Love is in the air, the birds are chirping, flowers are blooming. A certain someone walks by and your heart races, your hands become sweaty. Sometimes it’s hard to catch your breath. Is it love or are you coming down with something? There is research that shows certain chemicals are released when a person of interest is around. In the beginning of the relationship these chemicals are released in high levels. Let’s check in on the Don Juan’s of the chemical world and see what they’re all about.
A pheromone is a chemical that triggers a natural behavioral response in another member of the same species. We all have our favorite perfumes or colognes. Some have animal oils in the ingredients to enhance the effect of the perfume. Phenyl ethylamine has been shown at least indirectly to sustain good mood. It is also found in many foods such as chocolate. Oxytocin is best known for its role in female reproduction, it is released in large amounts during labor. Recent studies have begun to investigate oxytocin’s role in various behaviors, including social recognition, bonding, anxiety, trust, and maternal behaviors.
Nor epinephrine is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. As a hormone, secreted by the adrenal gland, it works alongside epinephrine / adrenaline to give the body sudden energy in times of stress, known as the "fight or flight" response. As a neurotransmitter it passes nerve impulses from one neuron to the next. Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland the hypothalamus. They have the ability to produce a sense of well-being.
So now, the next time you’re standing next to a person that meets all or most of the physical characteristics that you find attractive. (Why we are attracted to certain types of people is an article of its own.) And there’s an exchange of looks, maybe a smile. Then as your body takes over and a rush of feelings and sensations surge through your body, you’ll know it’s probably not destiny or that you found your soul mate. It’s your body’s way of reinforcing your selection of a mate. Humans like any other mammals were designed to reproduce. Since we are not like the salmon that swims up stream, mate, gives birth, then dies, we need help in keeping that good feeling going. Please keep the chocolate handy.
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