Experts Say Daily Park Walks May Ease Chronic Inflammation

Hikers have long been aware that breathing in fresh countryside air can be invigorating. Experts now suggest that physicians consider recommending a daily stroll in the park as a way to treat chronic inflammation.

Following an examination of 1,244 adults ranging from 34 to 84 years old across the United States, researchers at New York’s Cornell University determined that 'a greater occurrence of favorable natural encounters correlated with reduced levels of systematic inflammation.'

It is often said that the influence extends further than the advantages associated with physical activity.

It remains uncertain exactly how exposure to nature produces such effects.

A hypothesis suggests that microorganisms emitted by plants and soil interact with bacteria present in the human stomach to shield against inflammation associated with numerous chronic conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Another point is that being close to nature decreases stress, which is a factor behind inflammation.

In a commentary released with the study, psychologists from Ohio State University stated: "As research advances, ensuring access to public parks and natural spaces may become just as crucial as granting access to hospitals and medical facilities."

At an individual level, maybe physicians ought to recommend taking a daily stroll in the park as the initial approach for treating inflammation instead of relying on medications, which may not only be costly but also come with numerous adverse effects.