dirt makes us happy!

[rainbowgardener]

Check out this article:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden- ... s-soil.htm

Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy

It claims that the soil microbe . Mycobacterium vaccae is the substance has been found to mirror the effect on neurons that drugs like Prozac provide. The bacterium is found in soil and may stimulate serotonin production, which makes you relaxed and happier...

Mycrobacterium antidepressant microbes in soil are also being investigated for improving cognitive function, reducing severity of Crohn’s disease and even rheumatoid arthritis.

So happier, smarter, digesting better, in less pain and more relaxed!

I always knew having my hands in soil made me happy; I just never knew there was a biochemical reason for it!

[digitS']

The difference between being involved in the life of the planet and just looking for a way to shut down, perhaps?

I have been following a little on this story about Americans taking antidepressants.

anti-depressants, anti-psychotics — for normal emotions?

Steve

[applestar]

Maybe Earth IS talking to us. We just didn't know•realized it (as in identified the scientific explanation for it) before.

[skiingjeff]

@Applestar - you have the neatest emotions! Where do you get them? Love it!

Regarding dirt making us happy, I agree the process of making the world a better more beautiful place through gardening whether seeing veggies grow or flowers, shrubs or anything grow lifts the spirits.

[skiingjeff]

Sorry spell check made my emoticons be emotions....lol

[bkop1996]

Maybe that's why so many people feel down. Not enough dirt. Coming from a senior in high school I can tell you with certainty that depression is here. But hey!!! If we can get more people in the dirt!! That means more happiness, more plants, and less videogames!!! That's a win win win if you ask me

Thanks for sharing this article!

[kweb]

It was kinda bizarre reading the article because last year I came up with a theory and shared it with my spouse and a few other people.
As an electrician I understand how electricity works and that it wants to travel to the nearest grounding point or earth.
Our bodies create a small electrical pulse and within my theory it rarely travels to ground through bare contact with earth and soil contact or just barefeet in grass.
Just walking on concrete isn't enough, it doesn't conduct, unless wet.
I know that a balanced electrical system with good grounding points will give you the best working system. Much like electrical work, our bodies need to be properly ground to earth in order to work properly and function at its best.

Great post RBG, I believe every word and the connection to us but never thought about microbes.
I must say I do feel best, barefoot in dirt after work. Keep in mind that soil still contains some pretty nasty things.

[puzzlejunky]

There's a book about that. It's called earthing and they sell contraptions that connect you to the earth outside while you sleep indoors. I don't know if there's any truth to it but walking barefoot in the garden always makes me feel better. Like getting back to nature after a hectic day.

[tomf]

Most interesting, now I know why I am addicted to digging!