Experts Say Daily Park Walks Can Combat Chronic Inflammation

Experts Say Daily Park Walks Can Combat Chronic Inflammation

Hikers have long been aware that breathing in fresh countryside air can be invigorating. Experts now suggest that physicians might consider recommending a daily stroll in the park as a way to treat persistent inflammation. Following an examination of 1,244 Americans ranging in age 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 exerts such an impact. A hypothesis suggests that microorganisms emitted by plants and soil interact with bacteria present in the human gut, 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,…