Pets May Open Doors to Better Health
By Tom Herrin
As kids, many of us probably had pets. I know we had anywhere from three to six dogs most of the time. They were fun to have around and play with. Today it is easy to see that there are lots of people who have pets. Every morning on the local news, I see some article promoting pet adoptions. There seem to be more and more instances in which service animals can be used for a long list of things. Not only can they protect us and help us to get around, but pets may be able to help to make us healthier in general.
Pets and Chemistry
Having a pet, and interacting with it, may do much more than we would believe. Many of us are aware of the importance of some of the chemicals produced or used by the body. Some are really good while others are pretty bad. One that can increase stress is cortisol. It is often referred to as the stress hormone. Its obvious purpose is to help us protect ourselves against certain dangers, but it often results in causing us to have too much unhealthy stress on our bodies. On the other hand, oxytocin is something that can make us feel good and upbeat. Having a pet is thought to reduce cortisol and increase oxytocin. It can be a pretty good blend
A Little Exercise
Sometimes a little exercise is a lot better than none. Moving around is the key. When we walk our pets, we may begin to like the experience. It may tend to motivate us to get out there and stay out longer. There are times in which the enthusiasm and energy of a pet becomes contagious. We may find ourselves doing more than we expected as we explore some of the places our pets investigate.
A Pet May Beat Being Alone
Many of us spend time alone even if we have a spouse or companion. Being alone can be depressing, which can lead to health problems. When we have the company of a pet, we are responsible for something. We also may really thrive on the reaction they have when they see us. For many, there is nothing to compare with the acceptance that a pet may have for us, and that good feeling often translates to good health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newnan, Ga.