(04-08-14) The power of love: why intimacy is good for health

by Antonia

(NaturalNews) The topic of love is commonplace in society, fueling everything from greeting card companies to creating smiles for newlyweds. Even the mere thought of someone we love, or are falling in love with, can evoke positive feelings. And now, an increasing amount of studies prove that loving relationships can also lead to better health.
Top health benefits of a loving relationship
1) Stress reducer: intimacy, even in the form of a hug or kiss, has been shown to relieve stress. Researchers at the University of North Carolinadiscovered that both men and women had higher amounts of the natural feel-good hormone, oxytocin, and less of the stress-inducing one, cortisol, when they were touched in such a manner.
Too much cortisol has been linked to a weakened immune system, weight gain, heart conditions and elevated cholesterol levels. Be aware of chronic stress. With chronic stress comes more cortisol than normal, which can lead to depression and a reduced life span.
2) Faster wound healing: the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, means more than getting that giddy, cloud nine feeling. It s released by a woman after childbirth, raising question over its healing powers. To investigate,
one study was conducted where a small wound was made on individuals forearms. Then, the couples were monitored, assessing the nature of their interaction and comparing it to the expediency of forearm healing.
Sure enough, couples who engaged in more positive communication and interaction were observed to have faster-healing wounds. The finding paves the way for showing that oxytocin as it relates to behavior between couples can help the body heal and reduce pain.
3) Increased fitness level: Jay Cardiello, certified fitness trainer and nutritionist, says that "nearly half of people who exercise alone quit their programs after one year, but two-thirds of those who work out with a loved one stick to it." Plus, people tend to push themselves more when it comes to working out when they are with a romantic partner.
Staying in shape helps control weight, boost circulation and improve mood, all of which can lead to blood pressure control, diabetes management and reduced depression.
4) Better functioning organs and tissues: regular lovemaking not only reduces stress and fosters a closer bond between partners, but because of the deeper breathing that it typically involves, provides cells with increased amounts of oxygen. As such, organs and tissues function at their best.
Loving relationships that involve regular levels of physical intimacy, sexual and otherwise, as well as positive communication and support can greatly improve mood and improve overall health.

Sources for this article include:
http://www.naturalnews.com/042215_love_life_weight_gain_stress.html
http://www.psychologytoday.com
http://www.mensjournal.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20144509
http://www.ivillage.com
http://www.womansday.com

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