The links between soil and human health run deep. Learn how to restore gut health with a healthy soil microbiome. Choosing the best foods for gut health and supporting holistic farming methods can have a big impact.
Today, there is more and more focus on how a healthy diet can boost our gut microbiome. We are often asked to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, or eat rainbowTo nourish our bodies with the vitamins and minerals it needs to survive, as well as fiber and a variety of phytochemicals that positively affect the gut microbiome. Our gut microbiome is made up of microorganisms that live in the digestive system. It strengthens our immune system and protects us from harmful diseases. In addition to digesting vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from the products we consume, we also digest the microbes found in plants. andsearch It shows that the microorganisms present in the soil of the plant directly and indirectly benefits The human gut microbiome, too. Everything is connected! In fact, Scientists They discover that the human gut microbiome and the soil microbiome are similar in many ways.
in the gut
Plants receive beneficial microbes from the soil in which they are grown, which means it is important to include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. And the Pay attention to where and how your produce is grown for your optimal health. keep a Healthy gut microbiota is critical to immune healthwhich helps protect us from diseasesLike cancer. They also help us digest our food, synthesize essential nutrients, and convert those phytochemicals in foods into powerful antioxidant compounds. term Gut microbiota It simply refers to the microorganisms that live in the human intestine – it is estimated that the human body is made up of ten times more bacterial cells than human cells, most of which reside in the intestine. There are slight differences in the composition of the gut microbiota by genderHowever, the biggest factor that contributes to microbial composition is diet. In order to promote a healthy, diverse and abundant gut microbiome, it is important to ensure that your diet is full of the basicWhich feeds the hungry microbes in the digestive system. Foods that contribute to gut health included all grainsPulses, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber. while meat, highly processed foods It contributes to poor gut health because it lacks the nutrients your gut needs to thrive.
in the soil
Humans are not the only organisms with microbiota. Soils and plants also have their own microbiota. In fact, the soil microbiota is very rich in microbes, including fungi, archaea, bacteria, and protists. 1 teaspoon of productive soil Contains 100 million to 1 billion bacteria. Microbes within the soil contribute to plant growth which in turn provides humans with a supply of nutrients and beneficial bacteria. for example, Vitamin B12 It is produced by bacteria and archaea in the soil before being transferred to plants and animals microbial interaction. Primary benefits of including vitamin B12 include DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, which helps prevent anemia.
it is expected that 98.8% of calories come from the soil. This is a fact that we often overlook. Unsustainable food production practices focus more on quantity than quality, which can lead to land degradation And stripping the soil of beneficial microbes. Use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers has been associated with decreased soil health. As we have learned, this results in a negative impact on human immune function, and leaves plants vulnerable to attacks by Pests and pathogens.
Sustainable organic farming and the microbiome
Just as antibiotics can damage the human gut microbiome by destroying the diversity and size of health-protective microbes, so pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides can destroy the diversity and colonies of microbes in soil, as well as those on fruits and vegetables. It grew in that soil, and eventually people ate it. This, in turn, contributes to poor gut health in people, because flora lacks the diverse microbes your gut needs to thrive. Organic and sustainable agricultural practices have been documented to promote soil microbial health, and promote greater nutrient content of fruits and vegetables grown in that soil. The search also linked the consumption of Organic products to reduce pesticide residuesBeside Reduce the risk of cancer.
The Increased use of chemicals In industrial agriculture a major concern for our health and environment. To reap the benefits found in plant soils, aim to consume products grown in soils that are rich in them microbial diversity Because it is processed with reduced amounts of pesticides and fertilizers. These types of plants are likely to be organic and environmentally sustainable, which provide benefits beyond the gut. Find out how foods are grown in your community by buying directly from farmers markets or CSAs, where you can discuss how to grow foods and practices for soil health with the grower. You can also grow some of your food And the FertilizerPracticing organic fertilizers that greatly enhance soil microbial health.
For more information on the relationship between health and agriculture, check out these blogs:
Written by Kara Joseph, Nutrition Intern, with Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN
Sharon Palmer Images, MSFS, RDN
References:
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Cuban, or. , de Deen, JB; van der Ployeg, M.; (2022). Soil microbes as game changers in the restoration of degraded lands. Sciences. 375(6584). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abe0725
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Narji, L. (2021). The relationship between soil microbes and gut microbiomes. food footprint. Retrieved from: https://foodprint.org/blog/soil-microbiomes/
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