Inside and Outside

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There's much more to a power pantry and wellness lifestyle than healthy food choices. There's community, a good harmony of relationships and recreation, and an ample amount of physical activity. I like including time outside in that physical activity, and not just sitting in a hammock reading the paper, but actively doing yard work and such.

Today, while knocking around with three of my kids in the yard, we picked up a couple of gardening tools and did some weeding and trimming. Engaging some dirt reminded me of the great benefits of being out in the sun, and that digging in the dirt is actually healthy for our bodies. In our over-sanitized, clean-crazed world, there is actually good evidence that exposure to everyday bacteria (in the soil and air, etc.) is beneficial to our immunity, disposition and overall health.

This really pushes against all we've been taught in modern times, that bacteria brings illness and should be avoided at least, and disinfected at best. The truth is, there's great research on soil bacteria which improves our mood and disposition. And the natural bug responsible is called Mycobacterium Vaccae. Research on mice in the last decade has shown that this bacteria interacts with neurons in our brain to produce serotonin, a beneficial chemical for our prefrontal cortex, where mood regulation happens. Exposure to the bacteria also resulted in greater learning and mental retention. Sounds like a great result from simply getting some dirt under our fingernails...

Beyond that, we benefit from fresh air and sunshine when we're outside - both of which can help elevate our mood. Ahhh... I feel better just thinking about it. Regular sun exposure helps to regulate our levels of vital vitamin D (see a previous post on vitamin D here). We may even accomplish something worthwhile to boot (you should see our planting beds, now that we got them weeded and trimmed up a bit.)

Make it a point to get out and engage the world around you today. Take a walk over your lunch break, or at least open your car windows or sunroof and let the outside in. I know, bugs and smells and dust may invite themselves to the party, but so what. You'll be working on your immunity and a good attitude, and that worth getting your hair messed up and tolerating some bugs.

By the Way

Here's more evidence that time around our natural surroundings can yield better health benefits. Consider the results of a 2011 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine which reported that children who grow up on active farms suffer less asthma symptoms - 30% to 50% less. This happens because consistent exposure to possible irritants results in improved immunity. Further evidence that being around nature's dirt (including bacteria, fungi and dust and soil) brings us multiple benefits.