We all want to see our pets thrive for life, which means less vet visits and enjoying our pets to the fullest, while maximizing the quality time we share them. While some might say there are many paths to Rome when it comes to health, we need to stick with the laws and principles of health, which I will explain in further detail, but a good example for this would be; if our bodies are made up of 60% water, then consuming water on a daily basis at a percentage that replenishes the body to maintain that 60% will be suffice, if you get dehydrated even 2%, it will lead to physiological stresses on the body with symptoms such as headaches and organ depletion. Losing up to 11% of water from the body can even be fatal. So, hydrating the body on a daily basis with the appropriate amount of clean water is a health principle, it is a natural law, we are made up of water, and therefore, we need to consume water. For our dogs and cats, there are also such principles. If I feed my dog and cat, who are carnivores that thrive on meat and some vegetables, a high carbohydrate and dry diet, I am breaking a law (or principle) to their health. Why? Because I am feeding an animal a diet that it was never designed and meant to consume. So, feeding a species appropriate diet will be the first and most important thing one can do to add life to years and years to life when it comes to their pets, a diet that is rich in bioavailable nutrition, anti-inflammatory, and proteins the dog or cat can have or tolerate, (not all proteins are beneficial to every dog and cat), some breeds tend to thrive on certain proteins while others do not, epigenetically speaking. The proper diet is key and crucial for thriving, no matter how much or how little you supplement, because you can’t out-supplement a bad diet. Next, seeing what your pet is lacking and supplying it. It can be as simple as adding a probiotic and digestive enzyme to their meals to help them digest and break down the food, such as with senior pets, as they get older they produce less enzymes, and so supplying your pet’s body with enzymes and a probiotic will help them to digest and break their food down properly to get the nutrition they need, which will get them to thriving. Another example would be, as your pets gets older, there will be natural cartilage and collagen breakdown, supplementing with either glucosamine and/or hyaluronic acid will help bring the pep back in their step, because you are supplying their bodies with what they need. Whatever is missing, we add. Another example would be supplying them with essential fatty acids like omega-3s, called essential because they don’t produce it in their bodies therefore they need to get it from outside sources. Super food concentrates add vitality back where diet falls short. The unique polyphenol properties actually help the body use food better, polyphenols help the micro biome utilize nutrition from concentrates. Here are just a few supplements proven to add vitality to your pet’s life and quite possibly, more (quality) years (these supplements were specifically studied for longevity) and have a very high ORAC value (high antioxidant value); -AFA E3 Live algae -Red algae -Wheatgrass -Phytoplankton -Spirulina -Medicinal mushrooms -Olive extract -Quality cold pressed oils such as a variety of omega-3s or olive oil. -Curcumin (extract from turmeric) -CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) -Ginseng -Astaxanthin Super food concentrates are a lot more efficient, and makes your pets more resilient. Again, aim for quality and organic as much as possible. However, to really understand optimal longevity we need to support the pathways and mechanisms to empower and improve health and vitality as our pet’s age. Mitochondria & Aging
What does the mitochondria do? The mitochondria is the engine of the cell, it is responsible for making ATP, which is a neurotransmitter at every synapse. It takes energy to heal! It is also responsible in determining the degree of inflammation and completeness of recovery and so much more. In one of our latest articles, we talked about the coined term, ‘Inflammaging’, age and systemic, cellular, and nuclear inflammation accelerates the mitochondrial breakdown of cells, this is chronic inflammation of course, as not all inflammation is bad, but it has been proven and shown that chronic inflammation will accelerate the aging process. This can happen in many ways, such as through a high toxin load (especially if toxins like heavy metals get inside of the cell), nutrient deficiencies, genetics, physiological stresses, aging, etc. Anything that damages the mitochondria of the cell, will lead to cell death, which will accelerate aging. All Paths Lead To Detox Those who know me know that I am very passionate about precision detoxing. Limiting and avoiding exposure to toxins, such as flea and tick medications, and over vaccinating is key to longevity, also be mindful of cleaning agents used to clean the house that can be very toxic to our pets. Also, don’t forget the water- If unfiltered water affects us in a negative way, then it will most certainly affect them as well, and I find most pet guardians forget about the accumulated dangers of unfiltered water for their pets. But what happens then if our pet(s) have already been toxified? Environmental and metabolic detox is needed, at least once a year. This will ensure that the immune system is not burdened, and all organ systems and drainage pathways are functioning optimally. As well as, protecting mitochondrial health from environmental and metabolic toxins, removing damaged mitochondria and damaged cells, initiating metabolic activation, and addressing accumulated damage and inflammation, hence increasing reliance in entire systems. Primary detox emunctories are; Liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, stomach and pancreas. Secondary detox emunctories are; Skin, mucus, nose, sex glands, nerves. Keeping these healthy and clean are extremely vital for the totality of health for your pets (and us too!). In conclusion, as long as we are honoring our pets by following their principles to health, and doing our part in making sure they get everything they need, physically, mentally and emotionally, then I believe we are doing our very best for them.
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AuthorLucy is an avid pet mom; with dogs, cats, goats and horses to keep her busy! All of her pet 'kids' are fed a species appropriate diet with proper supplementation so she can watch them thrive. Her expertise and experience lie in nutraceutical supplementation and is a health advocate for proper diet and nutrition. Her other passions in life are schutzhund and equestrian riding. Archives
January 2025
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