'Just One Thing' with Dr Michael Mosely: on Gardening

Benefits of gardening:

Physical benefits, fresh air, brain, boosts gut microbiome as a result of bacteria from soil and mental benefits as boosts serotonin levels.

Research shows wide range of health benefits: exercise, reduces risk of type 2 diabetes.

Brain- Study shows: 20 mins of tending to small veg patch increase in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor hormone improves learning and memory...act like fertiliser for brain cells. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor boost blood supply to brain cells

Infecting ourselves with beneficial bacteria from soil! Mycobacterium vaci lab rats...levels of serotonin increase...coping with stress.

Airborne bacteria in soil dust get get into gut microbiome of mice and releases butrane keeping gut microbiome healthy.

Dr Hannah Holscher: impact of gardening on microbiome. How gut changes during gardening season....gardening families vs those who don't samples before gardening season and after, and soil samples too....gardening families reported more dietary fibre intake than those who didn't garden, also greater micro biodiversity and more bacteria that can break down this fibre in intestinal tract. Faecal microbes similar to those in soil samples....detected some microbes in soil in intestinal samples of most of the gardening families ! Greater diversity in microbiome at end of study, suggesting something getting from garden into the gut!!! Some ways this could have happened: hot, sweaty, fly lands on face, dirt in mouth and nails and skin. Individuals gardening produce so therefore eat them, residual microbes.

Mental health benefits: metanalysis=positive effects on wellbeing of individuals, horticulture therapy patients and non-patients, help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Increase fruits and veg in the garden. Community gardens.

Found on a FWYMP POST!:

“Did you know that there is a natural antidepressant in the country? It’s a Mycobacterium vaccae bacteria found in the soil that humans ingest or inhale when they spend time in nature and gardening. This bacteria stimulates the brain part responsible for producing serotonin. The most passionate gardeners will tell you that their garden is their “happy place” and that the actual physical act of gardening reduces stress and lifts mood. Mycobacterium vaccae also improves cognitive function, it has an effect on Crohn’s disease and even rheumatoid arthritis. The natural effects of these antidepressant bacteria in the soil can be felt for up to 3 weeks. Sit down, get your hands dirty and be healthier”