Try growing plants... Healing is a given, and it also reduces inflammation levels.

 

People who have experienced cancer feel not only fatigue and depression caused by treatment side effects but also fear of recurrence and death. It is important to relieve stress and improve mental and physical health through hobbies. If you don't have a suitable hobby, how about trying gardening activities?

Today's cancer letter, two-line summary
1. Gardening activities improve the physical and mental prognosis of cancer patients.
2. Try participating in specialized programs or start by planting small plants!

Horticultural activities improve the prognosis of cancer patients
Research has shown that cancer survivors engaging in gardening activities can help improve overall health.

A joint research team from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and Auburn University in the United States tracked 381 cancer survivors aged 50 to 95 for one year. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group that cultivated home gardens and a control group. The experimental group was provided with vegetable seeds and gardening tools to cultivate gardens at home, and professional gardeners visited participants' homes monthly to assist with garden maintenance. The research team measured participants' strength, balance, and agility, collected biological samples, and gathered data on vegetable and fruit intake as well as physical activity.

As a result, the horticulture group increased their daily intake of vegetables and fruits by about one-third. The horticulture group perceived themselves as healthier than the control group, and their physical activity levels increased, along with improvements in gut microbiota. The horticulture group experienced an average weight loss of 0.8 kg, while no significant weight change was observed in the control group. The inflammation markers, such as cortisol and cytokines, remained stably maintained in the horticulture group.

Thanks to increased physical activity and enhanced vitamin D synthesis

The research team analyzed that growing a vegetable garden outdoors increases vitamin D synthesis and makes it easy to access fresh vegetables and fruits, which contributed to health improvements. Dr. Demark Neprit, who led the study, stated, "Cancer survivors are more vulnerable to other cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and other health risks compared to normal individuals, so they should regularly monitor their health status," and added, "Gardening is an effective health management method that can increase vegetable intake and physical activity."

Professor Jeong Seung-yeon of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Ajou University Hospital (Director of the Regional Cancer Survivor Support Center) said, "Horticultural activities require the use of fine muscles, large muscles, and joints, which can improve strength, muscle control, muscle flexibility, and coordination ability, as well as burn calories."

There are also research results from the University of Queensland in Australia. The research team utilized UK Biobank data to track and observe 279,326 individuals over approximately 8 years. As a result, people who were frequently exposed to green spaces, such as tending gardens or vegetable patches at home, had a 20% lower risk of developing obesity-related cancers compared to those who were not. The research team also analyzed that this is because tending personal vegetable patches increases physical activity and vitamin D production through exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Excellent effects on cognitive and emotional enhancement

Professor Aekyung Lee from the Department of Environmental Horticulture, College of Life Resources, Dankook University (Director of the Korean Horticultural Society, President of the Society of Human-Plant Environment) stated, "Horticultural activities are effective not only for physical benefits but also for enhancing cognitive, psychological, and social health." She added, "Focusing on horticultural classes and planning activities improve problem-solving skills and decisiveness, allowing participants to feel a sense of achievement and self-esteem."

There are domestic research findings indicating that horticultural activities for cancer patients can improve psychological and emotional well-being. The research team from the Rural Development Administration and Ajou University Hospital's Gyeonggi Cancer Center conducted a four-month horticultural therapy program with 113 adult cancer patients. As a result, even a single participation improved the emotional quality of life for cancer patients by 13%, while feelings of depression decreased by 45% and stress levels by 34%. Blood test results showed a 40% increase in serotonin secretion, known as the happiness hormone, after horticultural therapy.

Recommended to grow herbs and sprout vegetables at home

So, how should we start horticultural activities? Professor Jung Seung-yeon of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Ajou University Hospital (Director of the Regional Cancer Survivors Support Center) recommends participating in horticultural therapy conducted by experts such as the Cancer Survivors Support Center. Professor Jung said, "Participating in group programs led by professionals allows for communication with others and the formation of bonds through horticultural activities." For example, the Gyeonggi Regional Cancer Center offers various programs that incorporate elements of crafts into horticultural activities, such as 'Making Natural Material Mobiles' and 'Creating Spring Moss Terrariums.' They select plants and themes suitable for each season.

If you want to engage in gardening activities at home without participating in a program, try transplanting or sowing herbs, flowers, succulents, or sprouts. Professor Aekyung Lee recommends engaging in gardening activities with non-toxic plants that do not strain the body.

The location for horticultural activities does not have to be outdoors. Professor Jeong Seung-yeon said, "Horticultural activities have effects such as reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, improving quality of life, and providing sensory stimulation regardless of the location." Professor Lee Aegyeong said, "While growing small pots may not lead to significant physical function improvements, other benefits such as emotional development can be quite noticeable."