The best things in life are free

Many of us are lucky enough to have access to the great outdoors on a daily basis, and we can benefit hugely from simply getting outside, enjoying some fresh air and making the most of what nature has to offer.

Walking outside in nature, whether it’s along a coastline, a forest, or in your local park can have benefits on our gut health. Fractals in nature, which are patterns found in natural structures like trees, leaves and waves can directly calm our nervous system, the sounds in nature like birds or waves calm us further and being in this relaxed state is good news for our gut. A healthy and happy gut can revolutionise the rest of your body in some really positive ways and can even help in lowering stress. Being outdoors is naturally calming for your mind and body, and in turn leads to a healthier gut microbiome which helps aid digestion. When we aren’t stressed, blood flows to our digestive system helping to properly break down food which reduces symptoms like gas and bloating.

Secondly, simply being outside and being exposed to different types of bacteria and fungi is good for our gut as it means we are exposing ourselves to different microbes that increase our microbial diversity and can even positively influence our immune health.  

Getting yourself outdoors just once a day could have a really positive impact on your general health and wellbeing, and is so worth it if you can make the time. Why not go for a walk on your lunchbreak, eat your lunch outdoors, or simply get out in the garden for some fresh air and (if you’re lucky) a little bit of vitamin D, which can help boost your mood as well as aiding nutrient absorption. Win win!

Time spent in nature can lift more than just your spirits, and caring for your gut and looking after your wellbeing needn’t be a chore. Go on, give it a go, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

If you want help to get to the root cause of your digestive issues, please book in for a free 15 minute discovery call today.

References:

1. Bies AJ, Blanc-Goldhammer DR, Boydston CR, et al. Aesthetic Responses to Exact Fractals Driven by      Physical Complexity. Published online 2016. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2016.00210

2. Gould Van Praag CD, Garfinkel SN, Sparasci O, et al. Mind-wandering and alterations to default mode network connectivity when listening to naturalistic versus artificial sounds OPEN. Published online 2017. doi:10.1038/srep45273

3. Gaylord SA, Palsson OS, Garland EL, et al. Mindfulness Training Reduces the Severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Women: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial HHS Public Access. Am J Gastroenterol. 2011;106(9):1678-1688. doi:10.1038/ajg.2011.184

4. Li Q. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. doi:10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3