Just imagine, when we return home after a long day of intense work, if a happy "four-legged" friend greets us at the door and gives us a big smile from time to time, it will definitely be an excellent way to relieve fatigue.

Indeed, owning a pet is undoubtedly one of the greatest joys in life. They provide us with "company" and "smile". However, the benefits of keeping a pet don’t end there.

More and more studies show that keeping pets is of great benefit to our physical and mental health. So what are the specific benefits? Let us take a look.

Reduce the prevalence of asthma

One set of data on childhood asthma — more than 6.8 million children in the United States, or 9.3 percent of the total, have asthma — are that kids with asthma often complain of chest pain or being unable to breathe, and early research shows that after growing up on a farm, Children's risk of developing asthma was reduced by about half. In their analysis, the team used registry data to obtain information on dogs and farm animals, as well as asthma medication and diagnosis information in preschool/school-age children.

Of these children, 5% of preschoolers experienced an asthma event, and 28,511 cases of asthma were observed during follow-up. Meanwhile, in the school-age group, 4.2% had asthma by the age of seven. Comparative results showed that during the first year of school, the risk of asthma was reduced by 13% in the dog-owning sample. In addition, exposure to livestock reduced the risk of asthma in school-age children by 52% and in preschool children by 31%. The researchers explain that children living on farms and with dogs are often exposed to "increased numbers and diversity of microorganisms and endotoxins," which "has the potential to reduce the risk of asthma and the burden of infectious diseases."

Later, a new study published in the journal "Microbiome" found that children exposed to domestic pets before birth and within 3 months after birth can have significant changes in their intestinal bacteria, and accordingly, children's allergic symptoms will also be reduced. . Such findings support the "hygiene hypothesis." The hypothesis is that greater exposure to pathogens and potential allergens in early life strengthens the immune system, potentially increasing tolerance to allergic reactions later in life.

Good for heart health

Of those who died, more than 70% died from non-communicable chronic diseases. The biggest single killer is cardiovascular disease, diseases of the heart and arteries. 1 in 3 people diefor cardiovascular-related diseases. We know that good lifestyle practices, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, are crucial to reducing risk factors for heart disease. But did you know that pets can also protect heart health?

A 2013 scientific statement from the American Heart Association concluded that owning pets, especially dogs, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research shows that owning a pet can help improve fitness levels, relieve stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and increase overall happiness and well-being. At the same time, pets can also bring psychological support, which is an important factor in maintaining healthy work and rest habits.

People who walk their dogs exercise an average of 30 minutes more per day than those who don't walk their dogs. Co-author Glenn Levine of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, said this finding may be partly attributable to increased physical activity. Research shows that dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity standards (54% more likely) than the general population. In addition, studies show that people who own pets have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and significantly lower rates of obesity, all of which are beneficial to their heart health.

Reduce anxiety and stress

A 2015 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that children with pet dogs in their homes were significantly less likely to test positive on anxiety screening tests. Another previously published study found that children with pet dogs had lower levels of the "stress hormone" cortisol when interacting with "peers" compared to children without pet dog playmates.

"Children who had positive interactions with pet dogs had lower cortisol levels than other children," explained study leader from the University of Florida in Gainesville's College of Arts and Sciences. Meanwhile, the stress-relieving effects of pets are not limited to canine. Research published in 2014 found that riding and caring for horses can also help lower cortisol levels and relieve stress in teenagers.

Improve mental health

Mental illness is estimated to affect one in five adults in the United States each year, with depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia being the most common disorders. The data showed no differences in BMI, screening time or physical activity between children with and without dogs. But among the 58% of children who had a dog at home, 12% tested positive on the anxiety screen, compared with 21% of children who did not have a pet dog.

Although keeping pets cannot cure mental illness, it can help. Research has found that 60% of pet owners diagnosed with serious mental illness believe their pets are "important" in managing their symptoms. At the same time, participants with pets reported a greater sense of control, security, and routine. Research results show that pets can also help reduce depression, so much so that many organizations recognize animal-assisted therapy as an effective treatment for depression and other mental illnesses.

The researchers suggest: "Interacting with a friendly dog ​​also reduces cortisol levels, most likely through the release of oxytocin, which lessens the physiological response to stress. These hormonal effects may be a link between animal-assisted therapy and dog loving." Basis for the observed emotional and behavioral benefits."

Strengthen interpersonal relationships and social skills

Most pet owners have a special bond with their furry friends. In fact, statistics show that more than 66% of dog owners and 56% of cat owners consider their pets to be family members. According to recent research, this bond with pets may have beneficial effects on our other relationships as well. For example, a recently published study found that pet owners had better relationships with their romantic partners than non-pet owners.

Caring for pets can also improve their social skills. A 2014 study published in the journal Applied Developmental Science found that people who devoted more time to the care of animals tended to be more involved in community activities and were more likely to take leadership roles. What's more, the study found that adults who had greater contact with pets during adolescence showed greater empathy and confidence in adulthood.

For children with autism, research suggests having household pets may be beneficial. A 2015 study published by researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that children with autism showed greater confidence when living with dogs. "What's more, the data showed that children with any pets at home were more likely to take the initiative to introduce themselves, ask for information, or answer other people's questions," the researchers explained. "These are the kinds of social skills that are often required for children with autism." It's difficult to say, but this study shows that children have greater self-confidence if they live with pets."

Better sleep quality

Do friends who have pets often have the experience of having their cats and dogs stay on the bed and not leave, and end up having to "share the same bed"?

Pets in the bedroom may bring a sense of security/relaxation. A US research team conducted a study on 150 patients at a sleep medicine center.In the survey, 74 patients reported owning at least one pet—mainly dogs and cats. The researchers collected a variety of information, including whether pets were allowed to sleep in bedrooms and beds, and whether pets caused sleep disruption.

Approximately 56% of pet owners allow their pets to sleep in their bedroom or bed. Studies show that "sharing a bed" with a pet can actually improve sleep. MNT reported on one such study in 2015. Researchers found that among all pet owners who allowed their pets to sleep in their bedrooms or beds, 41% said that their pets were not destructive and even felt a sense of security and companionship due to their presence. and feelings of relaxation, they even reported sleeping more “soundily”.

After understanding this, will everyone who owns pets feel more confident about life? Do you also want to "brainwash" your friends who don't have pets around them?

Part of the content of this article comes from: Bio Valley