Can fresh air and forest bathing boost the immune system and prevent cancer?

Have you experienced the fresh scent of the forest after a rain shower? Taken a deep breath and felt the calm wash over you? Research shows that this is not just a subjective experience – a walk in the forest can actually give your body an immune boost that lasts for up to a month! The natural compounds in the forest can strengthen the body's defenses, reduce stress, and even contribute to cancer prevention.

Stress Weakens the Immune System – the Forest Builds It Up

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can weaken the immune system and reduce the activity of our natural killer (NK) cells. These cells act as the body's defense team against cancer cells and viral infections. However, a walk in the forest can help reverse this effect.

Studies show that simply thinking about a forest walk can lower cortisol levels in the blood. Even more fascinating: an actual walk in the forest can increase NK cell activity by up to 80%, with effects lasting for an entire week. So even a simple Sunday stroll in the woods can give your immune system a powerful boost!

The Forest’s Natural Immunity Boosters

What makes forest air so special? The answer lies in the volatile compounds released by trees, called phytoncides. These natural antibiotics are produced by trees to protect themselves from microbes—and humans also benefit from them.

Research shows that spending just one hour in the forest can increase phytoncide levels in the blood by six times. These compounds enhance the ability of NK cells to detect and attack harmful cells. In laboratory studies, it has been shown that NK cells become even more effective against leukemia cells when exposed to phytoncides.

Here’s a fascinating discovery: even if you don’t venture into the forest, simply sleeping in a room infused with forest scents through a ventilation system can result in an increase in NK cell activity by the next morning.

Microbes in the Air Strengthen the Gut and Immune System

Fresh air from forests and nature also contains a rich variety of microbes from soil and water, which contribute to a healthy microbiome. In comparison, indoor air in modern homes with balanced ventilation is often nearly microbe-free. These microorganisms in forest air can play a significant role in strengthening our gut flora, which in turn impacts both the immune system and inflammation levels in the body.

Forest Cover and Cancer Rates

In Japan, researchers have found a link between forest-covered areas and lower mortality rates from breast and prostate cancer. This highlights how nature can be a crucial factor in preventive health efforts.

Bring the Forest into Your Everyday Life

We don’t always have time for long forest walks, but luckily, there are many ways to benefit from the health-boosting effects of nature:

• Take a walk in the forest – even short walks can have a positive impact.

• Use essential oils from trees like pine, spruce, or cedar in a diffuser at home.

• Open your windows and let in fresh air – especially if you live near nature.

• Have indoor plants to mimic the microbiome of nature.

The forest is not just a source of calm and well-being – it can also be one of our most important allies in disease prevention. So, the next time you feel stressed or need a health boost, step into nature and take a deep breath. Your body will thank you!

Walking Meditation with GØT

In the GØT app, you'll find a dedicated class called Walking Meditation. Take a peaceful walk, listen, and find your inner balance while you move. Read more about the app - here.

Referances:

• Mygind, Lærke, et al. "Immersive nature-experiences as health promotion interventions for healthy, vulnerable, and sick populations? A systematic review and appraisal of controlled studies." Frontiers in psychology 10 (2019): 943.

• Ahmadi, Fereshteh, and Nader Ahmadi. "Nature as the most important coping strategy among cancer patients: A Swedish survey." Journal of religion and health 54 (2015): 1177-1190.

• Mygind, Lærke, et al. "Mental, physical and social health benefits of immersive nature-experience for children and adolescents: A systematic review and quality assessment of the evidence." Health & place 58 (2019): 102136.

• Antonelli, Michele, Grazia Barbieri, and Davide Donelli. "Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: a systematic review and meta-analysis." International journal of biometeorology 63.8 (2019): 1117-1134.

• Tsao, Tsung-Ming, et al. "Health effects of a forest environment on natural killer cells in humans: An observational pilot study." Oncotarget 9.23 (2018): 16501.

• Li, Qing, et al. "Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer cell function." International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology 22.4 (2009): 951-959.

• Li, Qing, et al. "Visiting a forest, but not a city, increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins." International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology21.1 (2008): 117-127.

• Li, Qing, et al. "Phytoncides (wood essential oils) induce human natural killer cell activity." Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology 28.2 (2006): 319-333.

• Li, Qing, et al. "Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer cell function." International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology 22.4 (2009): 951-959.