dopamine – Hello Doctor

How a six-second kiss can affect your relationship

May 3rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Did you know that kissing has loads of mental and physical benefits?

Science shows that kissing triggers your brain to release feel-good chemicals by igniting the pleasure centres of the brain.

These chemicals include oxytocin, the “love hormone” which calms you; and dopamine and serotonin which make you feel joyful and encourage feelings of affection and bonding. These also lower your cortisol (stress hormone) levels that could help ease your blood pressure.

The science behind kissing

According to Dr John Gottman, the butterflies you feel in your stomach come from the epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones that increase your heartbeat and send oxygenated blood to your brain.

Researchers have found that extending the length of your kisses by a few seconds can kick your nervous systems into a connecting, safety and relaxing mode. The knock-on effect is a positive impact on your emotional and physical wellbeing.

While kissing may be good for your health it can also help strengthen your relationship. Other affectionate communication, like hugging and saying “I love you,” can impact the physiological processes related to stress management.

What’s more, swapping spit boosts your immunity by exposing you to new germs that may strengthen your immune system. Saliva also contains testosterone, a sex hormone that plays a role in sexual arousal. The longer and more passionately you kiss, the more testosterone gets released.

Rekindle the romance

The truth is, no relationship is perfect. But there are many ways you can improve your bond to ensure a quality relationship with your partner.

Ask your partner something new

Communication will always be a make-or-break factor in the success of any relationship. Ask how your partner’s day went and find out what they may have learnt for the day. Engage in the conversation.

Be appreciative

At times you may overlook what your partner does for you. You may subconsciously treat their acts of kindness as an expectation instead of effort or simple gesture from the heart. Show that you appreciate their hard work.

Know when to apologise

Sometimes being right isn’t as important as being compassionate. Choose which battles are worth fighting. Although knowing that you are right can make you feel a sense of victory, there’s maturity in apologising during an argument that isn’t as important as the person with whom you’re arguing.

Be mindful of the small things

Another way to add meaning to your conversation is to truly listen to what your significant other is saying, and make mental notes of what they express.

Let go of the past

Unfortunately, what happened in the past doesn’t always stay there. However, it can be difficult to move forward in a relationship when you’re still caught up in events from years ago. Letting go helps you move on, and brings a natural progression of your relationship.

Show some affection

Along with expressing your gratitude to your partner, let your actions say how much you care! A little PDA never hurts. This helps your partner know how you really feel about them outside of your four walls. Remember: we are not what we say; we are what we do.

References:

How your body creates its own drugs

March 19th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Ever notice how good you feel after eating a piece of chocolate? How about that “high” after a great workout? It turns out, your body can create hormones that work just like drugs – only better. There are four key hormones responsible for this natural high:

dopamine
serotonin
oxytocin
endorphins.

These are all neurotransmitters, which means they work directly on and within the brain to generate those good vibes.

How hormones pump up the happiness

Endorphins are made by the pituitary gland (a tiny organ found at the base of the brain) and the central nervous system. They’re released in response to stress, discomfort or pain and their main function is to reduce these negative feelings and boost positive ones. For example, during pregnancy, they minimise discomfort and increase feelings of relief and wellbeing. They are also released during pleasant activities like eating, sex and exercise.

Once those endorphins are out, they interact with opiate receptors in the brain. These receptors send signals to your brain to block pain and help calm you down. Endorphins bring on a similar effect to morphine, an opiate drug pain reliever.

But unlike morphine, endorphins don’t lead to addiction or dependence. This makes endorphins a better, safer and more natural option for pain relief.

Up your happiness the natural way

It’s important to regulate neurochemical levels. Very low levels affect the way your brain functions, your mood, behaviour, learning, movement and even sleep. Here are ways to naturally increase and regulate yours:

1. Toss out sugar

Reaching for sweet treats offers instant comfort, but you pay the price. Sugar gives you a temporary high, but it wreaks havoc on your natural dopamine release mechanism. When you regularly have sugar, over time, the natural action that releases dopamine is inhibited. Instead, dopamine levels are lowered in response to repeated high levels of sugar in the body. Eventually, your brain becomes tolerant to sugar and you need more and more to reach the same “high” that dopamine would have given you. Soon, dopamine levels become so low that sugar becomes an addiction as it becomes associated with pleasure.

2. Stick to a healthy schedule

Nothing drains dopamine levels like an erratic schedule. It’s important to find a healthy routine and stick to it. A schedule means less stress because you’ll always feel prepared. Include enough time for work, rest, regular exercise and healthy meals. Get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every evening to help your brain recuperate and maintain a good store of neurotransmitters.

3. Bulk up on protein

Protein is a powerful nutrient that’s made up of amino acids. An amino acid, called tyrosine, plays a critical role in the production of dopamine. Natural enzymes found in your body can make dopamine from tyrosine. Another amino acid, called phenylalanine, can be used to produce tyrosine and as a result, dopamine. Unfortunately, your body can’t make its own tyrosine and phenylalanine, so you’ll have to get it from foods or a supplement. Regulate and maximise your levels with protein-rich foods like eggs, dairy, soy, lean meats, seeds and nuts. Snack on bananas too as they’re packed with high levels of tyrosine.

References

Get high on happiness

December 6th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Hormones are your body’s special chemical messengers. They control all those important functions like hunger and reproduction, and have a major say in your emotional health and wellbeing. In fact, every emotion you experience is the result of the release of certain hormones. Depending on the amount released, this can determine how happy you feel.

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