Study Finds Enjoying Nature Can Reduce Inflammation Symptoms

A new study has found that enjoying nature can reduce inflammation symptoms, suggesting that spending time in natural environments can have a positive impact on physical health. The study, conducted by researchers from the Center for Integrative Developmental Science (CIDS) in the College of Human Ecology, analyzed data from over 20,000 adults and found that those who reported higher levels of nature enjoyment had lower levels of inflammation markers in their blood.

The study involved 1,244 participants with an average age of 54.50 years. Researchers measured three different markers of inflammation and found that people who had spent more time in nature had lower levels of inflammation, even after considering factors like age, gender, and overall health. "It's not just about spending time outdoors, but also about enjoying the experience, which can help reduce the risk of inflammation," the researchers concluded.

The findings indicate that incorporating more nature-based activities into daily life, such as going for walks or spending time in parks, could potentially help manage inflammation and improve overall health. The study suggests that healthcare professionals should devise effective strategies to encourage people to spend more time in nature, as it can have a positive impact on reducing inflammation and improving overall health.

Why this matters: Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. This study provides a biological explanation for how enjoying nature can improve health and potentially prevent or manage these conditions.

Professor Anthony Ong from the Department of Psychology at Cornell University, who led the study, noted that "it's not just the quantity of nature exposure, but also the quality of the experiences that can have a positive impact on reducing inflammation." The study included 1,244 participants who were assessed for physical health and provided comprehensive biological assessments. Even when controlling for other variables, the researchers found that reduced levels of inflammation were consistently associated with more frequent positive contact with nature.

The study's findings highlight the importance of not only spending time in nature but also enjoying the experience. By engaging in activities like gardening, berry picking, and hiking, people can connect with soil bacteria and microbial diversity, which may boost the immune system and reduce the likelihood of allergies. The researchers emphasize that incorporating nature-based activities into daily life can provide various health benefits and potentially help manage chronic inflammation.

Key Takeaways

• Enjoying nature can reduce inflammation levels in the body.
• Spending time in nature and enjoying the experience are both important.
• Chronic inflammation is linked to diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
• Engaging with nature, like gardening, can boost the immune system.
• Incorporating nature-based activities can provide health benefits and manage inflammation.