It can supercharge your microbiome.
A recent study from the University of Helsinki in Finland suggests that maintaining a small urban garden with nutrient-rich soil can significantly benefit health. Engaging in indoor gardening for just one month led to an increase in bacterial diversity on participants’ skin and showed potential improvements in their inflammatory response. Lead researcher Mika Saarenpaa emphasized the importance of these findings in combating immune-mediated diseases like allergies, asthma, and autoimmune disorders, which have seen a rise due to urbanization and decreased microbial exposure.
The study involved participants using regular flower boxes filled with plants purchased from stores. Some used naturally derived, microbially rich soil, while others used microbially poor peat-based soil, which is widely used worldwide as a growing medium. Results showed that those gardening with rich soil experienced improvements in inflammatory response and skin bacteria, while those using peat-based soil did not exhibit similar benefits.
Saarenpaa highlighted the link between urbanization, decreased microbial exposure, changes in human microbiota, and increased risk of immune-related illnesses. The study marks the first demonstration that engaging in meaningful and natural activities, such as gardening, can enhance the microbiota diversity in healthy adults and aid in immune system regulation.
The observed enhancements among participants using rich soil suggest potential long-term health benefits by bolstering immune responses to illness. Saarenpaa recommended that schools and parents encourage children to garden with nutrient-rich soil, especially since immune system development is most active during childhood. He stressed the importance of recognizing the interdependence of human health and the diversity of nature, particularly soil diversity, in urban environments.
Published recently in the journal Environment International, this study underscores the potential health benefits of urban gardening and highlights the importance of integrating natural elements, such as diverse soil, into urban landscapes for the well-being of residents.
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