Pets can be hard work. If you’ve ever had one, you would know. From stepping on squeaky toys in the middle of the night, to early morning wet-nose nudges waking you up, the challenges are many.
But those challenges are far outweighed by the physical, mental and social benefits of having a furry (or feathered or scaly or hard-shelled) friend by your side. That includes support for your immune system. Here are four ways in which your pets can help you support you and your family’s health:
Pets help kids build a healthy respiratory system
No matter how clean you keep your home, pets still contribute more (and different) dirt and bacteria than if the home was pet-free. Research shows that this biodiversity is useful as it helps children build a healthy respiratory system. Within reason, the germs kids pick up in their natural environment will stimulate their immune system, making their bodies more resilient.
When it comes to pets, health benefits of biodiversity begin even before the children are born. A study showed that babies born into families with pets also experience benefits to their immune system. The key exposure time starts before birth and continues up to 3 months of age.
Pets can lower stress levels
When we’re stressed, our bodies release a hormone that can suppress the immune system. Spending quality time with our pets, however, lowers that stress hormone.
Research shows that people who were petting a dog registered a drop in blood pressure. And 87% of cat owners reported that their kitties had a positive impact on their wellbeing, while 76% reported being better able to cope with daily life because of their cat.
And spending time enjoying the slow pace of your fish in an aquarium or interacting with your pet birds is similar to connecting with nature, another proven reducer of occasional stress.
Pets provide social support
Recent research shows that people who are socially isolated are at an increased risk for several health problems. Having a pet can do wonders to avoid loneliness. If you can’t have a pet of your own, maybe you can arrange a visit from a friend’s pet or perhaps visit a pet rescue centre.
Pets inspire you to exercise
Whether you’re taking your dog for a walk, throwing toys for your cat or chasing after an escaped pet bird, pets can keep you moving. All the better because not only is exercise part of a healthy lifestyle, research shows that regular exercise is good for a well-functioning immune system.
Too much of a good thing?
That said, allergy to pets remains a reality for many. While you and your family may have built resistance to pet dander, any fur or bacteria left behind by your fluffy pets could still harm some of your guests. So, what do you do when they come over?
Time to switch on your Atmosphere SKY and Atmosphere Mini!
Did you know that the Atmosphere SKY Air Treatment System and Atmosphere Mini Air Treatment System effectively filter over 300 airborne contaminants from bacteria to dust mite antigens? With a single pass efficiency performance of 99.99%, these air purifiers can filter all particles greater than or equal to a size of 0.0024 microns.
Here’s how the 3-stage filtration process effectively reduces over 300 airborne contaminants that pass through the unit:
Try some extra support
There are other measures you can take to help your immune system in addition to spending time with your pet. Consider adding immunity-supporting supplements like Nutrilite Botanical Beverage Mix Cherry With Licorice & Turmeric, Nutrilite Bio C Plus All Day Formula or Nutrilite Triple Guard Echinacea
At the very least, start with a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, no smoking and a lot of handwashing. And remember to protect your loved ones with Atmosphere SKY and Atmosphere Mini when your fur kids are around!
Keep reading AmwayNow.my formore tips on how to support your immune system and be sure to shop Amway.my for more productsto boost your health.
