Experts Say Daily Park Walks May Be a Natural Cure for Chronic Inflammation
Hikers have long been aware that breathing in fresh countryside air has a positive impact on well-being. Experts now suggest that physicians consider recommending a daily stroll in the park as part of treating persistent inflammation.
Following an examination of 1,244 Americans ranging from 34 to 84 years old, researchers at New York’s Cornell University determined that "a greater occurrence of favorable natural encounters correlated with reduced levels of systematic inflammation."
It is often said that the influence extends further than the advantages associated with physical activity.
It remains uncertain precisely how exposure to nature exerts such an impact.
A hypothesis suggests that microorganisms emitted by plants and soil interact with bacteria in the human stomach to shield against inflammation associated with numerous chronic conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Another factor is that being close to nature decreases stress, which drives inflammation.
In a companion piece to the study, psychologists from Ohio State University remarked, "As research advances, it may come to pass that granting access to public parks and natural spaces could be deemed as crucial as giving access to hospitals and medical facilities."
At an individual level, maybe physicians ought to recommend taking a daily stroll in the park as a primary approach for treating inflammation before resorting to medications, which might be costly and come with numerous adverse effects.
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