AN APPLE A DAY MIGHT KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY BUT NOW RESEARCH IS SHOWING THAT FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE ARE WHAT THE DOCTOR SHOULD BE ORDERING. AND WE KNOW A LITTLE CITY THAT’S BRIMMING WITH THE GOLDEN STUFF!
Sunshine, warm weather and good vibes are what generally attract people to our vibrant corner of Queensland. And there are so many additional benefits for spending time outdoors that relate both to mental wellbeing and physical health. The Gold Coast could not be a more perfect destination for you to soak up the natural wellness on offer courtesy of Mother Nature.
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is primarily known for its role in bone health. It helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphate, reduces calcium loss from bones and is needed for bone growth. There are suggestions that it also plays an important role in other aspects of human health especially immunity and infection control. Recent research on tuberculosis bacteria has shed light on the critical role vitamin D plays in the function of T-cells, which are white blood cells that fight infection in the body. Vitamin D is also linked with fighting flu and other respiratory infections due to its role in the production of infection-fighting amino acids (antimicrobial peptides). According to Choice and ABS data, some four million Australians suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. This has been put down to our increasing preference towards indoor recreation.
Choice states that the ‘right’ amount of outdoor sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D levels is 6-7 minutes of sun with arms and hands exposed outside the hours of 10am-2pm for those moderately fair skinned. However, those with darker skin may need 3-6 times as much sun exposure.
FRESH AIR
There are many proven benefits of breathing fresh air. Among them:
- Fresh air helps improve blood pressure and heart rate.
- It increases the flow of oxygen helping you digest food more effectively and elevate the
amount of serotonin (the happy hormone) in your system. - An increase of oxygen helps white blood cells function properly by fighting and killing
bacteria and germs. - Fresh air cleans your lungs, improving lung function.
- Fresh air gives you more energy and a sharper mind, improving your concentration skills.
REDUCE STRESS
Phytoncides are airborne chemicals that plants and trees emit for protection from insects and rot. These chemicals also happen to be at the centre of research in regards to stress reduction. A 2008 study published in the “Journal of Biological Regulators & Homeostatic Agents” recruited participants to spend time walking forest and city areas for this very reason. According to the research, participants showed more physical signs of relaxation – including lower blood pressure and lower amounts of the stress hormone cortisol – when they spent time in the forest compared to the city. Sounds like the perfect excuse to get out and explore our GC hinterland, doesn’t it?
GET ENERGISED
The “Journal of Environmental Psychology” published a group of studies in 2010 that showed “being outdoors was associated with greater vitality”. Research participants reported just generally feeling happier, healthier and more alive when they spent time outdoors and in nature.
NATURAL WELLNESS REMEDIES
Here are scout’s Top 5 Gold Coast locations to soak up our beautiful local environment and get your dose of Mother Nature’s natural wellness remedy #yourewelcome
- Burleigh Headland
- Snapper Rocks
- Best of All Lookout (Springbrook National Park, via Repeater Station Rd)
- Springbrook National Park
- Tally Creek
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