What happens to our body when we fall in love?

India
February 12, 2007 11:02am CST
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1 response
• United States
12 Feb 07
You have asked a very interesting question, one that is actually related to current biomedical research. We are learning a whole lot about what kind of substances are found in the signalling pathways of "love." Since I'm not sure just how much detail you need, I will give you an overview of the substances, and some links to follow. If you need to know the body systems that effected by the substances, you can either write back, or take a look through one of the neuroscience websites. Basically, what we know about the feelings that are associated with "love" is that they are related to certain chemicals that are released in the body of those "in love." One of those substances is b-phenylethylamine (PEA) norepinephrine. This substance triggers the breakdown of glycogen and triacylglycerols, which provides the body a boost of energy. That's the "high" of being "in love." For more information, I would suggest: http://www.harcourtcollege.com/chem/biochem/GarrettGrisham/ HotTopics/Love/Love.html http://cafe.utne.com/love/ Another topic that is related is the effect of chocolate on the brain. Many people feel like it is related to "love," however current research suggests that it is more related the combination of sugar and fat, although with chocolate's PEA and caffiene equivalent, it makes for a pretty potent mix. For a little more on this end, I suggest: http:// www.nexuspub.com/sept2000/chocolate.htm http:// www.biotrek.com/cgi-bin/ViewProduct.cgi?product=BT0013 -- be careful, this is a little more of a commercial than real science information If you need some good references on the brain systems involved, I would start with Neuroscience for Kids and work my way up.