Why is soil health important to all?

Why is soil health so important? And why is it so important to those who may not be a farmer or rancher? Well, studies show that soil health is directly correlated to human health. Sara Keough, a certified nutritionist and creator of her own company, spoke about this very topic at the annual Soil Health Symposium last month. 

Soil Microbiome and the Human Microbiome 

Soil health and human health are linked by the microbiome. What is a microbiome? The microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that live in living organisms, humans and plants alike. The majority of a plant’s microbiome lives in the roots which is the primary way plants get the nutrients needed to flourish. So if the soil doesn’t have the nutrients needed, it cannot support the plant’s nutrient needs. Which in turn means the microbiome of the plant cannot function how it’s supposed to. Therefore, the plants harvested for us and for livestock to consume are not as nutrient-dense as they should be. This causes our bodies to not get the nutrients our microbiome needs to work 

correctly. That is why all need to understand the connection between soil health and human health. This understanding is essential as we continue moving forward and as more unnatural ingredients are incorporated into much of what we consume.

Where did all the microbiomes go?  

There are many reasons as to why the microbiomes, both in plants and humans, have decreased in numbers and productivity. Modern food processing and industrial agriculture practices have had a huge impact on the health of the microbiome. The ultra-processed foods and chemical additives cause the microorganisms in the body to not work properly and cause inflammation. This is the same concept as with modern agricultural practices such as herbicide applications to crops, tilling, and monocrops (a single crop grown repeatedly in the same area depleting it of nutrients).  

As well as current medical practices with the overuse of vaccines, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals. Lifestyle is also a contributor when it comes to having an unhealthy microbiome. Alcohol consumption, chemicals incorporated into home & body care products, having a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, and over-sanitation all have an impact on the health of our microbiomes. These were all listed in Sara’s presentation, and all have an important role in the health of our bodies.  

How do we fix this issue?  

In Sara Keough’s presentation, she talked about our microbiome being our “Inner  Ecosystem”. This begs the question, how do we heal our “inner ecosystem”? We need to nourish it. Sara Keough went over three dietary principles for a healthy microbiome:  

1. Choose WHOLE, REAL FOODS 

• Minimize foods from a package 
• Mimic the way our ancestors ate 
• Know your farmer! How is your food grown & raised 

Better Soil Health = Increase Microbial-Richness = Increase in Nutrient Density 

2. Aim for DIVERSITY in your diet

• 30 + plant foods every week have been correlated with a more diverse microbiome 
• Fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, grains, beans/legumes, nuts/seeds, etc. – Rotate your animal proteins as well 

3. Include FERMENTED FOODS 

• 6 + servings daily 

Here is a quick quote to help put into perspective the importance of the microbiome and the risk we’re at in current practices today: 

“It’s just a little bit of chlorine in your water. 

It’s just a little bit of heavy metals in your food. 

It’s just a little bit of fragrance in your perfume. 

It’s just a little bit of benzene in your sunscreen. 

It’s just a little bit of PFOA’s in your nonstick pans. 

It’s just a little bit of phthalates in your plastic toys. 

It’s just a little bit of methanol in your surface cleaner. 

It’s just a little bit of artificial coloring in your toothpaste. 

It’s just a little bit of ammonia in your sugar-free sweetener. 

It’s just a little bit of propylene glycol in your skincare products.

It’s just a little bit of sodium lauryl sulfate in your laundry detergent.

It’s just a little bit of glyphosate in your breakfast cereals. 

It’s just a little bit of BPA in your plastic bottles. 

It’s just a little bit of fluoride in your drinking water. 

It’s just a little bit of parabens in your moisturizer. 

. . . When does “just a little bit” become too much for the body to handle?” 

If you are interested in more information about this topic and Sara Keough’s business, please contact her at Sara@Eco-Nutrition.com or go to her website at: www.Eco-Nutrition.com