Antidepressant Microbes In Soil How Dirt Makes You Happy

Did you know that there's a natural antidepressant in soil? It's true. Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance under study and has indeed been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. The bacterium is found in soil and may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier.

Why does dirt make you happy?
Why does gardening make you happy and cure depression?
Is dirt good for mental health?
Does soil have serotonin?
Does dirt cure depression?
Is gardening good for depression?
Is gardening a stressful job?
Does touching soil make you happy?
What plant is good for depression?
Is playing in dirt good for you?
How does soil help depression?
Is working in dirt good for you?

Why does dirt make you happy?

Digging in the dirt really does lift your spirits. The digging stirs up microbes in the soil. Inhaling these microbes can stimulate serotonin production, which can make you feel relaxed and happier.

Why does gardening make you happy and cure depression?

Scientists have discovered that the mycobacterium found in soil can improve brain functions while boosting moods. The mycobacterium vaccae found in the soil increases serotonin produced in the brain (also known as the “happy” chemical). By getting your hands dirty, you're also making your brain happy!

Is dirt good for mental health?

Exposure to the bacteria in soil can be good for mental health, and could treat depression and prevent PTSD — Quartz.

Does soil have serotonin?

Researchers from Bristol University and University College London discovered using laboratory mice, that a “friendly” bacteria commonly found in soil activated brain cells to produce the brain chemical serotonin and altered the mice's behaviour in a similar way to antidepressants.

Does dirt cure depression?

Go Play in the Dirt. Exposure to friendly soil bacteria could improve mood by boosting the immune system just as effectively as antidepressant drugs, a new study suggests.

Is gardening good for depression?

In fact, it may provide some mental health benefits for you. Studies have found gardening and horticultural therapy can: reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Is gardening a stressful job?

Countless studies have shown that gardening is good for our health, and it is. It offers fresh air and exercise, and as far as stress relief goes, you definitely put your worries on the back-burner. But unless you're retired and have all the time in the world to devote to it, it's a pressing worry in itself.

Does touching soil make you happy?

Getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels – contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research. Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system.

What plant is good for depression?

7 plants that help to reduce stress

Peppermint. Peppermint has been found to lower frustration and also boost alertness. ...
Chamomile. Often used before bed, Chamomile has long been known for its anti-anxiety effects and sleep aid. ...
Lavender. Its calming scent and beautiful lilac hue is incredibly relaxing. ...
Jasmine. ...
Aloe Vera. ...
Chrysanthemum. ...
Gerbera.

Is playing in dirt good for you?

Research shows that playing in (or even eating) the dirt can strengthen young immune systems. "Without exposure to everyday germs, which can be found in mud, children miss out on building a stronger, more robust immunity to sickness,” Dr Ryan Harvey from House Call Doctor explains.

How does soil help depression?

Is working in dirt good for you?

Playing in dirt may actually play a role in lifting depression. Live Science reported on a 2007 study that showed "Exposure to friendly soil bacteria could improve mood by boosting the immune system just as effectively as antidepressant drugs." That friendly soil microbe is Mycobacterium vaccae.