Spending time in nature may boost your immune system, study finds

Walking among the trees strengthens our immune system: it can increase the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells that fight viruses and tumor cells

Walking through woods, breathing in fresh forest air, and listening to birdsong is not just a treat for the senses—maybe it even makes us healthy. A study in Taiwan found that living or visiting a forest environment can increase the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells, cells that are part of fighting viruses and cancerous cells.

Researchers examined two groups of people: one consisted of 90 forest workers who spent most of their time in the midst of nature, and the other consisted of 110 city office workers living and working in Taipei, a city. What did they discover? People exposed to greenery on a daily basis had a significantly higher percentage of NK cells in their blood compared to city dwellers.

After five days in the wilderness, nk cell numbers nearly doubled

But it doesn’t stop there. To see just how the forest can influence the immune system, researchers took a small group of volunteers to spend five days in the foliage of Xitou, a forested area in Taiwan. Afterward, their activated NK cell numbers had nearly doubled, and the impact lasted for a few days even after departure from the city.

The exact processes involved in this immunity boost are not yet understood, but scientists suggest that forest air might be a top contender. Phytoncides, volatile compounds, are released by trees and might trigger our immune system. Being outdoors also triggers relaxation and stress reduction, which might also help to enhance our body’s defenses.

While more research will be needed, this study reiterates what we’ve long believed: that getting outside is good for us. Not only does it soothe and improve our mood but it can even build up our immune system.

So the next time you can use a little recharge, give skipping a city weekend a shot and go to a forest or nature park for a trip. It might just be what your body needs!

Source: Oncotarget