Spending time in forests can significantly boost immunity by increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity, which helps fight infections. Studies show that forest environments reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and expose us to beneficial plant compounds called phytoncides. Even inhaling tree essential oils indoors can improve immune function.
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Why Spending Time in Forests Can Strengthen Your Immune System
Walking in a forest isn’t just relaxing—it can actually boost your immune system. Studies show that forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, significantly increases the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which help the body fight infections. But how does nature improve immunity?
How Forests Boost Immunity
Scientists believe there are three key reasons why forest environments help strengthen immunity:
- Stress Reduction – Being in nature lowers adrenaline and cortisol levels, which suppress immune function.
- Exposure to Beneficial Microorganisms – Forest air contains healthy microbes absent from indoor environments, helping our immune system stay active.
- Inhalation of Plant Compounds (Phytoncides) – Trees release natural essential oils like pinene and cypress, which directly boost NK cell activity.
What the Research Says
- A study found that spending just one day in a forest significantly lowers stress hormones and improves NK cell function.
- The immune-boosting effects of forest bathing can last up to a month.
- Forest-rich regions in Japan have lower death rates from breast and prostate cancer, possibly due to higher exposure to phytoncides.
Can You Get the Same Benefits Indoors?
If you can’t visit a forest, you may still gain some benefits by inhaling tree-derived essential oils. One study found that vaporizing phytoncides in a hotel room overnight significantly boosted NK cell activity, though it didn’t increase the number of NK cells like actual forest exposure does.
The Bottom Line
Spending time in nature is more than just refreshing—it helps your body fight diseases. Whether by taking a walk in the woods or using essential oils, embracing the healing power of forests can improve your health and well-being.
Source:- Author: Michael Greger M.D. FACLM (A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine) https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/how-is-natural-killer-cell-function-boosted-by-forest-bathing/ (Read in Detail)
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