Blog Team Mascot: Lola

They are cute and cuddly, greet you with a happy face and wagging tail when you arrive home from a long day; all they ask in return is a good scratch behind the ears, pat on the head, and regular feeding. Who is more devoted to you than your fur-ever friend?

For pet owners, there’s no doubt that having a furry friend is a wonderful addition to their life, but are pets actually good for you? Studies show that yes, in fact, there are multiple health benefits to pet ownership. Pets are proven to be incredibly effective stress relievers, reducing the incidence of stress-related diseases ranging from heart disease to hypertension to ulcers. 

A new study shows that among people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol, those who owned pets enjoyed better cardiovascular health and more adaptable heart rates than those who didn’t.

This study only reinforces a solid body of evidence that proves the healthy benefits of pet ownership. A 2008 study showed that cat owners have a far lower risk of dying from a heart attack than people who’ve never owned a cat. And pets have long been proven to encourage a more active lifestyle – people who own dogs are more likely to walk more and walk faster than people who don’t.

February is all about one thing: Love. Or as we like to call it: Vitamin L. This month we will be exploring the various relationships that not only help define who we are, but bring us closer to our happiest, healthiest selves!

Let’s start the series with a relationship that has been proven essential to our health and well-being: Friendship.

What would life be without our friends? Slightly lonely? Probably. Much less fun? I think so.

But could being friendless also affect your health? Several studies say yes.

In 2006, a study, involving 3,000 women diagnosed with cancer, was conducted to see what effect friendship had on cancer patients. Researchers found that women, who had 10 or more close friends were four times more likely to recover from the disease.

Veggies, fruits and whole grains pack in vitamins and antioxidants for improved health, but studies also show that it takes more than what’s on your plate to live a longer, healthier life—friends! According to these studies strong relationships can help fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging and prolong life.

A big part of Integrative Nutrition is looking beyond what you put into your mouth, but rather looking at what nourishes your heart and soul. Think about the people in your life. Take out a piece of paper and write down the people who make you laugh, cry, think, happy and angry. Are there more people on that list who make you feel good about yourself than bad? How can you spend more time with those family and friends who make you feel full of life? Just as you might crowd out chemicalized, artificial junk food you can crowd out those relationships that impact you negatively.

Here’s to nourishing food and nourishing relationships.

It’s rare to meet someone who feels entirely supported by his or her family, friends, coworkers, boss and significant other. Sometimes the answer to getting the support you need is as simple as asking for help from these people or from a professional. Other times, the answer may lie in creating new relationships and letting go of the old ones that no longer serve you. Start by looking at the relationship you have with yourself. When you find ways to nurture and love yourself, you will be better able to communicate your needs to others.

Figuring out what kind of love relationship works best for you is crucial. For many, a happy marriage early in life is their main goal. They are clear that they want to have children and build a firm structure for their whole life and for future generations. Others look for alternatives to marriage or wait until later in life to marry or settle down with one person. Many people feel pressure from their families or society to get married and have children, while this is simply not the right path for some. It is important that you take time to determine what you want, and then work practically and positively toward it. Having a dream is one thing; making it happen is another. We all need support on this very important issue, so find people in your life that can offer it to you.