Zara & Omie: Fur Real: It’s Not Just Dogs

Nature’s Gut Reset: The Farm Effect Explained

In this episode of Zara + Omie, the family is out at the farm — and Zara’s just trying to stay clean. Instead, she’s become a full-time landing pad for animals, dirt, and who-knows-what from the barn.

Cue the drama:
Zara: “Why do animals keep using me as a couch?”
Omie: “Relax. Your gut’s loving the microbial mingle.”

So what’s really happening here?

The farm may test Zara’s patience, but it’s boosting her gut like a pro.
It’s giving her microbial diversity — and that’s a very good thing for her gut.

According to the “farm effect” (yep, it’s real), kids raised in rural environments — especially around livestock, soil, and barns — tend to have:
    •    Lower rates of allergies and asthma
    •    A more balanced immune response
    •    A richer, more resilient gut microbiome

This is thanks to exposure to a broader range of microbes, many of which help train the immune system and support long-term gut health. Even being around farm animals and their unique microbial environments can be protective.

Gut Gains in Real Life

Let the pets on the couch.
Walk barefoot in the garden.
Let your immune system meet the world — it’s a win for your inner ecosystem.

Read the full comic below 👇