Grandmother was right after all; a little dirt does not hurt – in fact it is good for you.
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
A recent study by UK scientists discovered that a common soil bacteria activates cells in the brain to produce serotonin and can alter behavior similar to antidepressants.
“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,” said Dr Chris Lowry of Bristol University
The research, published in the journal Neuroscience by collaborators at Bristol University and University College London, used lab mice treated with Mycobacterium vaccae and found that it activated a specific group of neurons in the brain that produce serotonin.
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter which plays a role regulating mood, metabolism, anger, aggression, sleep, and appetite, and is found in the brain, gut, and blood. A number of ailments are linked to low levels of serotonin, including anxiety and depression, bipolar disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Many antidepressants work with serotonin pathways to affect moods and anxiety, so finding a natural, commonly available substance that activates serotonin production could lead to new treatments for those suffering from depression.
While we may not be entering the phase where doctors are going to start prescribing spoonfuls of dirt for clinical depression, this study affirms what many grandparents always knew but many parents have to understand afresh: Getting dirty is good for you.
On the other hand, not prescribing the dirt as an antidote for depression but maybe prescribing some contact with the soil. Gardening is a good idea here as one does get into contact with those bacteria – though beware tetanus is lurking there too – and it is said that gardening and such contact with the soil in itself acts as an antidepressant.
The problem that I can see though is that they will be trying to synthesise the active ingredient, yet again, like with all other natural remedies – aspirin (salicilic asid) is a case in point here where the true aspirin (willow bark) cannot, so I understand, cause overdoses but the synthetic compound can and does – so that it can be marketed. If it cannot be put into a bottle and sold for lots of money it is no good to the medical industry.
© 2009
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Common Soil Bacteria Can Have Antidepressant Effects
