Effects of Contact with Soil and Nature on the Immune System and Skin Health
Research reveals that contacting soil, grass, and plants increases skin microbial diversity, supports the immune system, and provides a protective effect against diseases.
Scientific research conducted in Finland shows that contact with soil and natural materials enriches the skin microbiome, positively supports the immune system, and provides significant health benefits for both children and adults.
The Effect of Soil Contact on Microbial Diversity
Mira Grönroos, an ecologist and nature-health researcher at the Finnish Environment Institute, found that the diversity of microbes on the hands of people who rubbed their hands with soil, peat, and moss and rinsed them with tap water increased. Even though the hands looked clean to the naked eye, the microbial change was quite substantial.
Skin Microbiome and Protection Against Pathogens
Although having more bacteria on our skin might not sound appealing at first, a large number of different microbes live together and keep each other in balance. This diversity protects us against more harmful and disease-causing bacteria, preventing pathogens from becoming dominant.
Mud and Forest Soil Research in Daycares
Within the scope of the Aurinkolinna daycare and the Vahvistu project in Finland, children who played on forest soil showed greater microbial diversity on their skin after one year. The effects of children being intertwined with nature in their play areas are being examined in detail by scientists.
Immune System and Cytokine Changes
In the blood samples of children who played in microbe-rich soil, significant changes were observed in immune markers called cytokines, which support the immune system's ability to fight threats without overreacting.
Biodiversity Hypothesis and T Cells
Research shows that an increase in gammaproteobacteria diversity, in particular, is associated with regulatory T cells that control the immune system. This holds importance in preventing immune-mediated diseases such as eczema, asthma, or allergies.
Gardening and Green Walls in Adults
Studies conducted with adults determined that engaging with soil of high microbial diversity and living green walls installed in offices enrich the skin microbiome of employees and lower their blood inflammation markers.