“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
Why Your Muscles Are Your Brain's Best Defense
Forget expensive brain scans and head-scratching cognitive tests that make you feel like you’re back in school. Japanese researchers have stumbled onto something that could change how we screen for memory problems—and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. A quick, painless measurement you can get during a routine checkup might...
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...