Love and Health

Happy Valentine’s Day!  To celebrate, we thought it would be appropriate to share some healthful ideas related to love.  The concept of “love” may seem immeasurable, however numerous clinical studies have been conducted that measure and reveal the affects that love has on the human brain and general well being.

To reap the health benefits of love, contact does not need to come from a romantic relationship – healthy friendships, family relationships, parenting, general social contact, and self-love can all provide healthful advantages.

For expecting or new mothers, here’s an interesting case study to consider regarding loving physical contact with children.

Psychoanalytic psychiatrist Rene Spitz conducted a study which involved two groups of babies.  One group of babies was cared for with good hygiene and excellent physical care but received little if any individual love or attention. This group became physically and emotionally stunted. Most could not walk or talk even at the age of four. “Within two years 37 percent … had died from infection.”  In contrast, a second group of babies was cared for in a prison nursery that was “far dirtier” but received loving affection from their mothers each day. “Not a single one of the second group of children succumbed to infection during the five-year period of Spitz’s study.”

On the more romantic side of  things, a US News and World Report revealed, “Those who engage in frequent sex have a better sense of smell, lower rate of heart disease, improved physical fitness (probably because they’re motivated to work out), and healthier body weight.”  Don’t go jumping into bed with everyone you meet, but recognize the value that a healthy relationship can provide.

On a molecular level, the hormone Oxytocin (aka “the love hormone”) is responsible for regulating dopamine release into the brain.  Dopamine is a chemical that can make you “feel good” by giving you extra energy and motivation and decreasing pain – when falling in love or having loving interactions with others these hormones and chemicals boost your feelings of well being and mood.  Relaxing and having lowered stress is linked to health benefits such as a stronger immune system.

Love can be developed in many ways, here are a few tips to start today!

• Focus on a proper intake of nutrients such as selenium, iron, zinc, b vitamins and vitamin D.  Deficiencies can cause changes in mood or depression, which can make it difficult to want to interact with other people.
• Make a goal to give/receive 3 hugs per day, start with 1 if you have to.
• If you have a partner, go for a walk and hold hands, this will get you a dose of dopamine from the exercise and the warm contact.
• Meditate or pray for yourself and others, which allows you to mentally focus on positive loving feelings.

• If you don’t feel you have many family or friends to rely on, volunteer in an environment where you can be around other people.  Not only will you be giving care to others, you will introduce yourself to new potential social relationships.