Six Surprising Benefits of Soil Based Organisms

Soil-based organisms (SBOs) are a type of bacteria that are found naturally in the earth. As humans evolved with them, there’s evidence to suggest they played an essential role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, i.e. the community of microbes living within your gut.

When added, they may be more resilient and reach the large intestine more easily, where they can work more effectively, compared with traditional probiotics. This is because while all bacteria multiply when SBO’s do, they send out spores encased in a hard shell that resists stomach acid and digestive juices that often kill other probiotics. Many are also well-researched and may offer significant health benefits.

SBO’s are therefore important because they can be more diverse and effective in the body. Research shows that the healthiest populations in the world have many different types of bacteria and microbes in their guts. There’s also evidence that the more ‘Western’ your lifestyle is, the less diverse your microbiome is likely to be. [1] 

For all of these reasons, taking SBO’s is a good choice. Here are six more surprising benefits to consider…

Research shows that soil-based probiotics can provide support for the following benefits:

 

1. Diversifying Your Microbiome 

SBO’s are a great addition for anyone looking to diversify their microbiome for best health. In one study from 2010 known as the Human Microbiome Project, an analysis was published of 178 genomes from bacteria that live in or on the human body. 10,000 different types of bacteria were identified, many serving functions in human health and disease. 

The increased numbers of bacteria were discovered to provide benefit to the human body, and not harm. [2] Health and microbiology experts also acknowledge that our body needs a range of organisms to survive. When our guts lack a diversity of bacteria, we may be more likely to get ill.

 

 

 

2. Enhancing Immune Function 

It’s estimated that 70-80% of immune cells are present in the gut – and diverse bacteria is needed here for best results. Taking SBO’s is a powerful way to support the immune system and naturally reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the body. 

Scientific evidence also shows that SBOs can nourish the cells in the liver and colon, creating new compounds such as B-vitamins, vitamin K2, antioxidants and enzymes. Along with killing off harmful bacteria that can bind to or puncture the gut wall, they can also destroy harmful pathogens like candida, fungi and parasites.

 

 

 

3. Easing Symptoms of Allergies 

There are more than 800 scientific studies referencing soil-based organisms and their benefits for treating various health conditions. In particular, there’s evidence that when children are exposed to beneficial bacteria, it can boost their immune function, preventing allergies. Children born via caesarean, for example, have a 60% greater risk of developing allergies due to a lack of exposure to the Lactobacillus strains present in the vagina and birth canal. [3] 

Infections are also more likely, as babies with less immunity from fewer strains of bacteria often undergo an increased use of antibiotics for treating childhood illnesses such as tonsillitis and ear infections. While children given antibiotics in their first year of life are likely to increase their likelihood of developing an allergy by as much as 50%.

 

 

4. Reducing Side-effects of Antibiotics 

Many doctors now believe that taking probiotic supplements, especially if on antibiotics, can reduce negative side effects on gut flora and support the immune system. Some evidence suggests that taking certain strains of probiotics such as Lactobacilli and Saccharomyces can protect against antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. A small new study published in the journal Nature Microbiology found that participants’ microbiomes were nearly back to baseline three months after taking a short-term broad-spectrum course of antibiotics.[4]

 

 

5. Improving Symptoms of Depression

There’s a strong body of evidence to suggest that gut bacteria may affect the brain and personality. UK scientists have even suggested that a type of friendly bacteria found in soil may affect the brain similarly to antidepressants, according to findings published in the Neuroscience journal. [5]

Researchers from Bristol University and University College London discovered that a “friendly” bacteria commonly found in soil activated brain cells can produce the brain chemical serotonin – and that this altered the mice’s behaviour in a similar way to antidepressants. There are also suggestions that this could be why immune system balance makes people more vulnerable to mood disorders like depression.

 

 

6. Preventing and Treating Diarrhoea 

Soil-based probiotics are noted for their ability to improve the digestive process by helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Controlled clinical studies have also shown that probiotics such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L reuteri, L casei Shirota, and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 can shorten the duration of acute diarrhoea. [6]

Research also indicates that probiotics can help diarrhoea go away faster. In some studies, researchers counted how many people had no more diarrhoea after three days, and they found that without treatment, about 55 out of 100 people who took probiotics were diarrhoea-free after three days, compared to 34 out of 100 people who didn’t take probiotics after the three days. [7]

 

The Difference Between Soil-Based Organisms and Other Probiotics

Soil-based probiotics are unique compared with other types of probiotics, as they are more resistant to the digestive acids of the upper digestive tract and stomach.

A natural shell that protects the probiotic spore against harm means it can travel into the lower intestine, where the probiotic bacteria are most needed. Soil-based probiotics can thrive in the gut, providing long-term benefits. However, the best types of SBO probiotics are found in the natural environment of “soil” – making them difficult to consume unless eating dirt!

That’s why taking a “soil” based probiotic supplement is recommended to ensure ingestion of the most beneficial strains. Research has even demonstrated that yogurt and other products based on these probiotic strains aren’t nearly as efficient as spore-forming probiotic bacteria. 

 

In Conclusion 

Soil-based organisms have significant studies and have been shown in randomised clinical trials to support a wide range of health conditions. For best results, it’s highly recommended to choose a product that is manufactured to the highest quality and has clinically-tested strains.

We recommend PrescriptBiotics™ from Good Health Naturally as it contains a custom-cultured super strain of 8x species of soil-based organisms to support good digestive health and immune system function. The SBOs in PrescriptBiotics™ are cultured together and encapsulated in their ancestral food source to keep them vital and living. 

They are made up of a humic and fulvic acid prebiotic, made from minerals that are billions of years old and extracted from deep inside the earth. This pristine processing ensures that each PrescriptBiotics™ capsule meets the highest quality standard.

 

References: 

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872783/

[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100520141214.htm

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3110651/

[4] ​​https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-018-0257-9

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3025168/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1773578/#

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21069673/

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