Can Vegetable Gardening Cure Depression?
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry in 2006, found that mental health problems were lower in rural areas. This could be due to Mycobacterium vaccae, a ‘happy bug’ found in garden soil. In rural areas, the “friendly” bacteria is breathed in through dust, & found on homegrown vegetables.
Dr Lowry, said: “We believe that prolonged exposure to this bacteria from childhood can have a beneficial effect.
“This research also leaves us wondering if we shouldn’t all spend more time playing in the dirt.”
It is thought that the bug helps the brain to create serotonin, which is a mood enhancer. This chemical is often absent or low in patients suffering depression.
Working in the vegetable garden and eating home-grown vegetables could well have the added benefit of cheering the family up, thanks to the Mycobacterium vaccae which is present in garden soil!
Oh. My. God.
That is absolutely sensational research, TopVeg! Certainly explains a hell of a lot.
The latest science into allergies also suggests that exposure to ‘dirt’ in childhood is important in developing a normal immune system; when folks are too ‘clean’, even harmless household/environmental substances trigger an allergic response, because the system has no real enemy to fight.
Comment by Soilman - January 14, 2008 10:17 am
Hi Soilman
Good to know that we are OK then!
On a serious note, it is sad to see so many children with eczema, who could do with an improved immune system.
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - January 14, 2008 10:28 am
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Pingback by Pages tagged "diary" - January 14, 2008 12:21 pm
I find that being around and especially caring for plants in general is a great way to relieve stress. It can be a real escape from the fast paced internet world, or big city life if you deal with that kind of stuff every day.
Comment by KennyC - January 16, 2008 8:43 pm
Hi Kenny
It is so rewarding to see plants growing and looking healthy. Your Bonsai seedlings must make you feel really warm inside!
Thanks for your comment
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - January 17, 2008 8:34 am
Only makes perfect sense. Being out in the garden does wonders for me. Heck even taking care and buying(hint for the wife) more houseplants in the winter, can get me through till spring.
Comment by Curtis - January 18, 2008 12:57 pm
[…] gain benefits of working outside, including coming in contact with the ‘happy bug‘ […]
Pingback by Top Veg » Blog Archive » Growing Veg for One Person in the Garden - January 19, 2008 6:52 am
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Pingback by Gardening Soil - February 6, 2008 9:42 am
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