“Down and Dirty” Trick Supercharges Your Microbiome

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted July 15, 2024

There was a time when we thought staying squeaky clean would help keep us healthy.

“Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” we’d insist.

However, the opposite is likely true.

In fact, research finds getting your hands dirty is GOOD for you.

But it’s got to be done the right way…

Scientists say gardening shouldn’t be restricted to plant nerds. We should ALL be doing it because it’s an immune system supercharger!

We’ve known for some time that playing in the dirt is good for your gut bugs (your microbiome). People who garden typically have a much healthier and more diverse microbiome than those who don’t.

But it turns out you don’t even need a backyard to supercharge your gut health. A new study looked at urban indoor gardening, and the results are impressive.

Researchers found that just one month of tending to houseplants with live bacteria in the soil significantly increased the diversity of indoor gardeners’ skin microbiomes.

Plus, their blood showed a measurable drop in inflammation.

In a world obsessed with hand sanitizer and antibacterial EVERYTHING, we’ve been missing out on this immune-boosting goldmine. It’s time to ditch the sterile lifestyle and embrace your inner farmer!

But here’s the kicker—this isn’t just about avoiding inflammation. Regularly tending to plants may reduce your risk of chronic diseases, allergies, and even mental health issues.

That’s right, your little succulent collection could be a secret weapon against the modern health crisis.

And let’s not forget about the OTHER perks of planting stuff (whether in a garden or a pot, including) …

• stress relief,
• better air quality,
• and a sense of accomplishment (when you don’t kill that finicky fern).

It’s like Mother Nature’s multivitamin but way more fun and Instagram-worthy, as the kids say.

The real crime here is that we’re not teaching this in schools.

Imagine a world where every kid grows up knowing how to nurture life and boost their health at the same time. We’d have a generation of superhuman gardeners ready to take on any virus that dares cross their path.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some pots, soil, and greenery, and start cultivating your own personal immunity garden.

You’ll be healthier and happier—depending on what you decide to plant, you might even end up with some tasty herbs to toss into your next meal.

P.S. “Nature Pill” sends mental and physical health SOARING!

Source:

Saarenpää, M., Roslund, M. I., Nurminen, N., Puhakka, R., Kummola, L., Laitinen, O. H., Hyöty, H., & Sinkkonen, A. (2024). Urban indoor gardening enhances immune regulation and diversifies skin microbiota — A placebo-controlled double-blinded intervention study. Environment International, 187, 108705.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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