“Nature Pill” Sends Mental and Physical Health SOARING
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 24, 2024
A stroll through the park or doing some gardening are enjoyable pastimes for many of us.
Unfortunately, they’re ones we often don’t get to do nearly enough.
But new research reveals why you should MAKE TIME for these nature-based hobbies. Because, it turns out, as you age your HEALTH could depend on it.
Here’s why…
A growing body of research suggests nurturing our bond with nature isn’t just a pleasant way to pass time. It could be the KEY to living a healthy, engaged, and fulfilling life.
In fact, a new study concluded that regular exposure to natural spaces may be ESSENTIAL for maintaining optimal mental and physical health in our senior years.
According to the researchers, even little outdoor excursions can translate into big real-world health benefits, including…
- lowering blood pressure,
- reducing stress levels,
- increasing mobility,
- boosting mood, and
- protecting against cognitive decline.
When seniors—who were lucky enough to have access to more nearby green spaces—were compared to peers with less access, the scientists spotted something remarkable…
The folks who had more opportunities to commune with nature enjoyed SIGNIFICANTLY better mental and physical health.
And it didn’t take much, either.
In fact, seniors with access to just 10 percent more green space, tree cover, water bodies, or trail length were far less likely to report their general health as poor or fair.
Don’t worry. This doesn’t mean that if you live in a more urban setting you’re doomed to declining health.
It simply means you need to make seeking our more green and blue spaces in that concrete jungle a PRIORITY. Because making them part of your daily routine can set you up for healthier aging.
The study wasn’t designed to specifically identify the underlying reasons why “taking a nature pill” is so critical to our health. But the scientists suggested several possibilities.
Whether it’s strolling through a city pocket park or working on planter boxes on your porch time spent outdoors generally involves being more active. And, of course, a moving body is a healthier body.
Being in nature also reduces stress levels. After all, when you’re gazing at beautiful flowers or listening to the calm sounds of a rippling pond it’s hard to feel anxious.
Also, plants and trees release chemicals, such as phytoncides, that can literally BOOST our immune system.
Community gardening, walking groups, or just being around more people enjoying nature in public spaces can fight loneliness and spark new friendships.
This study confirms that I’ve been telling you all along. Spending time in nature is vital for good health. And it turns out it may be even more critical for those of us heading into our senior years.
You set aside time in your schedule for chores, appointments, and exercise. It’s time to do the same with outdoor excursions. Add a daily date with nature to your calendar.
Grab some friends and form a walking group, start a garden, or just relax in the sun with a good book.
P.S. AVOID hospital stays with this NATURE hack?!
Source:
“Urban green and blue spaces and general and mental health among older adults in Washington state: Analysis of BRFSS data between 2011-2019,” Health & Place, Volume 85, January 2024, 103148, doi. org /10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103148
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.
View More Free Articles
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...