THE MICROBIOME CONNECTION
HOW SOIL AND HUMAN HEALTH ARE RELATED by Kelcie Ottoes
T
he human gut microbiome, which is critical to fighting off disease, and soil microbiome,
which enables plant growth, are vitally important to maintaining all life on our planet. These two communities of microorganisms are indirectly connected in important ways, and researchers are trying to find out more about their interplay.
Human Microbiome Te human gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms of different species. Tese microbes help to digest food, synthesize vitamins and other important compounds, regulate our immune system and even influence behavior and mood. The gut microbiome includes
both helpful and potentially harmful Central Florida
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microbiota that coexist peacefully in a healthy person. But certain diets, or the use of antibiotics or other bacteria- destroying medications, can upset the balance, a state known as dysbiosis, which can impair the microbiome’s functions, leaving the body susceptible to disease.
Soil Microbiome Te soil microbiome has many parallels to the human gut scenario. It consists of bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses— microorganisms that play an important role in maintaining the health of the soil. Tey do this by breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients and protecting crops against harmful pathogens. Regenerative organic farming
practices that promote biodiversity and disdain the use of chemical pesticides
and fertilizers develop robust soil that is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes. In such settings, farmers don’t need to use chemicals, because the microbiome creates disease-resistant soil to fight off threats.
Te Nutrition Link While a direct link between the soil microbiome and the gut microbiome has yet to be proven, soil certainly impacts our health through our diet. A diverse and active soil microbiome is responsible for supporting plant growth. Plants then provide us with the nutrients that our gut microbiome needs to thrive, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E, K and the B complex. Dan Kittredge, founder of The
Bionutrient Institute, explains, “The sophistication of the soil microbiome
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