Avoid Cancer…Relax with Nature
Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/
Here's your outdoor tip on nature and your health.
When I saw the title, “Reduce Depression, Avoid Cancer, and Relax with Nature,” I was surprised. What a strong statement to make! Can they really support this? I believe that nature is important to your health and the feeling of well-being and have even written a book, The Nature Quotient, that talks about the benefits of interacting with nature. But this seemed like an extremely strong statement.
The author of the article says exactly what I feel, “So the next time you’re out in the woods, at the beach, or walking around the neighborhood, breathe deeply and take it all in—for your mental and physical health.”1 She starts by discussing Dr. Aaron Michelfelder of Loyola University School of Medicine’s work talking about stress hormones rising all day in our bloodstream. The Doctor says that even a few moments while walking to reconnect with our inner thoughts will lower damaging stress hormones. Walking is a great way to lower our blood pressure and make us happier. Michelfelder further says doctors are slow to change, but they should consider these kinds of alternative therapies. 2
It’s in Japan that they have found that walking in the woods could even fight cancer. They say it is the “air-sharing” or forest bathing3 that we do with plants that helps provide these benefits. Researchers found that after three days in the forest, 11 or 12 subjects showed increases in nature-killer cell activity. This was about a 50% increase of lymphocytes known to fight off infection and reduce cancer growth.
Stress can make you feel bad and can also weaken your immune system causing disruption in sleep and even unhealthy food choices. Most agree that stress is a primary contributing cause of disease. Nature walks are also great opportunities to enjoy fellowship with your friends and exercise. Get rid of the negative thoughts that make pessimistic people less healthy and forget your “troubles” by interacting with nature.
My conclusion from all of this information is that we have verification that nature can be a powerful force in our lives. Interacting with nature will provide you with many health benefits. So, when was the last time you took a walk in the woods?
This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/
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References-Additional Reading
1Reduce Depression, Avoid Cancer, and Relax with Nature
http://naturalsociety.com/recharge-immune-system-nature/
Understanding Depression – Prevention
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/understanding-depression-prevention
Stress Tips: Calm Your Mind, Heal Your Body
http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/19/stress-tips-calm-your-mind-heal-your-body/
2More doctors going the alternative route
3Take a walk in the forest
Nature Quotient
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