Common Soil Bacteria Can Have Antidepressant Effects
A recent study by UK scientists discovered that a common soil bacteria activates cells in the brain to produce serotonin and can alter behavior similar to antidepressants.
“These studies help us understand how the body communicates with the brain and why a healthy immune system is important for maintaining mental health. They also leave us wondering if we shouldn’t all be spending more time playing in the dirt.” - Dr Chris Lowry, Bristol University
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The research, published in the journal Neuroscience by collaborators at Bristol University and University College London, used lab mice treated with Mycobacterium vaccae and found that it activated a specific group of neurons in the brain that produce serotonin.
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter which plays a role regulating mood, metabolism, anger, aggression, sleep, and appetite, and is found in the brain, gut, and blood. A number of ailments are linked to low levels of serotonin, including anxiety and depression, bipolar disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Many antidepressants work with serotonin pathways to affect moods and anxiety, so finding a natural, commonly available substance that activates serotonin production could lead to new treatments for those suffering from depression.
While I don’t see that doctors are going to start prescribing spoonfuls of dirt for clinical depression, this study affirms what many parents already know: Getting dirty is good for you.
Image: lori05871 at Flickr under CC License
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I find it very fascinating that soils contain antidepressant properties.
African tribes as well as some tough westerners go barefoot all the time report that they feel better, more free when they go barefoot hiking and walking in the woods.
Perhaps barefoot walking is more than just spiritually stimulating afterall…
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After giving birth, my aunt in Africa would crave sand. We would go to the woods and dig for red colored sand for her to eat. Now I think that it must have had that anti-depressant effect on her. Sand also contains alot of iron, especially the reddish one.
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Know wonder I always felt better after walking barefoot in newly plowwed and disked gardens and fields!
I’ve also heard going barefoot has other healing benefits, such as grounding our energy field to the earth. And no wonder so many people love gardening and being near the soil. What an interesting study.
They want say “Let the kids walking barefoot”? Great! I vote ‘for’
This really gives a new perspective to the field of Horticultural Therapy. It is always interesting to me that we somehow need science to validate what humans have known for centuries…it’s just good to go outside and get your hands in the dirt! But, literally, this implies the importance of having a physical relationship with the soil and other aspects of nature.