Following up on our POST of the other day discussing NATURE DEFICIT IN CHILDREN......Follow you instinctive "gut feeling" to get you and your loved ones outdoors as often as possible..........And here is why that "outdoor instinct" will pay you dividends......"Your microbiome and your immune system have a close relationship: since 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, the healthier your gut microbiome is, the better your immunity tends to be, and vice versa"..........."Part of this has to do with your body switching into "rest and digest" mode, which it does when you're relaxed and surrounded by nature".......... "When your body gets into this mode, it focuses on bodily functions that tend to get shoved to the side when you're in "fight or flight" mode, like your immune system"............"Likewise, being around plants means that you get exposed to phytoncides, which are chemicals that plants use to protect themselves from certain types of bacteria and fungi"........."When these chemicals enter your body, your immune system responds by increasing the number of specific types of white blood cells called natural killer cells".........."Despite the name, these cells are actually really beneficial: they go after things in your body that are associated with many different health conditions"......... "Bottom line? When your immune system is supported, your gut microbiome can do its work properly––which includes further benefiting your immune system".............."It's a win-win cycle of support".............. "Speaking of immunity...being outside can also help keep your immune system from overreacting to certain stimuli"........... "If you regularly get a temporary runny nose, itchy eyes, or general feeling of haziness when you're exposed to things like pollen, pets, or dust, it's likely that your immune system is overreacting to these things, making you feel less than your best in its overzealous attempts to protect you"........"The answer may just be to spend more time outside, since people who are born or live in microbe-rich environments tend to have immune systems that are "trained" to react appropriately to these types of stimuli"..............Bottom line: "GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, GET YOUR BUTT OUTSIDE---HUGE HEALTH DIVIDENDS TO BE GAINED!

http://thescienceexplorer.com/brain-and-body/scientists-reveal-why-forest-bathing-or-going-beach-boosts-our-well-being

Scientists Reveal Why "Forest Bathing" or Going to the Beach Boosts Our Well-Being

February 3, 2016 | Kelly Tatera

It’s more than just a happy mindset — it’s in the air.