Dogs’ brains are sensitive to the familiar high-pitched “cute” voice tone that adult humans, especially women, use to talk to babies, according to a new study.
The research, published recently in the journal Communications Biology, found “exciting similarities” between infant and dog brains during the processing of speech with such a high-pitched tone feature.
Humans tend to speak with a specific speech style characterised by exaggerated prosody, or patterns of stress and intonation in a language, when communicating with individuals having limited language competence.
Such speech has previously been found to be very important for the healthy cognitive, social and language development of children, who are also tuned to such a high-pitched voice.
But researchers, including those from the Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, hoped to assess whether dog brains are also sensitive to this way of communication.
In the study, conscious family dogs were made to listen to dog, infant and adult-directed speech recorded from 12 women and men in real-life interactions.
As the dogs listened, their brain activities were measured using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan.
The study found the sound-processing regions of the dogs’ brains responded more to dog- and infant-directed than adult-directed speech.
This marked the first neurological evidence that dog brains are tuned to speech directed specifically at them.
“Studying how dog brains process dog-directed speech is exciting, because it can help us understand how exaggerated prosody contributes to efficient speech processing in a nonhuman species skilled at relying on different speech cues,” explained Anna Gergely, co-first author of the study.
Scientists also found dog- and infant-directed speech sensitivity of dog brains was more pronounced when the speakers were women, and was affected by voice pitch and its variation.
These findings suggest the way we speak to dogs matters, and that their brain is specifically sensitive to the higher-pitched voice tone typical to the female voice.
“Remarkably, the voice tone patterns characterizing women’s dog-directed speech are not typically used in dog-dog communication – our results may thus serve evidence for a neural preference that dogs developed during their domestication,” said Anna Gábor, co-first author of the study.
“Dog brains’ increased sensitivity to dog-directed speech spoken by women specifically may be due to the fact that women more often speak to dogs with exaggerated prosody than men,” Dr Gabor said.
CHRONIC CONSTIPATION – A SILENT THREAT TO YOUR DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Constipation may seem like a minor inconvenience, but when left untreated for extended periods, it can lead to severe health consequences. Below is a real-life case that highlights just how dangerous chronic constipation can be and why you should never ignore it.
Shocking X-ray Image of a Patient with Long-Term Constipation
The X-ray image below belongs to a young woman who suffered from chronic constipation for years. One day, her condition worsened, and she went for over two weeks without a bowel movement. Concerned, she finally sought medical help, only to receive alarming results.
The Root Cause:
- When the digestive system is unable to expel waste properly, stool begins to accumulate in the colon, causing severe discomfort and pain.
- Over time, the colon stretches beyond its normal capacity to hold the excessive buildup of fecal matter.
- In the X-ray, you can see how the colon has expanded dramatically, reaching up towards the chest area, near the heart.
- The normal folds and wrinkles of the colon, which are essential for its function, have almost disappeared due to extreme bloating and distension.
This condition, often overlooked, can lead to life-threatening complications if not addressed in time.
The Dangerous Consequences of Chronic Constipation
Severe Colon Distension
- When the colon is forced to expand beyond its natural limit, it gradually loses its ability to contract and push stool forward.
- This results in worsening constipation, making it even harder for the body to have a natural bowel movement.
Video : Constipation: The Silent Danger Hiding in Your Gut and How to Avoid It
Toxin Build-Up in the Body
- When waste remains in the colon for too long, harmful toxins and bacteria can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
- This can cause chronic fatigue, acne breakouts, bad breath, bloating, and weakened immunity.
Hemorrhoids & Anal Fissures
- Excessive straining while attempting to pass hard stools can lead to hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum), which cause pain and bleeding.
- Severe cases may result in anal fissures, tiny tears in the anus that make bowel movements extremely painful.
Intestinal Blockage (Bowel Obstruction)
- One of the most life-threatening complications of untreated constipation is bowel obstruction.
- When waste completely blocks the intestines, it can cut off blood supply to the gut, causing tissue death (necrosis) and serious infections.
- In extreme cases, patients may require emergency surgery to remove the damaged part of the intestine.
Increased Risk of Colon Cancer
- Studies have suggested that chronic constipation may be linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- The prolonged presence of waste in the colon increases exposure to carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances, leading to inflammation and abnormal cell growth.
How to Prevent and Treat Constipation Naturally
The good news is that constipation is preventable with a few simple lifestyle adjustments. Here’s how you can keep your digestive system running smoothly:
Increase Fiber Intake
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Foods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, apples, pears, and prunes are excellent natural laxatives.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink at least 2-3 liters (8-12 cups) of water per day to soften stools and promote bowel movements.
- Warm lemon water in the morning can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation.
Exercise Regularly
- Movement helps stimulate the intestines and encourages regular bowel activity.
- Try walking, yoga, or stretching exercises for 15-30 minutes daily.
Develop a Consistent Bathroom Routine
- Train your body to go at a regular time each day, preferably after meals.
- Avoid holding in bowel movements, as this can make constipation worse over time.
Limit Processed & Low-Fiber Foods
- Cut back on fried foods, fast food, dairy, red meat, and refined carbohydrates (white bread, pastries, sugary snacks).
- These foods slow digestion and contribute to hard stools.
Try Natural Remedies
- Drinking warm herbal teas (such as ginger tea, peppermint tea, or fennel tea) can soothe digestion.
- Aloe vera juice and magnesium supplements are also helpful for easing constipation.
Video : Man’s Extreme Constipation Nearly Kills Him
🚨 Important Reminder:
If you haven’t had a bowel movement in 2-3 days, start paying close attention to your diet and lifestyle. If constipation persists for over a week, or you experience severe pain, bloating, vomiting, or blood in your stool, seek medical attention immediately.
Final Thoughts
Constipation isn’t just an uncomfortable nuisance—it can turn into a serious health problem if left untreated. Taking proactive steps to support your digestive system can prevent long-term complications and keep your gut healthy.
Your health starts with small daily habits—so don’t ignore what your body is telling you!
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