The Unexpected Health Benefits of Being in Love

Posted by Physician's Preference on 2/14/2013

Though vitamins, minerals and a healthy diet are all essential to our health, did you know that happy, romantic relationships can also put us on a path to health and wellness?

Yes. It's true! Falling in love isn't just all about butterflies and rainbows. When you are physically in love with someone, and in a happy, healthy relationship, you brain goes through a series of chemical processes that affect how we feel. Your body also releases hormones, such as oxytocin and dopamine, that give us feelings of trust, pleasure and also reward, all of these which can be good for the heart! Recent studies have shown that those who were with a romantic partner had significantly lower blood pressure levels. Pretty neat, huh?!

All this to be said, here are a few tips to help you take advantage of the many benefits of falling (and staying) happy, healthy and in love:

Write love notes...and we're not talking about text messages or emails. We're referring to real, tangible pen and paper. One study found that writing love notes can help reduce cholesterol! Who knew?!
Hold hands...(particularly your significant other's hand!) Something as simple as hand holding has been known to help reduce stress by giving you sense of overall warmth, trust and protection.
Sweat it out...together! Statistics have proven that married couples who exercise together and often are less likely to give up on their fitness goals. Plus, we could all use a little endorphin boosting every once in a while, can't we?!
Supplement with adequate amounts of magnesium and vitamin C! Yes! We're serious! Magnesium and vitamin C are both necessary for the production of the "love" hormone, oxytocin. Being defiicient in either of these can cause your body to not product sufficient amounts of oxytocin and therefore, can decrease that loving feeling!

Happy Valentine's Day! No go out there and love somebody, would ya?!