Press cutting: 'Getting dirty' may help depressed
1 April 2007
People who suffer from depression could benefit from getting "dirty", according to new research.
A "friendly" bacteria found in soil has the same uplifting effects as those produced by anti-depressant drugs, the study, published in 'Neuroscience', found.
Mice altered their behaviour and appeared more relaxed after being treated with the Mycobacterium vaccae.
Scientists at Bristol University and ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº found the bacteria stimulated the immune system and activated a group of neurons in the brain which produce the mood enhancing chemical seratonin. …
The study appears to support the "hygiene hypothesis" which argues a rise in conditions like asthma and allergies could be linked to a lack of exposure to various micro-organisms.
The emphasis on cleaning and hygiene, particularly in urban Western environments, could be affecting people's immune systems, according to the theory.
Channel Four News