Getting dirty may lift your mood

[Mr. McD]

Treatment of mice with a ‘friendly’ bacteria, normally found in the soil, altered their behavior in a way similar to that produced by antidepressant drugs, reports research published in the latest issue of Neuroscience.

Dr Chris Lowry, lead author on the paper 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."


http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-04/uob-gdm033007.php

[BOSSHOG]

1. It works for me

Tending to a small garden and planting flowers and herbs is very therapeutic. Its also pure quality time for my wife and me; yesterday we were piddling outside and got a whole bunch of work done and we did it happily. Makes for a great afternoon nap as well.

[NJCher]

2. very, very interesting

While I wear gloves when digging in the dirt, I still find that the dirt breaks through and there's usually some on my hands or fingernails. I wonder how much is required to activate that splendiferous seratonin?



Cher

[Kolesar]

3. With that thread title, you would get naught PMs from females on another message board

:evilgrin: