Children raised on farms and in the rural environment grow up to have more stress-resilient immune systems and have a lower risk to mental illness.
According to new research from the University of Ulm in Germany and CU Boulder in the US, children raised on farms, surrounded by animals and bacteria-laden dust, grow up healthier than their city counterparts.
The study adds to mounting evidence supporting the “hygiene hypothesis,” which posits that overly sterile environments can breed health problems and allergies.
Research has also shown that immunoregulatory response to stress develops in early life and is shaped largely by the microbial environment.
More than 50 percent of the world’s population now lives in a urban areas, meaning humans are exposed to far fewer microorganisms than they evolved with, the authors note.
“If you are not exposed to these types of organisms, then your immune system doesn’t develop a balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory forces, and you can develop a chronic, low-grade inflammation and exaggerated immune reactivity that makes you vulnerable to allergy, autoimmune disease and, we propose, psychiatric disorders,” Mr Lowry added.
West Wales is an ideal place to move to for the “good life”. Fresh air, space, community spirit and a good old fashioned childhood awaits children whose families move to Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion; not to mention wonderful beaches to enjoy.
It is not only children who benefit from a move to West Wales either. Living by the sea has also proved to be of huge benefit to those of all ages. Sea air helps you sleep better Dr Natasha Bijlani, a consultant psychiatrist at the Priory’s Roehampton Hospital in south west London, says: ‘Sea air is good for sleep because it is generally cleaner and fresher air, with higher levels of oxygen which can improve sleep as well. Living by the sea also opens many more opportunities for exercise than being inland, thus tapping in to the enormous health benefits of weight control and lower blood pressure, decreasing risk of heart disease or diabetes”.
A 2016 study showed that whereas green spaces can be calming, they are not always as effective as the sea because they often contain ‘stuff’ – playgrounds, golf courses, roads and pylons for example. It is rarely completely natural, say like a forest. The sea, however, has the capacity to look natural because it is uncluttered. That feeling of space and the fresh air has many benefits, which is why historically patients were sent away for sea bathing or to stay at seaside sanatoriums to improve their health. Benefits which were perceived many years ago are still very valid today. Crowded places increase stress levels, while open spaces and natural environments reduce them. Not only does one feel better by the sea, physical and mental health also improve.
If you are looking to move to West Wales, or buy a property here, give West Wales Property Finders a call on 01834 862816. We can help you find your dream home whilst saving you time, money and stress. http://www.westwalespropertyfinders.co.uk
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