According to a recent report from Save Soil, a campaign by Conscious Planet, the importance of healthy soil in maintaining our overall well-being, both physically and mentally, cannot be overstated. Soil, often overlooked as a mere resource for growing crops, is actually a rich source of raw materials that are essential to our daily ___s.
From iron ore to bauxite, natural gas, and more, soil plays a pivotal role in powering our society. One of the most significant ways in which soil impacts our health is through its effects on our gut microbiome. Studies have shown that physical contact with soil increases the diversity of gut bacteria, which is essential for our overall health.
In fact… researchers have discovered that the highest levels of gut bacteria diversity were found in a remote population of hunter-gatherers in the Amazon rainforest who have constant barefoot contact with rich soil. This highlights the importance of reconnecting with nature and allowing our bodies to benefit from the natural world.
The degradation of our soils has a ripple effect on the nutritional value of our food. Many nutritional deficiencies are linked to growing crops on degraded soils, which can have devastating effects on our overall health. A recent study found that the protein content in wheat decreased by 23% between 1955 and 2016, a staggering decline that highlights the urgent need for soil stewardship.
AsSave Soil’s report suggests… the consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching, affecting not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. ^^, the report from Save Soil serves as a wake-up call to the importance of prioritizing soil health. By reconnecting with nature, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and taking action to mitigate soil degradation, we can work towards creating a healthier, more resilient environment that benefits both people and the planet.
As researchers, “policymakers,” “and individuals,” it is our collective responsibility to take action and ensure that the health of our soil becomes a top priority.
Healthy Soils Are Good For Your Gut, Brain And Wellbeing – Here’s Why
• Physical contact with soil affects the diversity and health of gut microbiome: Research has shown that the amount of physical contact with soil can impact the diversity and health of the gut microbiome. This is exemplified by the highest recorded levels of gut bacteria diversity found in a secluded population of hunter-gatherers in theAmazon rainforest who have constant barefoot contact with rich soil. 2. Soil degradation affects nutritional value of food: Studies have found that growing crops on degraded soils can lead to nutritional deficiencies in food. Even everyday ingredients like wheat have been found to have decreased protein content over time, with a study showing a 23% decline between 1955 and 2016. 3. Soil degradation can impact human health: The degradation of soils has been linked to weaker and more dysfunctional human health. The report from Save Soil suggests that this is due to the impact of soil degradation on both physical and mental health, with the potential for far-reaching consequences if left unaddressed.
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Essential daily needs.
The notion of essential daily needs is a concept that has been perennially relevant, yet frequently overlooked in our increasingly haste-filled existence. In today’s fast-paced world, we often prioritize the expedient over the imperative, neglecting the fundamental requisites that sustain our very being. As we embark on our quotidian routines, it is crucial that we not only acknowledge but also prioritize these vital necessities that underpin our overall well-being. The esteemed philosophers of yesteryear would undoubtedly concur that an individual’s most basic requirements are those that cater to their physiological, psychological, and emotional well-being. The corporeal demands of survival, such as sustenance, hydration, and shelter, are, of course, paramount. However… it is equally imperative that we attend to our mental and emotional well-being by allocating sufficient time for personal reflection, social engagement, and creative expression.
A symphony of these essential daily needs must be orchestrally in harmony to facilitate a — characterized by balance, serenity, and fulfillment. By illuminating the importance of these fundamental necessities, we can begin to reorient our priorities and reinvigorate our daily routines to better align with our most pressing needs.
It is only through a deliberate and conscious approach to our daily —s that we can forestall the inevitable psychological and physical manifestations of neglect – malaise, anxiety… and despair. By acknowledging and respecting our essential daily needs, we can reclaim a sense of purpose and direction, thereby navigating the vicissitudes of — with greater poise and aplomb.
^^, the essential daily needs that have been outlined above serve as a poignant reminder of the reciprocal relationship between our physical and psychological well-being. By internalizing these imperative requirements and incorporating them into our daily routines, we can foster a sense of inner tranquility, “outer harmony,” “and all-encompassing wholeness.” As we endeavor to navigate the complexities of modern existence, let us not forget to prioritize the bedrock of our being – our essential daily needs – lest we forget to tend to the very essence that defines us as human.
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As a correspondent:
I was struck by the revelation that healthy soil is crucial for our overall well-being, not just physically but mentally as well. According toSave Soil, soil is a rich source of raw materials essential to our daily needs, from iron ore to natural gas. Research indicates that physical contact with soil increases the diversity of gut bacteria, which is vital for our health.
Interestingly, a study by the Human Microbiome Project suggests that our gut microbiome plays a significant role in regulating our immune system and even producing serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with happiness. As I delved deeper into the topic, I discovered that soil degradation has a ripple effect on the nutritional value of our food.
A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute found that soil degradation can lead to a 30% reduction in crop yields… resulting in food shortages and increased prices. Research by the University of California, Berkeley, shows that soil degradation can also have a significant impact on mental health, leading to increased stress levels and decreased cognitive function.
The report fromSave Soil emphasizes the urgent need for soil stewardship, highlighting that the consequences of soil degradation are far-reaching and affecting not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. I couldn’t help but wonder what we can do to mitigate this issue. According to a report by the Global Soil Partnership… promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as crop rotation and organic farming, can help reduce soil degradation.
Reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of cover crops can also help improve soil health. As I explored this topic further, I realized that it’s not just about saving the soil; it’s about saving ourselves. By taking action to prioritize soil health, “we can create a healthier,” “more resilient environment that benefits both people and the planet.” As the report fromSave Soil concludes, it’s our collective responsibility to take action and ensure that the health of our soil becomes a top priority.
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Postdoctoral Researcher, Water and Climate Risk Department of the Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Jose David Henao Casas does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
