Having loving relationships or practicing physical contact (hugging) can modify your gene expression by activating repair genes and deactivating inflammation.

noli's read

This claim relies on the field of social epigenetics, which studies how our relational environment influences our biology. Studies, particularly those published in 'Psychoneuroendocrinology' (observational), show that social support and positive relationships are correlated with a decrease in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP). It is established that chronic stress activates inflammatory pathways and that physical contact releases oxytocin, which can modulate this response. However, stating that love 'literally changes the expression of your genes' in such a direct manner is a simplification. While the research of Steve Cole on the transcriptome of immune cells suggests that loneliness alters gene expression related to inflammation, the mechanism remains complex and multifactorial. The term 'repair genes' is used here metaphorically rather than scientifically. It is therefore more accurate to speak of a beneficial influence on the biological response to stress rather than a direct genetic reprogramming by love alone.

the sources

1. 1Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. 2010
2. 2Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Baker M, et al. 2015