Gardening – A Prescription For Health

Hi there, welcome to Natures Cures Clinic, how can I can I help you today? Oh, what’s that you say? Those seasonal allergies, tension head aches, achy joints and muscles, fussy digestive system, excess fatigue, slowly rising cholesterol and blood pressure, and the few extra pounds that have crept up this winter have been bothering you?

Well, fret no more. I have just the thing for you, I want you to get into the dirt and plant some vegetables, herbs and flowers. Oh, you’re concerned about side effects? Well, you may experience more productivity, feel peaceful, rejuvenated, proud, and restored. I also expect with in three months of 30-60 minutes per day that your blood pressure and cholesterol will come down a bit, you immune system to be stronger, you will have lost a few pounds, your headaches will decrease, and your overall energy and sense of well being will have improved. The long-term effects should include a deeper connection to the earth and your food, and increased consumption of veggies, and stress reduction. I know, pretty great medicine isn’t it!

Truly Preventative

Currently obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer are among the most likely causes of death in our country. These conditions are also among the largest contributors to health care costs and can all be reduced, alleviated and often treated with lifestyle changes.

What sort of changes you may be asking?

It’s nothing all that surprising…more fruits and vegetables and more exercise. Literally, by simply adopting a whole foods diet rich in fruits and vegetables and moving your body for 30 min/day can significantly decrease your risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. In fact, a recent Meta Analysis demonstrated that more than 1.5 million subjects showed a reduction in CV disease when they adhered to the Mediterranean Diet.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

Essentially, the Mediterranean Diet is low in saturated fats, low in sugar, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, whole grains and unprocessed fruits and veggies.  Endless studies continue to demonstrate risk prevention and improved longevity with as little as 30 minutes of exercise per day 6 days per week. With a vegetable garden in your yard or involvement in a community garden you can easily accomplish both an increased consumption of fruits and veggies and 30 minutes of exercise.

Connecting with Nature

Beyond lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, stress and weight that is associated with gardening, there is a powerful healing benefit when you are more connected with nature. A Harvard naturalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Edward O. Wilson, who coined the term biophilia – love of living things, believes that we have an affinity for nature because we are part of nature. He says that we would prefer to look at flowers, tress, fruits and vegetables over concrete buildings, freeways, and busy sidewalks. Wilson says that because we are connected to nature we are restored by nature.

There have been several studies that have demonstrated strong evidence that nature heals. One study done at Texas A&M University found that patients recovering from gallbladder surgery who looked out at a view of trees had significantly shorter hospital stays, fewer complaints, and took less pain medication than those who looked out at a brick wall. There are other studies that have found that looking at scenes of nature can produce a decline in systolic blood pressure in five minutes or less. It is believed that by looking at nature we increase healing. By examining changes in brain electrical activity, muscle tension, respiration, and shifts in emotional states researches have concluded that all may be linked to better immune function. Therefore, not only can we heal faster, by improving the immune function and inflammatory response, we can also decrease disease.

Quality of Life

Gardening is a great way to promote healthy living and nutritious eating habits. With in a few short weeks you will increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables for  you and your kids by making fresh fruits and vegetables that are readily available.  You will also add new excitement to eating  healthy because you grew it. Create a greater appreciation for how food is grown and provide opportunities to practice preparing nutritious and new foods simply because you now have a garden.

Gardening is also is a great way to spend time with children and discuss important topics such as; life cycles, the health of the soil, composting, our relationship with the earth and other species, and of course food. My daughter Lola loves to be in the garden. Whether it’s the thrill of starting seeds and growing sprouts in a couple of days or waiting months for the beets to be ready, she is always eager to take a bite of something that she helped grow. That is the moment when I think to my self, “now, that’s some good parenting”! Plus, gardens are an exciting and interactive tool that demonstrates life skills and develops good habits.

Top 10 Reasons to Grow a Garden

  1. Deeper Connection with the Earth
  2. Local, Organic, Fresh
  3. Better Health
  4. Economical
  5. Educational
  6. Stress Reduction
  7. Beauty
  8. Sharing the with your community
  9. Variety in Your Diet
  10. Joy

Here are some great  on line resources to get you started, simply Google the following:

  • You Grow Girl
  • Gardening Supply Company
  • Vegetable Gardening Made Easy – good soil to great veggies
  • Organic Home Gardener
  • Gardening Guru

Thank you for coming to Nature Cures today, I expect that if you follow my simple instructions, with in a few weeks and for years to come you will be feeling much, much better. Remember, it’s never too late to RESET!

Peace in Health!

Dr. Rose