A Little Dirt Never Hurt! The Benefits of Dirt
Spring has sprung and it’s time to get dirt-y!
A little dirt never hurt! Actually, it turns out dirt is good for you!
Do you remember making mud pies as a kid? It wasn’t just about having fun that made you feel good. Dirt has a natural antidepressant called Mycobacterium vaccae found in it. The bacterium stimulates serotonin production, the stuff that makes you feel happy. That’s one of the reasons why gardening is recommended to help manage stress, anxiety and improve depression. Dirt is a natural anti-depressant.
Feeling down and don’t want to get your hands dirty? Smelling dirt is equally as good as working in dirt. Take a deep whiff and let the smell improve your mood. Breathing in dirt smells can boost the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine circulating in the systems. Something so simple yet so beneficial.
In the world of anti-bacterial wipes, soaps and gels we think we are killing all the ‘bad’ bacteria, but instead we’re creating a breeding ground for antibiotic resistant and disease causing bacteria. Working in dirt helps strengthen the immune system by exposing the body to small doses of all sorts of bacteria, fungus and viruses that allow our bodies to build it’s own immunity and resistance to disease. Research has shown this exposure helps in the prevention of low grade inflammation which can lead to health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Having a little dirt on your vegetables isn’t a bad thing either. That dirt helps with your gut biome as well. Having a healthy gut contributes to your bodies digestion, immunity, mood, metabolism and overall health. Not only does dirt help make your lunch but it’s keeping you healthy as well.