Hikers have long been aware that breathing in fresh countryside air has a positive effect on their well-being. Experts now suggest that physicians consider recommending a daily stroll in the park as part of the treatment for chronic inflammation.
Following an examination of 1,244 Americans ranging from 34 to 84 years old, researchers at New York’s Cornell University determined that ‘a greater occurrence of favorable natural encounters correlated with reduced levels of systematic inflammation.’
It is often said that the influence extends further than the advantages associated with physical activity.
It remains uncertain precisely how exposure to nature produces such effects.
A hypothesis suggests that microorganisms released from plants and soil interact with bacteria present in the human stomach, potentially shielding against inflammation associated with numerous chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Another factor is that being close to nature decreases stress, which is an inflamer.
In a companion piece to the study, psychologists from Ohio State University commented, “As research advances, it may well be that ensuring access to public parks and natural spaces could grow equally vital as granting entry to hospitals and medical facilities.”
‘On an individual basis, maybe physicians ought to recommend taking a daily stroll in the park as a primary approach for reducing inflammation instead of prescribing medication right away, since these can be costly and come with various side effects.’
Read more
