Besides its social component it also influences growth and healing.

When we talk about our social interaction with other individuals, it is worth mentioning that most of the process happens in first few second upon meeting another person. This is when our mind and hormones tell us whether a person is trustworthy. We make our impression based on first contact and initial talk. If we recognize certain similarities with a person, we usually befriend him or her. In this situation, cortisol warns us of danger, while oxytocin reduces potential anxiety which can be a product of such encounter. However, when we “decide” to make person our friend, oxytocin starts working within our body. Each contact made with a person deepens our bond, making us better friends.

At the same time, this hormone also influences bonding with opposite sex. This is what we usually refer to as “chemistry”. And we are not wrong when we say this. When we recognize certain likable traits in other person, usually similarities to our own persona, this is when oxytocin starts working. The hormone is also very important for our sexual life because it impacts erection and ejaculation. In most cases, when people have issues in marriage, this is due lack of connection between each other. It is recommendable for couples to use oxytocin sublingual drops from Oxytocin Factor in order to restore levels of oxytocin in blood.

Similarly to all our other social interaction, oxytocin impacts our behavior in a group as well as certain social traits like obedience and loyalty. It is discovered that people belonging to certain group are more likely to cheat and lie because oxytocin’s impact on body. Furthermore, as soon as the group has certain common goal, oxytocin works in order for the group to attain a goal. This was very important during history, especially during process of creation of certain tribes and nations. In all these cases oxytocin worked as a bridge that provided common ground for various people and various personas.

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Angela in Guest Blog Leave a comment

Can Diet Changes Regulate Your Hormones to Lose Weight?

I have been recommending “The Hormone Cure” book by Dr. Sara Gottfried with some amazing patient results! Jessica (our guest author) graciously offered to write a post explaining the science correlating hormone balance and weight loss. Be sure to visit her site as well! We have been talking about limiting grains in the diet for prevention of blood sugar issues so keep that in mind as well. EAT YOUR VEGGIES!

Jessica writes:

Can Diet Changes Regulate Your Hormones To Lose Weight?

Modern research suggests that it is possible to modify your daily diet to bring about changes in the ways your body hormones are functioning. Dietary changes will influence hormone levels and help you lose weight. So, weight loss is not only about shedding calories or having a strong willpower; it has quite a lot to do with the way your hormones behave. Although it sounds strange, what you eat can actually regulate your hormonal functions.

Hormonal imbalance is responsible for different forms of ailments, ranging from cancers to amnesia. Studies show that nearly 40 chemicals actually work to influence one’s appetite. When your hormones are not in control, your weight loss efforts can suffer a setback even if you are following a healthy well-balanced diet. Since hormones are produced when the body has enough cholesterol and good fats, it is important to have these foods as part of your everyday diet in order to release important hormones.

How diet changes can affect hormone functions:

Control omega-6 intake: Cortisol hormone leads to heightened appetite particularly for comfort foods that are sugar-rich and fattening. If you can avoid the omega-6 polyunsaturated fats you can protect yourself from inflammation. These fats are unstable and get oxidized easily, causing mutation and inflammation of arteries. Instead, you should focus on including monounsaturated fats and saturated fats because these benefit health. So, vegetable oils, peanut oil, margarine etc are best avoided; it is wiser to opt for real butter, coconut oil and olive oil.
Limit caffeine consumption: Excess caffeine can adversely affect the endocrine system especially when you are already feeling the effects of other hormone stressors. You can switch to drinking herbal teas.
Limit toxins: Toxins are present in household chemicals and plastics, and pills for birth control likewise can play havoc with your hormones. When you already have hormonal imbalance or trying to get pregnant, you need to stay away from such toxins. You should avoid storing foods in plastic containers and choose organic produce and organic meats.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil can work wonders for your hormones by providing the building blocks for their production. Therefore, it helps in weight loss, reduces inflammation and has anti-bacterial properties.
Increase fiber intake: When you eat more fibers like raw fruits and vegetables and whole grains, you can not only lose weight but improve the release of old estrogen from your body. This in turn leads to an improved overall hormonal balance.
Increased meat and carb intake: When you include more carbs and meat in your daily diet, you get more energy for hormone production. For instance, seafood that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids or low-fat meats is an excellent source of fiber which can contribute to weight loss.
Eat more vegetables: You can include fibers and vegetables in the diet to control leptin resistance. Veggies contain important vitamins and antioxidants that reduce inflammation which interferes with leptin secretion. This in turn improves the body’s fat-burning power and helps to reduce your cravings.
Opt for meal delivery services: You can consider joining reputed weight loss meal delivery services that deliver portion controlled meals. As they prepare meals especially to lose weight, the above said factors would be well imbibed in their diet plans. Moreover you need not bother about counting calories or cooking healthy meals each day when you join such programs. For instance, Nutrisystem is a popular weight loss meal delivery service which delivers nutritionally balanced and portion controlled meals to their dieters. The meals are usually low glycemic, low-fat, low carb, low sodium and are devoid of trans and saturated fats. So, considering the diet services is one of the wisest options to lose weight.

These are some easy dietary changes which can help in the release of important hormones that allow you to maintain an optimal weight. Weight loss is guaranteed to happen when your hormones are working optimally and your diet is well-balanced.

Author Bio:

Jessica Robert Keenly blogs about weight loss ideas and diet tips. She runs a simple blog displaying helpful articles on easy dieting methods and weight loss ideas.

Image link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/inspiredhomefitness/8753895157/sizes/z/

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Angela in Body, Diet, Nutrition, Weight Loss, Whole Food 1 Comment

Bringing Sexy Back!

It happened again! Another Ah Ha moment –How many of those are we supposed to get in a lifetime? I thought I was on track until I opened Dr. Sara Gottfried’s new book “The Hormone Cure”. Whammy-I read her words describing a 40 yo woman thinking she was going crazy. The pitiful gal was forgetting things, craving sugar, gaining weight, and generally anxious/overwhelmed by the most trivial of tasks. Yep my friends–Welcome to peri-menopause! How refreshing it was to have a straightforward answer to why I can’t have fun and chill anymore. I thought it was because I am a full-time working mother of 4 who was finally starting to crack. Thankfully, I’ve learned that I am completely normal with common hormone imbalances for my (Yes-This is 40!) age. The best news it that there is an easy fix! I would highly recommend reading this book as it outlines the exact hormonal imbalances from which most of us are suffering. I certainly have cortisol excess (caused by chronic stress) and progesterone deficiency (the body’s natural Valium) due to peri-menopause. Dr. Sara implements a distinct program targeted to each exact hormone imbalance . She gives the reader a concise plan on how to eat, move, think ,and supplement to literally cure the symptoms. It’s a great read and I strongly suggest it for any woman pre/post/ or peri-menopausal. Finally, someone (a MD-no doubt) spells it out in terms we can understand and scenarios with which we can relate. Get her Free Hormone Tool Kit— HERE

You can even take her Free Hormone Quiz —HERE

Another great note—

Sean Croxton is bringing Sexy Back—Yeah!

Check out his Sexy Back Summit HERE It features answers from top experts on all of your most intimate sex and hormone questions! I’ve had the opportunity to listen to some of his speakers and they are down and dirty with the nitty-gritty details!

My personal favorite is Dr. Anna Cabeca’s advice to men from JJ Virgin’s 7days 7 docs series.

Here’s a sneak preview:

Men—-How do you get your woman to initiate sex more?

It’s a simple answer—-cuddle and hold her for approximately 2 minutes after climax. Why? Because a woman’s oxytocin hormones raise leaving her feeling satisfied, loved, and yearning for more!!! I’m sorry MEN, but, we don’t ask for much. Throw us a bone now and then! (no pun intended)

Apparently it works every time!!! Good stuff I tell you-:

Sexy Back Summit HERE

We are all in this together! Life is a journey and we are constantly changing, learning, growing and hopefully sharing our experience! And for your viewing pleasure–Here is Justin (my top 5 celebrity crush)

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Angela in Body, Diet, disease, Nutrition, Whole Food Leave a comment

Buzzwords

Here is a little information regarding the buzzwords on labels that you might find interesting. I had no idea the difference between some of these different labels and just assumed that if it said cage-free or all natural –it was a good product to buy. Wow–I did make an ass out of you and me on that one.

1. Cage-Free

There is no legal definition of this term. If hens are labeled cage-free, the do have more space than caged hens but they can still be crammed inside barns or houses etc. It also doesn’t tell us anything about the hen’s diet. The best bet is to buy pastured eggs.

2. Free-Range

The USDA doesn’t have defined standards for free-range. The hens simply have access to the outdoors but, it doesn’t mean they actually see the light of day. This also doesn’t tell us anything about the hen’s diet.

3. Grass-Fed

Meat and dairy can be labelled grass-fed if they were fed grass for the majority of their lives. However, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t tie grains, soy, or other farming byproducts during their lifetime. You are better off looking for grass-finished products which are required to be fed grass 100% of their life. Look for grass-finished and organic on those labels.

4. Natural

The USDA allows this label to be placed on any minimal processed product without artificial sweeteners or additives. It does not refer to how the animal was raised and it could still be fed additives and or antibiotics. So don’t be fooled by the term “Natural”

5. No added hormones

The USDA prohibits added hormones in poultry and pork so this label may give you false confidence in the quality of the product. Beef hormone use is up to the farmer–so an organic label is a little more promising.