These are the 6 chemical changes that happen in the brain when you fall in love according to science

February 14, a date known as Valentine’s Day and which in different parts of the world celebrates the day of love or Valentine’s Day, brings with it many displays of affection and what lovers could do.

But what happens to our bodies when we fall in love? What does science say about it? According to different studies, when a person falls in love, chemicals associated with the reward circuit flood the brain and produce various physical and emotional responses : racing hearts, sweaty palms, red cheeks, feelings of passion and anxiety.

Therefore, when a person you feel in love, this is generated by the reward system in the brain . “This system is linked to the release of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation,” explains the Dr Giesela Hornung neurologist and academic Medicine at the University of San Sebastián .

“Feelings have their roots in the brain and not in the heart” The specialist points out that, although historically love has been associated with the heart in a poetic or metaphorical sense, in reality, Love is a biopsychosocial phenomenon that originates in neurochemical processes and brain activity.

When we experience love, whether romantic, filial, or otherwise, the brain is the one that releases a variety of chemicals that regulate mood, motivation, and emotional responses. These chemicals can influence the perception of pleasure, happiness and emotional connection with another person.

When a person feels in love, Your brain undergoes neurochemical changes that generate intense emotions and strengthen emotional ties with your loved one. These changes are associated with the activation of the reward system and the release of neurotransmitters linked to pleasure and social bonding.

More simply, according to Hornung, The brain is like a factory of emotions and feelings. When a person falls in love, the factory activates and begins producing special chemicals that make that person feel very good and deeply connected to the person they love. “It’s like the brain is rewarding this person for being in love.” said.

1) Dopamine is one of these substances, in particular, known as the pleasure and reward neurotransmitter, and when a person falls in love, its levels in the brain increase, what can generate sfeelings of happiness, enthusiasm and satisfaction. This increase is also associated with motivation and the desire to seek the company of your loved one.

2) There is a version of oxytocin also known as the love hormone, which can help strengthen emotional bonds and feelings of attachment towards the couple. Additionally, it deepens feelings of attachment and brings couples closer together after sex.

When a person is with the person they love, “the brain of the person in love releases oxytocin, which makes them feel even more connected and closer to their partner,” explains the USS neurologist.

3) Levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, increase during the initial phase of romantic love, which helps bodies cope with the upcoming “crisis.” As cortisol levels increase, levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin decrease.

4) Changes occur in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite and other cognitive functions. Although some studies suggest that low levels of serotonin may be associated with falling in love, the evidence is less conclusive than that for dopamine and oxytocin.

“Apparently, evidence suggests that when falling in love, serotonin levels become more fluctuating, which would be linked to fluctuating moods, impulsivity, like making hasty decisions in the name of love,” explains Hornung.

5) Another activated chemical is vasopressin, which is linked to behavior that produces long-term monogamous relationships.

According to experts at Harvard Medical School (HMS), behavioral differences associated with the actions of oxytocin and vasopressin could explain why passionate love fades as attachment grows.

6) Feeling “butterflies in your stomach” It’s a common feeling that many people experience in exciting or stressful situations, such as when falling in love, moments of anxiety, nervousness, or anticipation.

“This phenomenon would be generated by the activation of the autonomic nervous system, which causes physical changes in the body,” adds the USS specialist.

This activation can affect the gastrointestinal tract, causing sensations such as nervousness, “butterflies in the stomach,” or even an upset stomach. This connection between the brain and digestive system could explain why we feel these physical sensations. in the stomach area during exciting or stressful times.

In addition to neurochemical changes, according to neuroscience, the brain can experience several other changes and benefits when a person is in love. Some of these, according to Hornung, include:

• Stress reduction: Being in love can reduce stress and anxiety levels in the brain. The loved one’s presence and emotional connection can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a decrease in the fight-or-flight response and a feeling of calm and safety.
• Improved emotional well-being: Falling in love is associated with increased activity in areas of the brain linked to emotional well-being, such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This can lead to greater emotional stability and a greater ability to manage stress and emotional difficulties.
• Strengthen memory and attention: The emotional intensity of falling in love can improve memory and attention. The release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and oxytocin can improve neuronal plasticity and the formation of new synaptic connections, which can improve the ability to remember details of your loved one and pay attention to their presence and attention. his actions.
• Improved empathy and social connection: Being in love can increase empathy and the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Activating areas of the brain related to empathy, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, can strengthen social skills and improve emotional connection with others.
• Stimulation of neuronal growth: Falling in love can stimulate neuronal growth and neurogenesis in certain areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning. This could have long-term beneficial effects on brain health and cognitive functions.