Going Outside Can Change Our Hormones and Improve Microbiome Diversity
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Deep Dive
What physiological changes occur when we interact with nature?
Interacting with nature triggers changes in the nervous system, such as reduced breathing rate, lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and a shift to parasympathetic variability, which induces physiological calming. It also affects hormone levels, reducing adrenaline and salivary amylase, a stress-related hormone. Additionally, volatile organic molecules from plants enter the bloodstream, interacting with biochemical pathways similarly to prescription drugs.
How does exposure to biodiverse environments impact our microbiome?
Exposure to biodiverse environments increases the diversity of beneficial microbes in our gut. Studies show that up to 93% of our gut microbiome is influenced by our environment and diet. For example, playing in organic soil or being in green spaces can elevate gut microbiome diversity and reduce inflammatory markers in the blood, as seen in studies with children and adults.
What are the benefits of having plants indoors?
Indoor plants can seed the air with beneficial microbiota, improving air quality and health. For instance, spider plants actively release good microbes into the air. Additionally, certain plant scents, like lavender, can reduce stress and promote relaxation, while rosemary can increase alertness. Japanese cypress oil, for example, has been shown to elevate natural killer cells, which combat cancer and viruses.
How does walking through urban parks compare to walking on city streets?
Walking through urban parks significantly reduces physiological and psychological stress compared to walking on city streets. Studies show that participants who walked through parks experienced lower heart rates, reduced stress hormones, and greater calmness than those walking on streets. This effect is attributed to the calming influence of green vegetation and natural sounds.
What future research is needed to understand the health benefits of nature?
Future research should focus on determining the 'dosage' of nature needed for health benefits, such as how long and how often one should interact with nature. Additionally, cost-benefit analyses are needed to compare nature-based interventions with traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. Clinical trials are also essential to provide medical professionals with evidence-based guidelines for prescribing nature exposure.
What are the economic benefits of nature-based interventions for mental health?
Nature-based interventions, such as spending time in gardens, can be more cost-effective than traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. A study in Copenhagen found that participants who spent time in university gardens had fewer medical visits and were more likely to remain at work a year later compared to those who underwent cognitive behavioral therapy. This highlights the potential for nature-based solutions to reduce healthcare costs and improve long-term outcomes.
- Nature affects our nervous system by influencing breathing rate, heartbeat, blood pressure, and heart rate variability.
- Interaction with nature impacts our hormone system, reducing adrenaline and salivary amylase.
- Biodiverse environments promote microbiome diversity, influencing metabolic processes and reducing inflammation.
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