Incredible! This Is What Love Does to Your Body
We all enjoy the feeling of love. But did
you know that there's an actual science behind it? Below are some of the
most amazing and scientifically proven effects that love has on your
mind and body.
1. Love is a natural pain reliever
A warm embrace feels good and comforting. Yet, studies have shown that
oxytocin (a chemical in the brain which creates a feeling of calm and
closeness) released during a 10 to 20 second hug can fight pain,
especially headaches.
There are instances where all it takes is
looking at a photograph of your loved one. Doing so increases your
endurance threshold and reduces pain (up to 40% in moderate cases, and
15% in severe). Our brain associates the image of our partner to a
pleasant distraction, making any kind of pain more bearable, thus acting
as an analgesic.
Scientists have also discovered, and proven, that sexual stimulation,
especially orgasms, also do a great job at blocking pain. It is
especially effective for chronic back pain, arthritis symptoms, and
cramps.
2. Love takes care of your heart
Expressions of love also have the ability to cut your heart rate in
half. It is most effective in stressful situations, reducing the risk of
heart conditions in the long run. Aside from releasing oxytocin, love
has also been shown to diminish stress, lower blood pressure and reduce
regular and social anxiety, as well as boost self-esteem and help avoid
and fight depression.
3. Love helps your body fight illness
From holding hands to sexual activity, love related gestures increase
the production of endorphins which in turn, enhances our immune system.
Similarly, people with physical conditions who feel loved have a much
better response to treatment and feel more motivated to fight illness.
4. Love treats insomnia
The love hormones oxytocin and endorphins, inhibit the release of
cortisol, a hormone responsible for stress, which in turn, naturally
promotes better rest. Sexual intercourse has also been the most
effective treatment for a good night's sleep.
5. Love diminishes addiction probability and reduces withdrawal symptoms
Drugs like opiates, cocaine as well as nicotine and alcohol are so
addictive because they affect the dopamine levels in our bodies. The
hormone, dopamine, is responsible for a sudden rush of pleasure and
euphoric effects. Infatuation works in the same way.
But aside from releasing dopamine, it also enhances the release of
testosterone and oxytocin, which makes up the best combination for
avoiding and fighting addiction. Therefore, being in love has the
ability to fill your life with all the pleasure and ecstasy you need.
But at the same time, when fighting an addiction, feeling loved
literally helps you cope with the withdrawal symptoms and reduces your
cravings.
6. Love promotes longevity
According to surveys, people in meaningful relationships, particularly
those in a marriage, feel healthier and benefit from a sound lifestyle
(including food choices, regular meals, better rest and less stress).
Being romantically involved with someone also makes people address
physical conditions faster, proving that people in love and in a
committed relationship tend to live longer.
7. Love is therapy
People resort to therapy for many reasons. More often than not, it's
because they want to be listened to and understood. Yet, no matter how
many specialists you go to, the person most able and available to offer
you an efficient ear to listen to is the partner you cherish. Your
partner's support and affection are both mentally and physiologically
the main medicine you need to deal with in relation to your phobias,
depression, social anxieties and your physical condition.