A recent study from Cornell University illuminates the deep relationship between nature and our biological health by concentrating on the physiological condition of inflammation.
Researchers found a significant relationship between lower blood levels of three important inflammatory markers and more time spent in nature. Even after taking into account a number of variables, including general well-being, health behaviors, and demography, this link remained significant.
The research, headed by Cornell University psychology professor Anthony Ong, emphasizes how nature might improve health outcomes by reducing chronic inflammatory diseases like diabetes and heart disease. “By concentrating on these inflammation markers, the research offers a biological rationale for how nature could enhance health,” he stated.
Using information from the second wave of the Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS) survey, which looks at health and aging in the country, the study team examined 1,244 individuals’ responses, who were 57% female and had an average age of 54.5 years. Participants were questioned about how often they went outside and how much they enjoyed it.
Surprisingly, the study found that, independent of other contributing factors, people who reported having more good encounters with nature also had lower levels of inflammation. This research, in Ong’s opinion, emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between pleasure of nature and exposure to it.
The frequency and degree of satisfaction of participants’ outdoor encounters were questions the researchers asked. Even after controlling for age, health behaviors, medication usage, and general healthiness, they found that regular exposure to nature was associated with reduced levels of inflammation.
According to Ong, “it’s a pretty robust finding.” “And it’s this sort of nexus of exposure and experience: It’s only when you have both, when you are engaging and taking the enjoyment out of it, that you see these benefits.”
“It’s good to remind ourselves that it’s not just the quantity of nature,” he continued, “it’s also the quality.”
Cornell University’s study has found a strong link between nature and physical health, particularly in relation to inflammation, a key factor in chronic diseases. The researchers found a clear link between lower levels of inflammatory markers in the blood and individuals who spent more time immersed in nature. This association was strong even after considering factors like overall well-being, lifestyle choices, and demographics.
Professor Anthony Ong, leading the research team, suggests that nature may improve health outcomes by combating chronic inflammatory diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 1,200 participants, revealing that individuals reporting more positive interactions with nature had lower inflammation levels.
The researchers emphasized the importance of both the frequency and quality of outdoor interactions, with a consistent association between regular time in nature and reduced inflammation.
