Depression: Fight depression by getting dirty
October 10, 2007
You can take a pill or putter among the petunias to combat depression, according to Bristol University and University College London researchers.
Both appear to have similar effects in regulating and increasing serotonin.
Soil harbors a friendly bacteria that promotes increased activity of serotonin in the brain.
In addition, researchers believe the friendly bacteria in soil supports the immune system, and could explain why those with weakened immune systems are more prone to depression.
Bristol University researcher Dr Chris Lowry is quoted as saying, “These studies help us understand how the body communicates with the brain and why a healthy immune system is important for maintaining mental health. They also leave us wondering if we shouldn’t all be spending more time playing in the dirt.”
Researchers explained that low levels of serotonin are linked with a number of disorders including aggression, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.
As a fair weather gardener, I attributed feelings of relaxation and my brighter mood to the sunshine I am exposed to as I toil away in the soil of my cottage garden. Maybe not entirely.
The abstract can be found here.