Sunlight, Soil, and Science: How Gardening Can Actually Boost Your Health
I love gardening so a lot of these posts will have some gardening undertones or fully written in the perspective of gardening. However, my main reason for starting a garden, is to produce my family's food, or in my case a small portion of it. At least, in tiny steps, I am sure that my family is eating foods that are organically grown.
Quick disclaimer before we dig in (pun intended):
I’m not a doctor, and nothing in this post is medical advice. Always double-check info and consult your healthcare provider for anything health-related. That said, this post is grounded in credible, peer-reviewed research—and yes, I’ve linked the sources at the bottom for the curious minds.
Let's Start with the Statistics
- In 2023, 29% of Canadians reported living with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
- 9.6% of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes.
- About 97,300 Canadians live with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- And here’s a tough one: 2 out of every 5 Canadians are at risk of developing some form of cancer.
Sobering? Yes. But it got me thinking—what are some small, accessible ways we can support our health every day, without needing to overhaul our entire lives?
Small Steps That Make a Big Difference
The good news: we’re not powerless.
There’s growing evidence that better sleep, regular movement, and a less processed diet can help reduce our risk factors even for serious conditions like the ones mentioned above.
These are the things we can control. And they’re simpler (and more natural) than most wellness fads would have you believe.
The Underrated Healing Power of Sunlight
Here’s where it gets really interesting.
A 2024 study by Prof. Richard Weller—along with earlier research from 2021—points to a mechanism that could help combat autoimmune diseases (like MS and type 1 diabetes), lower inflammation, strengthen immune response, and even reduce cancer risks.
So, what is it?
Sunlight exposure.
Yep. Just plain ol’ sunshine.
The studies suggest that with the right amount of sun exposure, we might even be able to skip vitamin D supplements altogether. It's not just about vitamin D though—sunlight seems to trigger a variety of helpful responses in the body.
But What About Skin Cancer?
This is usually the first question people ask—and rightly so.
Interestingly, Prof. Weller’s research found no direct link between moderate sun exposure and an increased risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
Of course, moderation and common sense still apply. You don’t need to roast yourself in the midday sun—but a mindful dose of sunshine may actually do you a world of good.
Finally, a Scientific Excuse to Garden More
So here's the part where I perked up:
Turns out, all that time I spend puttering around in my garden, basking in the sun, and talking to my lilacs, it’s not just “me time.” It might actually be medicine.
Finally, a real excuse to tend to my plants, it’s practically a wellness plan now.
Whether you're watering your tomatoes, pulling weeds, or just sitting with your plants and a cup of tea, you're giving your body and mind something it deeply needs.
So don’t wait. Step outside. Let the sun kiss your skin, let the soil ground you, and let your garden give back in ways you never expected.
Final Thought: Nature is Smarter Than We Think
We often chase complicated solutions, but sometimes the best medicine is right outside the door—warm, free, and waiting. Medicine might be an understatement. It's actually your roadway to healing!
And yes, this is an organically written, properly researched content, please see the sources below..
Sources:
M Nathaniel Mead, Benefits of Sunlight: A Bright Spot for Human Health, https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.116-a160
Mihyang An, S.M. Colarelli, K O’Brien, M.E. Boyajian; Why We Need More Nature at Work: Effects of Natural Elements and Sunlight on Employee Mental Health and Work Attitudes; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155614
Richard B. Weller; Sunlight: Time for a Rethink; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2023.12.027