Science Quickly Going Outside Can Change Our Hormones and Improve Microbiome Diversity
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Jan 8, 2025 Join Kathy Willis, a biodiversity professor at the University of Oxford and author of *Good Nature*, as she explores the profound impact of nature on our health and well-being. Discover how even a simple houseplant or a stroll through a city park can enhance your microbiome and improve mental health. Willis shares insights on the sensory connections with plants and their surprising healing powers, from boosting recovery rates to shaping our gut health. Dive into the wonders of nature and learn how to incorporate its benefits into everyday life.
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Hospital Window View Study
- Kathy Willis became interested in the impact of plants on human health after reading a 1984 study.
- It showed patients with views of trees recovered faster from surgery than those without.
Nature's Impact on Well-being
- Interacting with nature triggers changes in our nervous and hormone systems, promoting relaxation.
- It also introduces beneficial microbes into our bodies, improving our microbiome diversity.
Finnish Kindergarten Study
- A Finnish study showed kids playing in forest soil for 28 days had improved gut microbiomes and reduced inflammation.
- Similar results were observed with adults interacting with soil or green walls.
