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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, which is an inflamer.
In a companion piece to the study, psychologists from Ohio State University remarked, "As research advances, it may come to pass that granting access to public parks and natural spaces could be considered just as crucial as giving access to hospitals and medical facilities."
At an individual level, maybe physicians ought to recommend a daily stroll in the park as the initial approach for treating inflammation instead of relying on medications, which may not only be costly but also come with numerous adverse effects.
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