Unearthing the Power of Soil-Based Organisms
Hey folks! Today, let’s dig into something that’s been under our feet all along, yet we’ve hardly ever thought about Soil-Based Organisms (SBOs). These little probiotic warriors have been part of our diet for ages, thanks to the food grown in rich, natural soil.
Back then, eating a carrot meant getting a bit of soil, too, which wasn’t bad. That soil carried SBOs, crucial for a healthy gut. Think of them as nature’s original probiotics, long before supplements became a thing.
The Sanitized Life: Are We Too Clean?
We might have scrubbed away more than dirt in our quest for cleanliness. Washing and sanitizing everything means our exposure to these natural, beneficial bacteria has taken a hit. I’m all for cleanliness, but maybe we’ve been a tad too thorough.
Here’s a thought – what if we don’t wash off that thin layer of soil on our organic veggies? It’s a way to let these SBOs back into our lives as nature intended. It’s like letting your kids play in the dirt – a little mess can be good.
Why SBOs Deserve a High-Five
Alright, so why are these SBOs worth our attention? Here’s the rundown:
- Digestive Champions: They help break down our food more effectively. That means better digestion and less of the ‘I ate too much’ feeling.[1]
- Immune Boosters: Stronger immune system? Yes, please. SBOs help fortify our body’s defenses.[2]
- Nutrient Absorption: They ensure we get the most out of our meals by enhancing nutrient absorption.[3]
- Keeping the Bad Guys in Check: SBOs help balance our gut flora, keeping harmful bacteria and fungi from causing trouble.[1]
- Mood Enhancers: Surprisingly, these little guys can positively impact our mood and mental health.[4]
Embracing a Bit of Dirt
It’s about striking a balance. We don’t need to go back to living in the wild, but a small step towards embracing nature can make a big difference. By not going overboard with cleaning our organic produce, we’re letting nature’s probiotics do their thing.
Remember, a little dirt isn’t just part of outdoor adventures; it can also be a simple, natural boost to our health. So, the next time you’re handling those organic veggies, maybe let them keep a bit of their earthy coat. It’s not just about feeding our families; it’s about feeding them right. And sometimes, that means a little bit of good, clean dirt.
References:
- Winfried E.H. Blum, Sophie Zechmeister-Boltenstern, and Katharina M. Keiblinger.Does Soil Contribute to the Human Gut Microbiome?7(9): 287.2019 Aug 23. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms7090287.PMCID: PMC6780873.PMID: 31450753
- Soil-based organisms improve immune function: shift cytokine profile from TH2 to TH1.1998 Spring:(No 16):16-8.PMID: 11365013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11365013/
- Rifat Hayat, Safdar Ali, Ummay Amara, Rabia Khalid & Iftikhar Ahmed.Soil beneficial bacteria and their role in plant growth promotion: a review.Published: 28 August 2010. 60, pages579–598 (2010). https://annalsmicrobiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s13213-010-0117-1
- Nature’s Original Stress buster.https://www.colorado.edu/today/2019/05/09/natures-original-stress-buster
