| schema:text
| - Last Updated on December 25, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that love and cuddling can change your genes and reduce inflammation. We did the fact check to term this claim as half true.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “Cuddling or being in a loving relationship can change your gene activity, repair your cells, and turn off inflammation.” The post suggests it leads to better health and longer life, implying that love is medicine.
Fact Check
Can love or cuddling really change your genes?
Not exactly, but it’s a bit more complex. Love and affection don’t directly change your genes, but they can influence how your genes behave over time. Scientists call this process epigenetics, where factors like stress or a supportive environment can “switch on” or “switch off” certain genes.
For example, studies have found that social connections can impact genes linked to inflammation. But these changes are gradual and depend on long-term factors like your stress levels and overall lifestyle. A single cuddle won’t flip a biological switch, but consistent positive relationships can have meaningful effects over time.
A 2018 study on love and the immune system showed small changes in immune cell gene activity, especially in genes that fight viral infections. However, these effects were also tied to relationship stress, and falling out of love reversed some of these benefits.
How does oxytocin help?
Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is released during hugging, cuddling, and bonding. It helps you feel calmer and reduces stress by lowering cortisol, the stress hormone.
Some studies suggest oxytocin can play a role in managing inflammation and even promote healing. For example, a 2021 study shows that it helps regulate the immune system and reduce oxidative stress. However, it’s not a magic cure that instantly “switches off” inflammation. Its effects depend on other factors, like your hormones, overall health, and stress levels. Furthermore, some people suggest that reducing inflammation can result in quick weight loss, but this is an exaggeration.
Another study from 2006 found that oxytocin is linked to stress in women, especially in relationships. The study showed that higher oxytocin levels were related to more stress and higher stress hormone levels, but it didn’t change how the body reacts to stress. It suggests that oxytocin might be a sign of relationship stress.
Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, explains, “Oxytocin, often called the ‘love hormone,’ plays a key role in bonding, reducing stress, and promoting feelings of happiness and trust. It’s released during positive social interactions, like hugging or spending time with loved ones, helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Oxytocin also supports childbirth by stimulating contractions and aids in breastfeeding. Its calming effects can improve emotional well-being, making it a vital hormone for both physical and mental health.”
Can positive relationships reduce inflammation?
Yes, but not in the way the claim implies. Loving relationships and emotional support can help lower stress, which is a major driver of inflammation. People with strong social bonds often have lower levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).
However, reducing inflammation takes time and requires a mix of healthy habits, stress management, and emotional support. Love alone doesn’t directly “turn off” inflammation genes—it’s part of a bigger picture. Similarly, we have debunked other home remedies for reducing inflammation. For instance, social media posts suggest that applying a potato poultice can treat inflammation, which is not entirely true.
Does love activate repair genes?
Not directly. Your body’s ability to repair itself relies on things like good nutrition, daily exercise, and quality sleep.
Love can help by reducing stress and promoting healthy behaviours, which support your body’s natural healing processes. Oxytocin has been linked to tissue repair and reducing inflammation, but these effects are indirect and part of a much larger system.
Is chronic stress worse than a lack of affection?
Yes, chronic stress is far more harmful to your health. High stress levels can lead to inflammation, weaken your immune system, increase your risk of chronic diseases and speed up the ageing process.
Affection and love help counteract stress, but they’re not the only solution. Other tools, like exercise, meditation, and a balanced lifestyle, are equally important.
Is love really medicine?
In a way, yes, but not in the way actual medicine works. Love and emotional connection can boost mental health, reduce stress, and improve your body’s resilience.
For example, people in loving relationships often cope better with stress, have stronger immune systems, and are less likely to develop chronic illnesses. But love isn’t a sure shot solution for all health probelms—it’s one piece of the puzzle for staying healthy.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician from Holy Mission Clinic in New Delhi, says, “While love isn’t a medicine in the traditional sense, it has powerful effects on our health. Love and emotional connections can trigger the release of hormones like oxytocin, which help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. Positive relationships also support mental health, boost immunity, and promote longevity. So, while love may not cure diseases, it certainly plays a significant role in maintaining both physical and emotional health.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that love and cuddling can change your genes and reduce inflammation is half true. Love and affection do have real health benefits, but they don’t directly change your genes, repair your cells, or stop inflammation. Instead, they influence your body in subtle ways over time, mainly by reducing stress and encouraging healthier behaviours. While love can’t replace medical treatment, it’s certainly a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)