God's Design: Love Hormone

Oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone,” has a number of positive effects. 

Some studies show that besides its well-known functions in breastfeeding, childbirth, and sexual intimacy it:

• Increases generosity, empathy, and trust.
• Reduces fear, stress, depression, and physical pain.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Improves sleep.
• Helps us bond with others.
• It may even decrease our tolerance for addictive drugs.

Oxytocin is released into our bodies in a number of ways. Mothers get strong doses of it during childbirth and breastfeeding, and it’s even released when we interact with our family dog (read more). 

In our marriage relationship, it’s released through physical touch as well as sexual intimacy. Oxytocin is one reason experts recommend a healthy sex life for married couples. It’s good for our physical heart health and our emotional heart health.

I am fascinated by the complex, specific ways God has created our bodies for love, marriage, and parenthood. Oxytocin is not an accident of evolution but a part of God’s intelligent, loving design.

As we seek to follow God’s plan and purpose for our marriages, it’s encouraging to know He’s already prepared so many details to give us proper physical and emotional attitudes toward our spouse.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us” 1 John 3:1

Sources: 10 Surprising Benefits of Sex;  Med Terms, and 11 Interesting Effects of Oxytocin  

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