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© R. Mark Sink |
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Earth Human Balance
Why is soil so important? Our life force is part of the earth and the
food that only comes from this one source where the soil and bacteria
play more of a role in our existence in how to build immune system
functions for healthy living.
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A Dirty Treatment for Depression
2 April 2007 - keepthedoctoraway.co.uk
| Scientists have found new meaning for the expression
"I'm as happy as a pig in mud", after discovering a fascinating link
between dirt and depression. |
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Published in the latest edition of Neuroscience, the new study
suggests that 'friendly' bacteria found in soil are able to alter behaviour in an almost identical way to antidepressant drugs.
It had already been observed that imbalances in the immune system are
associated with mood disorders, but the scientists now believe they
are close to grasping exactly why this is the case.
Dr Chris Lowry from Bristol University said: "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."
It is a prospect that may not appeal to all, but it certainly suggests
that the clinical nature of modern life may have something to do with
the high rates of depression. Researchers were initially alerted to
this possibility after cancer patients treated with mycobacterium
vaccae reported better moods and a higher quality of life. Dr Lowry
reasoned that this could be attributable to the activation of neurons
in the brain containing serotonin.
A shortage of serotonin in the brain has long been linked with
depression and Dr Lowry believes that bacteria may have the answer.
When mice were treated with mycobacterium vaccae, serotonin was
released in parts of the brain responsible for mood, opening up
potentially revolutionary avenues for the treatment of those with mood
disorders.
Further work is needed to ascertain exactly what the effects are, but
the scientists are confident that have discovered something hugely
important.
For now, it may be a good idea to spend a few hours digging in the
garden or climbing fells, in order to reacquaint yourself with nature
and potentially reap the benefits of these friendly bacteria.
Getting to the bottom of mood disorders may in fact be much simpler
than is often suggested. Research last year from the University of
Portsmouth, for instance, found that walking the dog can have a major
impact on self-esteem, fighting against loneliness and depression.
© Adfero Ltd |
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Comment: Of course, pharmacology would
love to sell you pills with dirt in them, where maybe the best
solution would be a little gardening, and would in the long run, have
much more value to the human body. It could be said, that our earth
may have ways of balancing our existence we have never taken time to
understand. |
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Messages From Earth |
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A synopsis of the first 5 hours in the series Planet Earth.
Read more
On the dark side of human nature.. [PDF]
Reasons
Logical Explanations
© Red Pill Press
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