“Cold Nose” Method Protects Your Aging Brain
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 23, 2024
Keeping your mind sharp as you age is a priority.
If you’ve been following my suggestions, you may already be taking steps to protect your brain. And that’s fantastic!
Things like taking certain supplements, walking regularly, prioritizing quality sleep, doing challenging crossword puzzles, and playing brain-stimulating games can INDEED support brain health and help head off decline.
But there’s one brain-boosting hack you may have missed…
And as bizarre as it sounds, this one is linked to a “cold nose.”
Confused? Keep reading…
So, what IS this powerful brain-protecting ingredient?
Believe it or not, simply owning a PET could slow cognitive decline to a crawl.
Chinese researchers found that older adults who live alone, but own a pet, perform significantly better on memory, thinking, and reasoning tests than their peers in pet-free homes.
The study included more than 1,800 seniors ages 60 to 70. Around half owned a pet, whether a dog, cat, bird, or fish—even turtles and lizards counted!
And the results DIDN’T surprise me.
After all, having a furry (or scaly) friend around the house drives off loneliness and provides constant mental and physical stimulation to keep those brain cells firing.
For example, taking your pooch for a stroll or playing fetch engages your brain in coordinating movements, navigating routes, and interpreting body language and signals.
And caring for a pet by doing routine things such as grooming, playing, and cleaning up after them is ALSO physically demanding.
That means it gets your blood pumping, improving circulation and sending more oxygen to your thinker.
Even relaxing while petting a purring cat lowers stress hormones and blood pressure, benefitting the brain.
Equally as important, animal companionship is PROVEN to ease anxiety, depression, and loneliness—all conditions that can accelerate cognitive decline if left unchecked.
And remember, pets ALSO encourage social interactions, keeping us engaged with family, friends, and community members, warding off the isolation that can creep in as we age.
Plus, earlier research shows that pet owners tend to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. And since heart health is closely linked to brain health, this provides yet another avenue for pet ownership to boost cognition.
So, if you want to stay mentally fit through your golden years, head to the local animal shelter and meet your new brain-training partner.
Never underestimate how the responsibility for meeting the needs of another living creature can give you a renewed sense of purpose and meaning.
That being said, not every pet is suited for every individual. Before committing, be sure to do your research and select the companion that’s best for you.
With the right pet by your side, you’ll be taking your brain health into your own hands, armed with a leash (and a poop bag, of course).
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
The HIDDEN Harm of Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is a common habit. But new research reveals it could leave you with far worse than just a dry mouth and bad breath.
FINALLY, an Exercise Routine You Can LOVE
Bored to tears by exercise? Is walking on the treadmill as thrilling as watching paint dry? New research reveals the answer to your workout prayers.
Stay “Forever Young” with THIS Taste Bud Trick
Want to stay “forever young”? Research finds you should follow your taste buds to remain healthy and vibrant as you age.
Mailbag: Why Am I DIZZY When I Stand Up?
Low blood pressure and dizziness when standing after sitting or lying down is called orthostatic or postural hypotension. THIS could be the cause…
Tasty FAT Hack SLASHES Heart Risk
Little warning signs could mean your ticker may soon be in trouble. But surprisingly, this one FATTY food can PROTECT your heart.
Clobber Cold Symptoms and Feel Better FAST
There’s no “cure” for the common cold. But that doesn’t mean you have to be miserable. These seven steps can have you feeling better FAST.
P.S. Researchers have linked loneliness to THIS startling side effect.
Source:
Li Y, Wang W, Zhu L, et al. “Pet Ownership, Living Alone, and Cognitive Decline Among Adults 50 Years and Older.” JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(12):e2349241. doi: 10.1001 / jamanetworkopen. 2023.49241
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...