Probiotics are one of the best things you can put into your body. Studies show that getting “good” bacteria into your gut helps not only your digestive system, but also supports your immunity and overall health.
Most of us think we need to eat probiotic-rich foods or take a supplement to get these benefits. But research shows there’s a weird alternative that can help…
Get a dog or cat.
Scientists say pets contribute to the “indoor microbiome.” These are the bacteria that share our homes. Having many species of microbes in your home is like taking a probiotic, say researchers.
Research has found that having a dog increases the levels of 56 different classes of bacterial species in a home. Cats increase the levels of 24 types of bacteria. They eventually enter your body, which is beneficial.1
The infusion of dog- and cat-borne microbes helps keep you healthy, making your immune system work more efficiently.
As one researcher said, “We think dogs might work as probiotics to enhance the health of the bacteria that live in our guts.”2
Are We ‘Cleaning’ Ourselves to Death?
One of the reasons our gut bacteria can become deficient is that many of us use chemical sanitizers in our homes. These cleaning products kill disease-causing germs, but they destroy good bacteria, too.
A 2016 study looked at this problem by comparing Amish households to non-Amish families. The Amish do not use modern chemical cleaners. And they also are in close contact to farm animals, such as horses, since they don’t use modern machinery.3
As a result, the Amish live in a microbe-rich environment. This means they have a diverse array of bacteria in their gut, which supports a strong immune system.
While you probably can’t keep horses and cows like an Amish family, you can do two other things to boost your microbiome:
- Stay away from chemical cleaners. Instead, use natural products. Look for brands with the Green Seal or EcoLogo labels. They use nontoxic, environmentally friendly ingredients.
Or you can even make your own natural cleaning products. We recently gave you two recipes for safe, homemade cleaners.
- Get a pet. A dog, cat, or any kind of animal increases the number of healthy microbes in your home…and in your gut.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for simple ways to support your digestive health, there’s something else you should know… Most probiotic supplements are useless. Why? It’s because they’re missing two crucial ingredients…
Get all the details HERE.
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References:
1 http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/282/1814/20151139
2 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3002666/Could-dog-kiss-GOOD-Canine-germs-act-probiotic-experts-say.html
3 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/well/family/are-pets-the-new-probiotic.html?action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront