Animals can boost your health
Whether you like dogs, cats or even bears, it seems most animals have the ability to boost a person’s health in more ways than one. Read on to find out what benefits your favourite animal can bring to your health.
Whether you like dogs, cats or even bears, it seems most animals have the ability to boost a person’s health in more ways than one. Read on to find out what benefits your favourite animal can bring to your health.
Dogs
Dogs are said to have the ability to ‘sniff out’ cancer. Our four-legged friends may be able to smell the disease in its early stages.
In a study in Japan, a Labrador given breath and stool samples to sniff was able to identify which came from a patient with bowel cancer.
Scientists believe tumours have an odour only dogs can sense.
“The chemical compounds of the odour are not clear. Only the dog knows the true answer,” Dr Hideto Sonoda said.
Rabbits
Rabbits can allegedly prevent cervical cancer. The claims were made after two British scientists found the virus could be triggered in rabbits during the 1960s.
Cats
Researchers claim cats have the ability to make people feel less anxious.
People who own cats are 40% less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack, according to a study at the University of Minnesota.
Researcher Dr Adnan Qureshi said stroking cats seems to lower owners’ stress and anxiety, making them less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Qureshi said it opens a whole new avenue for treatments, and unlike drugs or surgery, cat ownership doesn’t appear to have any risks.
Bears
Black bears slow their heartbeat by 75% to enable them to go without food or water during hibernation.
Scientists believe if this mechanism could be replicated in humans, it could save the lives of heart attack and stroke victims by giving doctors a longer period of time to perform treatments.
Dr Olvind Tolen, from Alaska, said reducing metabolic rates and oxygen demands in human tissues could “save people”.
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are said to reduce asthma. Children who grow up with a pet such as a guinea pig, rabbit or hamster are less likely to develop asthma or allergies, according to scientists.
US researchers studied a group of children in New York and found growing up in a less sterile environment could sometimes improve their health.
Researcher Matt Perzanowski said being exposed to certain bacteria may give the child a chance to build up immunity.
Snakes
While most people may be afraid of snakes, it is alleged they may have the ability to cut blood pressure.
People who have been bitten by vipers collapse because their blood pressure plummets. Scientists have developed a synthetic version of the chemicals involved from the venom of a Brazilian pit viper.
Known as ACE inhibitors, they have helped millions of people lower their blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney disease.
Snake venoms contain up to 100 different substances, and it is said it may lead to other cures.
Dolphins
Dolphins help with diabetes. Scientists found that these mammals are resistant to insulin, just like some diabetes sufferers.
But the bottlenose dolphins studied by the US National Marine Mammal Foundation were able to switch this resistance on and off.
They can do this when they eat, allowing them to cope with a high protein, low carbohydrate diet of fish.
Researchers now hope to create an equivalent “on-off switch” for humans.
Fish
Older people who eat fish or seafood once a week are less likely to develop dementia, according to a French study.
Scientists say the fatty acids in fish oils help reduce inflammation in the brain and play a part in regenerating nerve cells.
Fish can also help reduce your blood pressure. Numerous studies found watching them swim around an aquarium could make a person feel calm and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Pigs
A US study found that pig cells transplanted into the brain could help Parkinson’s disease sufferers regain mobility.
The cells are taken from foetal, unborn or developing pigs. The aim is once they are transplanted into a human brain, they develop into human cells and produce dopamine, like a functioning brain.
A range of creatures are helping scientists develop new treatments for diseases including diabetes, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
UK psychologist, Dr Samantha Wright, who studies the relationship between people and their pets, said there was no end to the potential benefits.
“The idea that pets and good health are linked goes back decades. There are lots of species that could help develop new treatments for all sorts of ailments and diseases. That has to be worth a pat on the head,” Dr Wright said.
What is your favourite animal and do you believe in the healing power of animals? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
