It’s Time to Get Dirty! Or, How Gardening Supports Your Health

Take a moment to think back to your high school biology class. Do you remember a discussion about mitochondria being the “powerhouse of the cells”? Don’t panic if you don’t! All you need to know now is that these tiny, powerful little organelles produce something called ATP, the fuel that keeps us going. 

However, stress, toxins, poor sleep, alcohol and tobacco use, as well as a poor diet and other factors can weaken their function, which leads to oxidative stress—an overload of free radicals that damage cells. 

Ready for the good news? Nature has provided easy ways to help. My favorite of those is gardening. The simple act of gardening supports healthy mitochondria in several ways.

🌱 Grounding (Earthing): When you touch soil with your bare hands or feet, your body absorbs electrons from the Earth, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

🌞 Sun Exposure: Time in the garden increases vitamin D production, which plays a key role in mitochondrial function.

🦠 Healthy Soil Microbes: Working with soil may boost immune health, reducing stress and indirectly supporting mitochondria.

😌 Stress Reduction: Gardening is a natural way to lower cortisol, which can otherwise harm cellular function.

To get the most out of gardening, you should spend at least 20 minutes doing so either barefoot or using your bare hands. You should also choose organic, chemical-free soil for maximum benefits. It is also a time to be mindful, breathing deeply, and relax.

If you are like me and don’t have a lot of space to garden, there is no need to fret. Start an indoor herb garden and use your harvests to supplement your culinary pursuits!

By simply tending to a garden, you’re not just growing plants—you’re recharging your body at a cellular level. 🌿