In our rapidly changing world, the importance of microbial health – in the soil and in our gut- cannot be overstated. Our ability to thrive hinges on the delicate balance of the microbiomes within our soil and bodies. For centuries, indigenous practices have emphasized the importance of maintaining this balance, a principle that modern science is just beginning to fully understand. Humans are currently undergoing a grand experiment of testing the limits of this relationship, which threatens the health of planetary ecosystems and the ecosystem of the human body.
The Crucial Role of Soil Microbiomes
Soil microorganisms are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem. They are the foundation of life, acting as precursors to all other forms. These microbes sequester carbon and nitrogen from the atmosphere, support plant life, and increase plant health by making essential minerals bioavailable. Their role in cleaning our water and sustaining the food chain is essential for a sustainable future.
The external soil microbiome directly impacts the health of our planet and, consequently, the health of its inhabitants. By fostering a thriving soil microbiome, we enhance the resilience of our environment, ensuring that plants and animals, including humans, can thrive. According to the Soil Science Society of America, healthy soil is rich in organic matter, which provides the necessary nutrients for plants and helps sequester carbon, mitigating climate change impacts.
The Interconnectedness of Soil and Human Health
The internal soil microbiome, or our gut microbiome, is equally critical. The human gut microbiome contains over 100 trillion microorganisms, outnumbering human cells by about 10 to 1, and collectively weighing approximately 2-3 pounds—roughly the weight of the human brain. This diverse community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes has been called a “forgotten organ” and plays a vital role in our health through various axes:
- Gut-Immune Axis: The microbiome closely regulates immune function, distinguishing between self and non-self, and influencing immune responses through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and T-reg cells. Certain gut bacteria can enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens, while others help maintain immune tolerance.
- Gut-Liver Axis: The microbiome impacts liver health through portal vein blood flow and the management of endotoxins, playing a key role in detoxification and metabolic processes. Approximately 70% of the blood flow to the liver comes from the gut, carrying microbial metabolites that can influence liver function.
- Gut-Heart Axis: The microbiome produces vitamins that are essential for cardiovascular health, like B-12 which is essential for formation of red blood cells and energy maintenance, and vitamin K2, which directs calcium to bones instead of arteries. Studies have shown that gut microbes can influence blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall heart health through the production of short-chain fatty acids.
- Gut-Brain Axis: The microbiome influences brain function and decision-making, impacting mood, cognition, and overall mental health. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, a significant portion of which is produced in the gut, are directly affected by gut bacteria. Research has demonstrated that gut microbiota composition can influence anxiety, depression, and even behavior.
- Gut-Hormone Axis: The microbiome modulates hormone levels, including estrogens, through enzymes like beta-glucuronidase, affecting hormonal balance and reproductive health. Gut bacteria can also influence insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, impacting conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Compounds created in healthy soil, such as vitamins, minerals, ergothioneine, and phytochemicals, are essential for resilience and overall functioning. Modern research highlights the importance of probiotics and postbiotics, the metabolites created by microbes, in modulating our digestive, immune, metabolic, and detoxification systems.
Humans and Microbes: An Ancient Symbiosis
Humans have long relied on microbes to grow and preserve food through fermentation. This ancient symbiosis is evident in diverse cultures worldwide, from kefir in Eurasia to kimchi in Korea. Without these microbial partners, many staple foods and beverages would not exist, underscoring their indispensable role in human culture and survival. The human physiology codeveloped with these microbial partners, and proper functioning of the human body is threatened with disruption of this relationship
The Soil-Gut Connection and Regenerative Farming
The connection between soil health and human health is further underscored by the impact of soil microbiomes on the gut microbiome. Studies have shown that exposure to diverse soil microorganisms and plants grown with this diversity, can positively influence the human gut microbiome, enhancing immune function and reducing inflammation. This is particularly evident in individuals who engage with nature and consume foods grown in healthy, biodiverse soils.
Regenerative farming practices play a crucial role in maintaining soil health. These practices include crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic farming, all of which promote soil biodiversity and health. According to a study published in the journal Nature Sustainability, regenerative farming practices can significantly increase soil organic matter and microbial diversity, leading to healthier crops and more nutrient-dense foods.
Threats to Microbiome Health
Despite their importance, soil and human microbiomes face significant threats. Chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and plastic pollution disrupt soil balance, impede nutrient uptake, and lead to hormonal disruption and metabolic diseases. Habitat destruction and the loss of topsoil further threaten these delicate systems, paving the way for invasive species and the spread of infectious diseases. The overuse of antibiotics not only affects human health by disrupting the gut microbiome and gut barrier function, but also leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant global health threat.
Herbs as Master Microbiome Modulators
Herbs play a crucial role in enhancing both soil and human microbiomes. By incorporating specific herbs into our diet and agricultural practices, we can promote a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms. Here are some common weedy herbs that serve as powerful microbiome modulators:
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion roots are rich in prebiotic fibers, such as inulin, which feed beneficial gut bacteria. These prebiotics promote the growth of probiotic species like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are essential for a healthy gut microbiome. Dandelions also support liver health and detoxification, which indirectly benefits the gut by reducing the burden of toxins that can disrupt the microbiome balance.
- Burdock (Arctium lappa): Burdock root is also known for its inulin content, and it aids the liver and bowels in detoxification. Burdock has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce gut inflammation and support overall digestive health. It helps foster a healthy gut environment by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria, and it helps to support a healthy soil environment with its long taproot that reaches deep into the ground to bring minerals and nutrients up to soil level.
- Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus): This herb is traditionally used to support liver and digestive health. Yellow dock contains anthraquinones, which have mild laxative effects, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing the build-up of waste in the gut. This helps maintain a healthy microbial balance and supports the elimination of toxins.
- Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce gut inflammation. Additionally, nettle provides prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome.
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover is known for its phytoestrogen content, which can help balance hormones and support reproductive health. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support gut health. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, red clover helps maintain a healthy gut environment conducive to beneficial bacteria. In the soil, red clover is known for hosting nitrogen-fixing bacteria that help to increase nutrition uptake in plants.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for gut health. It can help reduce harmful bacteria and promote a balanced microbiome. Yarrow also supports digestive health by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and promoting healthy bile flow. Yarrow is commonly used in agriculture and composting to support nutrient uptake and healthy soil microbiomes.
Incorporating these herbs into agricultural practices through cover cropping and companion planting can enhance soil health. For example, planting dandelions and clover in fields can improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and support beneficial soil microorganisms. These regenerative practices help create a thriving soil microbiome, which in turn supports healthy plant growth and nutrient-dense crops.
Building a Regenerative Future
Envision a world where renewal and restoration are central to all activities, where resilience is a core value embedded in business operations. We can create this reality through regenerative practices that move beyond merely reducing harm to actively doing good for both people and the planet. By adopting sustainable practices and reducing our environmental impact, we can safeguard a healthy planet for future generations. Let us strive to embody community, microbial diversity, and a spirit of stewardship, working together to thrive on this planet. By recognizing and acting on the profound connection between soil and human microbiomes, we can cultivate resilience and build healthier, more sustainable communities. The time for change is now, and it starts with how we feed the soil beneath our feet and the food and herbs we feed our bodies.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This webinar and/or products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Soil Science Society of America. “The Importance of Soil Health.” [https://www.soils.org/about-soils/importance-of-soil](https://www.soils.org/about-soils/importance-of-soil)
- Nature Sustainability. “Impact of Regenerative Farming on Soil Health.” [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0182-1](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0182-1)
- Gut Microbiota for Health. “The Gut-Immune Axis: Linking Gut Microbiota to Immune Health.” [https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/the-gut-immune-axis/](https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/the-gut-immune-axis/)
- Journal of Nutrition. “Low-Dose Iron Supplementation and Hemoglobin Levels.” [https://academic.oup.com/jn
