A cat or dog is a natural home remedy

Living in the same house with animals not only helps to relieve mental stress and loneliness, but can also be very beneficial for the human body. Scientific studies indicate that close contact with animals leads to the activation of the immune system, reducing the risk of some diseases.

In particular, children who grow up with animals at a young age are much less likely to develop diseases such as allergies, eczema, and even autoimmune diseases. This is evidenced by studies conducted by scientists in the United States and Europe.

The example of the Amish: natural life - natural health

The Amish people, who migrated to America from Central Europe in the 18th century, have preserved their traditional lifestyle to this day. They still travel in horse-drawn carriages, live with animals in their homes, and use almost no technological equipment. However, allergies, asthma, and other problems related to the immune system are very rare among them.

In 2012, a study was conducted among children from rural communities of the Amish in Indiana and the Hutterites in South Dakota. Although both communities live a lifestyle based on clean air, natural food, and farming, the results were significantly different. Hutterite children were 4–6 times more likely to have allergies and asthma than the Amish.

What is the reason?

The main difference is that the Hutterites use modern industrial technologies in farming. Animals are kept on special farms, separate from the house. The Amish live in the same house with animals. This leads to constant contact of the human body with various microorganisms.

Microbes - not the enemy, but the friend

Dogs, cats, birds, and other pets can temporarily introduce various bacteria into the human skin, oral cavity, and even intestinal microflora. At first glance, this may seem like a negative, but scientists note that it is beneficial for the body.

University of Wisconsin professor Nasiya Safdar and her colleagues are studying the exchange of microbes between humans and animals by analyzing the microbiomes of people who live with animals. According to them, this situation "trains" immunity, that is, the body learns to form the right immune responses.

However, some scientists are cautious about this idea. For example, Professor Gilbert notes that animal bacteria may not remain in the body permanently, but their temporary exposure can trigger important immunological reactions.

The historical roots of microbes

Irish microbiologist Fergus Shanahan analyzed the microbiome of the Romani people of Ireland and found that they still have "ancient microbes." This is similar to what is found in communities living in Tanzania, Fiji, Mongolia and other traditional ways. They are almost never prone to autoimmune diseases, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or diabetes.

Conclusion: animals are a natural helper for human health

Walking a dog, petting a cat, or living in close proximity to animals - all of these things bring our bodies into contact with various bacteria. As immunologist Liam O'Mahony notes, the human body naturally trains its immune system by living in an environment with bacteria that are uniquely suited to it.

It is no coincidence that some schools and centers around the world are creating opportunities for children to communicate with animals. For example, in Italy, special farms have been created for children to communicate with horses. As a result, the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines of children has increased.

Therefore, keeping animals at home can be a source of health not only for children, but also for adults. It should not be forgotten that proximity to nature is one of the main factors in human health. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!