Benefit of Dirt

    



     How can dirt be beneficial? Not only does it benefit your immune system, it also benefits your mental health. 

    Your immune system is like a catalog. When it faces something new, it studies it, destroys it, and remembers it. Dirt is filled with micro organisms. When you interact with the dirt, your immune system analyzes the micro organisms and adds it to its memory. This strengthens the immune system by allowing it to better recognize harmful organisms in the future and destroy them quickly. This lowers the risk of getting sick and if you do get sick, the symptoms are not as severe and last a shorter amount of time. 

    Dirt contain microbes, which help increase production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that boosts mood. This can help ease symptoms of depression or sadness. 

   Common ways to interact with dirt:

- Gardening 

    Outdoor gardening is a great way to get your hands in dirt. It is also very rewarding to grow beautiful flowers, veggies, fruits, and herbs. 

- Going for hike

    Hiking in nature is a great way to be exposed to dirt. Not only do you get the benefits of dirt, you also get benefits of sunlight and fresh air. 

- Going for a walk 

    Walking on nature paths and dirt trails is less intense than hiking, but you still get the great benefits. 

- Camping 

    Spending the night outdoors is also a great way to experience dirt. You also get to see plenty of cool flora and fauna. 

- Biking 

    Like hiking and walking, biking in nature is a great workout, and a great way to encounter dirt. 

- Indoor plants 

    Not everyone can garden outdoors. However, indoor potted plants also have dirt, and are more adaptable to small living conditions. They can even thrive in an office if given proper care. 

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