A RECENT randomised controlled trial published in Scientific Reports suggests that exposure to a natural environment may significantly reduce gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and stress levels in young children. The study, conducted in Japan, found that children who participated in nature-based childcare had lower GI symptoms, reduced salivary cortisol levels, and increased gut microbiota diversity compared to those in conventional childcare settings.
Researchers assigned 5- and 6-year-old children from four kindergartens to either a nature childcare group, where they spent time in a natural environment, or a regular childcare group. The intervention took place once a week for a month. Before and after the study, researchers measured GI symptoms using the Children’s Somatization Inventory, conducted faecal microbiota analysis, and assessed salivary cortisol and amylase levels.
The results revealed notable differences between the two groups, particularly in GI symptoms, abdominal pain, constipation, and stress-related biomarkers. Children in the nature childcare group experienced fewer digestive issues and exhibited lower levels of cortisol and salivary amylase, markers of stress. Additionally, their gut microbiota diversity significantly increased, indicating potential benefits for overall digestive and immune health.
“Spending free and abundant time in nature during early childhood may play a crucial role in maintaining digestive system homeostasis and reducing stress,” the researchers concluded.
These findings highlight the potential of nature exposure as a simple, non-invasive intervention to improve digestive health and stress resilience in young children. The study supports growing evidence that environmental factors can play a critical role in early childhood development.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Shibata C et al. A randomized controlled trial of environmental richness on gastrointestinal symptoms, salivary cortisol, and gut microbiota in early childhood. Sci Rep. 2025;DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-86618-3.
