The Great Outdoors
27 March 2024
YOUR GREEN HEART
It’s well-known that exercise is good for your health. Exercise can reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases by up to 35%.
There is increased evidence that engaging in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or gardening can additionally promote cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, and improving overall circulation.
So as the days get longer and warmer get outside and engage in any physical activity to improve your heart health.
BRAIN HEALTH
Being in nature can improve cognitive function, including attention, memory, and creativity. Research suggests that regular interaction with nature may help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Nature exposure promotes brain plasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize neural pathways, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive health.
Combine that with walking. A 2022 observational study of 78000 people indicated that walking 10,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of dementia by 51%. No drug does that.
Nature walks or simply spending time in a natural environment have been linked to:
Improved attention and focus
Stress reduction and mood enhancement
Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
Stimulation of senses
Restoration mental fatigue
STRONG IMMUNITY
Exposure to natural environments, strengthens the immune system. Research suggests that spending time outdoors, especially in forests, can increase the activity of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in immune defence. Contact with nature has been associated with lower levels of inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
It is important to identify signs of inflammation early.
A health assessment and testing your biomarkers is a good way to assess if inflammation is a concern for you.
Then taking action like walking in nature can help you make sustained change to a healthier you.
GUT MICROBIOME
Did you know that spending time outdoors can actually benefit your gut microbiome?
Research suggests that connecting with nature exposes us to diverse bacteria, which can positively impact our digestive system.
The Ü Team of nutritional therapists can help you with any digestive complaints you suffer with. Common digestive complaints include abdominal pain, bloating, excessive wind or acid reflux.
GENERAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Reduced Stress: Natural environments have a calming effect on the nervous system, leading to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Improved Sleep: Spending time outdoors, particularly during daylight hours, can help regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality. Exposure to natural light during the day and reduced exposure to artificial light at night can promote better sleep patterns.
Social Connection: Nature provides opportunities for social interaction and community engagement, which are essential for mental and emotional well-being. Activities such as group hikes, picnics, and community gardening foster social connections and a sense of belonging.
Restoration and Stress Recovery: Natural environments offer opportunities for restorative experiences, allowing individuals to recharge mentally and emotionally. Immersion in nature can help people recover from mental fatigue and replenish cognitive resources.
There is so much evidence supporting the health benefits of nature. We believe that managing health does not always require a medical prescription and
that a lifestyle prescription is as important.
Book a health check and let us work with you to start your journey to better health.
Call us on 07539035999
Email us on info@theuclinic.com