At Embracing Nutrition, we believe that the positive effects of lifestyle and nutrition are interlinked. When we advise our clients, we don’t simply provide powerful tailored nutritional recommendations. We also include positive lifestyle interventions appropriate to the situation.
One aspect not often talked about are the positive benefits of the pets sharing our lives. In this blog, we’ll delve into this fascinating topic and discover how pets can be powerful partners in your positive health journey.
A dog can be a natural motivator to move more, providing an excuse for a daily walk even when the weather isn’t kind. Even short bursts of regular activity bring enormous health benefits. Research has found sitting for long periods is connected with poorer health outcomes (1).
On average, people with dogs walk significantly more than non-dog owners (2). You could add even more value to your dog walking by practising mindfulness as you walk – just as your dog does. Notice the tiny details all around you and be present in the moment. Mindful walking is a great stress buster.
The American Heart Association reported that pet ownership – particularly in the case of dogs – was linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Pet owners tend to have lower resting heart rates, and healthier blood fats than do people without pets.
Meanwhile, stroking a pet calms the stress response, leading to a decrease in cortisol. Pet owners have in general a lower resting blood pressure (3), as well as higher HRV. This value represents the time between heartbeats, a measure of the adaptability of the nervous system.
It’s not only dogs and cats that bring these benefits, either. It appears interacting with almost any animal can bring cardiovascular benefits. Studies have looked a diverse range of pets including snakes, fish, and even goats, and have discovered a parallel positive cardiovascular effect.
A recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association revealed 86% of pet owners felt owning a pet had a positive impact on their mental health.
As well as the mitigating effects pet ownership brings on the stress response, having a pet also causes the release of feel-good brain chemicals. One of these is oxytocin, the so-called love chemical which regulates social bonding. Some research has revealed pet ownership is connected with a lower incidence of depression and increased life satisfaction.
Petting a dog stimulates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, researchers have found (4). This is the area of the brain helping to regulate emotions and social behaviour.
Loneliness and social isolation are now recognised as contributors towards poor cardiovascular health. Pets, especially dogs, can be excellent listeners and readily pick up on their owner’s mood, offering extra affection when it’s most needed.
As well as providing companionship themselves, pets can broaden their owners’ social circles. Many dog owners enjoy connecting with other dog owners in the park or when out on a walk. A pet can help initiate a conversation, even with a stranger, supported by a common interest.
Another situation where pets can provide support is during chronic illness or when coping with a disability. Pet ownership brings with it responsibility and a sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, many pet owners report their pets foster a sense of belonging and connection. Dogs especially, can increase a sense of being valued. And establishing healthy routines for your pet can help embed those routines for the owner, too.
Naturally, there can be downsides to pet ownership, too. If a pet disturbs you at night, there will be negative health consequences for the owner from broken sleep. Owning a pet brings additional responsibility and financial cost. Allergies to pet hair or skin are common, however studies have found children who grow up with household pets are less likely to develop food allergies (5).
If you are interested in how lifestyle and diet interlink to support optimal health, you’re in the right place. Our practitioners consider you as a whole person, and therefore your path to health will be unique to you.
Find out more about how we can work together by requesting a FREE Discovery Call today.
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