Scientific research is continuing to discover even more reasons to be active outdoors in natural areas. When we exert ourselves our body produces more BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF stimulates brain cell growth and higher levels of BDNF are associated with lower risk of developing the tangles and plaques that contribute to cognitive decline.
New research on our gut microbiome has been pointing to an association between spending time in nature around healthy soil and increased diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is possible that we may need to come into regular contact with certain healthy soil organisms to be able to internalize them and maintain beneficial relationships with them in our gut.
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