Pets May Help Turn Health in the Right Direction
By Tom Herrin
At one time, a pet was likely something just about everyone had. They come in all shapes and sizes, and we have all kinds of preferences. As kids, we probably saw them as something to play with. That fun may have quickly turned into work, and we may have changed our minds about having a pet. According to some research, having a pet may offer much more in the way of supporting our health. Apparently more than 80 percent of patients dealing with some major stress-related issues had a reduction in symptoms after being paired with a service animal, and some were able to cut medications by 40 percent.
Hormones Can Be Pet-Enabled
We wouldn't normally think of pets as having anything at all to do with hormones, but interacting with pets may be able to influence some of our hormones. For example, cortisol is a hormone that is associated with raising our stress levels. At one time, it may have been used to help us protect ourselves, but it may increase with our worries and emotions. There is some indication that having a pet may help to lower our levels of this hormone. On the brighter side, oxytocin is one that makes us feel good. It seems that having a pet may help to increase our levels of this.
Small Amounts of Exercise Can Be a Start
If you have a pet, it will probably need exercise. When you go out with it to walk, you will be getting some mild exercise. If things go well, you may enjoy it and want to do it more. Some pets can be good jogging partners, and some can play some good games. Sometimes it just takes something to get us off the couch and out of the house. The rest may take care of itself.
You Will Have Good Company With a Pet
Even those of us who prefer to spend time alone need some kind of companionship at times. Pets make great companions. They are always happy to see us, and they like to be near us. We can talk to them all we want, and they never have a cross word. It is also good for us to have someone to take care of. Pets are ideal for that as well. This can provide better emotional health as well as physical health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sugar Land, Tex.