How can we accomplish increased Oxytocin levels? An oral or intranasal Oxytocin prescription would be one method. However, this is not widely available and can be costly.

A better way would be to mimic the experiment carried out by MIT scientists and include the probiotic species L. reuteri as part of your health routine. I have been making probiotic “yogurt” with the L. reuteri species, which has been found to increase Oxytocin levels. I make mine in a coconut base as indicated in the recipe below but you can also make it with dairy.

You can use the same strains used in the study: ATCC PTA 6475 and DSM 17938. The strains chosen are crucial, as not all strains share the same effects. The dose used in humans that yielded improved wound healing was 100 million CFUs twice per day. These results were observed within several days. To amplify the CFUs, and thereby the effects, we have been making yogurt with L. reuteri as the fermenting agent and using an extended fermentation process (36 hours, rather than the 6-8 hours of commercial yogurt production) with added prebiotic fiber to generate higher bacterial counts (typically 90 billion CFUs per 1/2 cup serving).

Anecdotally, consumption of even a modest quantity of this yogurt, e.g., 1/2 cup, is associated with decreased appetite that lasts 4 to 6 hours. This effect is likely due to the rapid increase in Oxytocin. We have also seen many of the effects initially observed in experimental models, including increased muscle mass and strength, deeper sleep, preservation of bone density, smoother skin, accelerated healing, and increased libido.

This step-by-step guide has a recipe from Dr. William Davis on how to make full-strength L. reuteri yogurt. We initially obtained the desired strains of L. reuteri from BioGaia’s Gastrus tablets or Osfortis higher-potency capsule. Subsequent batches are then made from a couple of tablespoons of the prior batch (curds and/or whey).

Personal tips:

  • We have tried several different brands of coconut milk and prefer Sprouts’ brand the best.
  • Trying different types can be helpful for finding the specific blend of sweet and sour that suits your own personal taste.
  • If a batch seems too sour, try adding a little pomegranate or blueberry juice and make a lassi (Indian yogurt drink) out of it.
  • If you have histamine issues, use the coconut and limit the amount used to 1 tablespoon a day until you see how your gut reacts.

Most of all, don’t be afraid of trying this. The cost is right and the benefits are profound. In general, fermented foods are considered more effective in improving gut health than any probiotic you can buy!

You can also give any extra yogurt to a family member or that grouchy next-door neighbor to use as a starter.  I truly believe the world would be a better place if more people had adequate amounts of Oxytocin. Watch my Oxytocin video to see why I believe this to be true.

>> Learn more about essential gastrointestinal support, including the role of Oxytocin, in Dr. William Davis’ book Super Gut and in this YouTube interview with Dr. Berg.