It has been said that probiotics found in soil are like mini vitamin factories that can heal the intestines. However, they've also been stigmatised as potentially lethal immunological risks. Such divergences in opinion are not beneficial to you when making a decision on which nutritional supplements to take.
Probiotics derived from the soil are bacteria found in the ground. Fermentation utilises bacillus, a typical form of probiotic found in soil. Soil-based probiotics are worth a try if you've tried other kinds of probiotics without success. In this article, you'll learn how probiotics derived from soil might benefit your health. Humans have spent the vast majority of their time on Earth dwelling quite close to the surface. Instead of buying it prepackaged and sanitised, we dug it out ourselves. Soil-based probiotics are now completely unheard of outside of home gardening and eating organic fruit right from the field.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are naturally present in the human digestive tract. Enzymes produced by these organisms facilitate the digestion process. The immune system, emotions, and even weight loss are all influenced by bacteria. We need to investigate whether or not soil-based probiotics pose any safety risks.
Live bacteria included in soil-based probiotic supplements come from agricultural wastes like plant debris or animal manure, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities or without proper refrigeration. Also, there are a lot of concerns raised about whether or not probiotics derived from soil are safe.
Some individuals might find it odd to take a supplement derived from dirt, yet doing so has many advantages. To begin with, the bacteria in soil is distinct from that found in yoghurt or dietary supplements since it has been subjected to a greater variety of species and substances throughout time. This bodes well for the strains' potential to improve digestive health. There are multiple applications for probiotics derived from soil, including oral consumption and local application to wounds.
In Other Words, What Exactly Are Probiotics Found In Soil?
Bacteria are a common type of soil-based creature. We used to have a lot more SBOs in our food supply before we started using current farming techniques, food processing, and sterilisation technologies. While a bit of dirt was once accepted on fresh produce, today's shoppers like to peruse rows of spotless, sparkling fruits and veggies. Similarly, when humans used to get our water from wells and springs, our digestive systems were exposed to numerous different kinds of bacteria. There is currently very little bacteria left on the food we are eating, unless it is home-grown or at least organic and raw. Being excessively clean has been linked to asthma and eczema, both of which have been linked to a lack of exposure to soil-based microorganisms throughout childhood. Our Probiotics for allergies page delves into the causes of allergies and whether or not probiotics can alleviate allergy symptoms.
It's possible that the old adage, "God made dirt, and dirt don't hurt," is actually correct. Probiotics derived from the soil are beneficial microorganisms that have adapted to human interaction. Humans used to regularly interact with soil and soil-based organisms through their diet, agricultural practises, and foraging.
Probiotics derived from the soil, such Bacillus subtilis, are a natural component of the human microbiome. Spores form that can endure extremes of temperature, radiation, and even stomach acid. As a result, you may also hear these bacteria referred to as "spore-forming bacteria."
What Differs About Probiotics Soil-Based?
Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains, both of which produce lactic acid, are the most common types of bacteria found in commercially available probiotic supplements. SBOs, in contrast to these lactic acid bacteria, generate spores. These bacteria can "hibernate" in harsh conditions when food is scarce thanks to their ability to create spores, which they can subsequently germinate from.
In what ways do probiotics found in soil improve health?
Probiotic bacteria from the genus Bacillus have received the greatest attention from researchers. Soil-based probiotics, like other probiotic microorganisms, aid in gastrointestinal and immune system maintenance and regulation. But they seem to colonise the intestines, unlike most other probiotics. Bacillus probiotic strains have shown similar advantages to more well-studied probiotic species, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in clinical investigations.
Faecium Enterococcalus
Despite being a common gut commensal, Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) has been linked to serious illnesses in newborns, including meningitis and endocarditis.
BGI-30, 6086 Bacillus Coagulans
The most researched probiotic found in soil is Bacillus coagulans. The effects of B. coagulans on gastrointestinal symptoms were positive in nine clinical investigations. In 2009, researchers in both Europe and the United States found that this strain was safe for long-term human consumption3. Since then, it has been used into many different types of food and drink, such as infant formula, healthy snack bars, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha. In addition, a research of 80 healthy schoolchildren found that B. coagulant GBI-30, 6086 reduced respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. There was a dramatic drop in respiratory symptoms with this strain.
- congested nose
- Nasal discharge that looks like blood
- Nasal itching
- Hoarseness
These respiratory symptoms, such as hoarseness, headache, red eyes, and weariness, lasted significantly less time4.
Gram-Negative Bacillus Subtilis HU58
In clinical trials, Bacillus subtilis has helped relieve constipation on its own. There have also been studies with the soil-based probiotic Enterococcus faecium and this method. Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and H. pylori are all conditions that benefit from its use. Adding Bacillus subtilis to motility or laxatives agents boosts their efficacy compared to using either motility or laxatives drugs alone or a placebo, according to the research.
Nattokinase, an enzyme produced by this strain, has been found to promote normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels5, among other health benefits. Bacillus spores, especially B. subtilis HU58, have been shown to increase cells in the gut and generate a favourable immunological response6. Intriguingly, organisms found in soil, such as the Bacillus subtilis species, have showed potential in aiding complicated digestive disorders including Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. More information for medical professionals is available at the Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth page on this site. Soil-based organisms do not appear to increase SIBO symptoms, unlike traditional probiotics, which have been the subject of dispute in the treatment of SIBO.
Bacillus Clausii
Bacillus clausii has been demonstrated in clinical trials to minimise adverse effects from H. pylori treatment, including nausea, diarrhoea, and discomfort. It has also been demonstrated to lessen acute diarrhoea and to aid in the treatment of SIBO. Bacillus licheniformis decreased the likelihood of radiotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It also alleviated diarrhoea symptoms in another clinical trial. Evidence from research also points to the ability of probiotics derived from soil to:
- Increase secretory IgA, which plays a vital role in immune function
- Control intestinal permeability
- Decrease respiratory tract infection rates
- Encourage a healthier gut microbiome
- Decrease inflammation \sDecrease post-exercise muscle discomfort
- Aid in the production of minerals like B vitamins
- Safer use of antibiotics with fewer unwanted effects
Are Microorganisms in the Soil Dangerous?
Some doctors have already voiced concern that microbes found in soil could pose health risks. They produce hardy spores that may not become active until they reach the large intestine, rendering their benefits mostly nullified. These worries, however, are unwarranted in the case of probiotic SBOs, as they will have undergone extensive testing and been declared safe by the appropriate authorities. Plus, the spores germinate in the small intestine when exposed to a variety of nutrients8, as shown by the vast majority of research.
Some of the spores can survive the harsh conditions of the stomach and enter the small intestine after being ingested. When the right conditions are met, the spores germinate (or "activate") and begin producing desirable effects, but the exact nature of these varies from strain to strain. Under optimal conditions, they can also reproduce normally. When nutrients become scarce again in the colon, many of the vegetative ('active') cells sporulate, reverting to spore form and being expelled in our faeces.
There have been no reported negative effects from the large-scale human studies done on SBOs to date, which have been used to identify the most effective strains. Moreover, SBOs have been demonstrated to foster a more favourable environment for our own good bacteria to flourish9, which further crowds out undesirable bacteria or yeasts like Candida.
Soil-based strains are widely employed in the food and drink industry and have been the subject of substantial research. Similarly, they need to be GRAS-approved by the FDA or QPS-accredited in Europe. Their DNA has been sequenced and they have been classified as "non-pathogenic," which indicates they pose no threat to human health.
Although Bacillus probiotics have "an overall outstanding health-promoting record," particularly for diarrhoea, H. pylori, and maintaining the delicate balance of microorganisms in your gut, one 2017 study indicated that you should generally avoid them if you have any concerns with your immune system. Carrots are in the same plant family as deadly hemlock, but it doesn't stop anyone from eating them. But recommendations on the web still warn against using soil-based probiotics due to the fact that some strains of Bacillus bacteria can be harmful.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the usefulness and safety of particular bacillus species. Although it's quite improbable that the soil from which your probiotic supplement was grown would be tainted with anthrax, it's still vital to be wary of what you put in your body. Furthermore, the authors emphasised the need for future researchers to take into account the unique needs of immune-compromised populations. This is because they are the target population most vulnerable to the adverse effects of soil-based probiotics.
There's no reason not to give one of the well-studied strains a shot if you're healthy and in good shape. You should choose a soil-based probiotic based on the strain of bacteria it contains, as there is no "best" probiotic. In the event that the strain isn't specified on the packaging, it's best to get in touch with the maker to find out what kind of strain is used. If they are unable to inform you, you should not approach!
Dangers of Probiotics Found in Soil
Despite the fact that SBOs have been around for some time, this is not a simple question to answer. As a means of re-seeding gut bacteria, several researchers are enthusiastic about soil-based probiotics. Probiotics found in soil have their advocates, but other scientists caution against their use. According to this theory, SBO spores can become pathogenic if there is not enough beneficial gut flora to outcompete them.
Because most of us have impaired gut microbiomes and because our microbiomes have become less used to SBOs (due to reduced exposure), SBOs can now compete with the existing gut flora rather than complement them. Pathogenic SBOs are possible, especially when the microbiota is out of whack. One of the main arguments for taking probiotics is that they can help restore the delicate balance of gut microbes that has been disrupted by environmental pollutants, antibiotic misuse, and the prevalence of processed foods in the modern diet. Since we no longer consume SBOs on a daily basis, it may seem reasonable to supplement with them, but this line of reasoning is a major source of controversy among experts.
Some research has compared SBOs to "super bugs," or bacteria that are resistant to standard antibiotics. For instance, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus lichenoides are two of the most widely distributed SBO strains. Bacillus strains can survive in harsh environments and are resistant to both stomach acids and antibiotics thanks to their spore-forming abilities. Given that SBOs can withstand harsh conditions such as stomach acid, high temperatures, and food preparation, they are highly valuable to advertisers.
SBOs have an incredible shelf life, which is also the biggest obstacle for producers when it comes to bacteria found in the human digestive tract. Since these substances are classified as "probiotics," they can be added to a wide variety of products, including nutritious bars, hot teas, and supplements, without worrying about how to preserve the organisms. It's a done deal — you don't need to keep it cool.
This ability to produce spores also contributes to the extreme difficulty in eradicating a Bacillus overgrowth. The spores are so hardy that they can survive severe antibiotic treatment in the intestines and then emerge years later when the danger has passed. The U.S. EPA reports that many species of Bacillus can be harmful to human health, while other species are opportunistic bacteria that generate effective pesticides. One of the species utilised in SBO supplements is Bacillus subtilis, which is among the most benign bacteria in this genus. Despite this, subtilis is a common component of industrial cleansers, prompting a warning from the EPA about the potential for allergic reactions and sensitivities to goods containing these organisms.
These organisms from the ground are also found in our bodies. Some of them go to our mouths on the raw fruits and vegetables we eat. Natto and traditionally pickled veggies also provide you with beneficial soil-based microbes.
Bacteria found in soil are called "soil-based probiotics," and they have been demonstrated to improve intestinal flora, increase antioxidant production, repair intestinal permeability, and decrease inflammation. These spore-forming bacteria are also more effective than conventional probiotics because they can withstand the acidic environment of the stomach.
Conclusion
If you have tried several probiotics without success, soil-based probiotics may be worth a go. Agricultural byproducts like dead plants and animal dung are major sources of soil life. Probiotics found in soil can be applied topically to wounds or taken orally. Asthma and eczema have been related to people who are too meticulous about keeping their environments clean. Probiotics originating from the soil are helpful bacteria that have adapted to human interaction.
Similar to other probiotic microbes, those found in soil help keep the digestive and immune systems healthy and functioning normally. Soil-based probiotics like Bacillus subtilis have been proven to have promise in treating serious digestive problems like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Helicobacter pylori infection. The nattokinase made by this strain is thought to be beneficial to cardiovascular health. The FDA has given their GRAS approval to soil-based probiotics (SBOs), and in Europe they have been awarded the Quality Protection System (QPS) seal of approval.
Their genomes have been sequenced, and the results reveal that they are not harmful to humans in any way. Since there is no single "best" probiotic, choose a soil-based one depends on the specific strain of bacteria it contains. Soil-based probiotics have their supporters, but some scientists warn against using them. When the microbiota is off, pathogenic SBOs might flourish. "soil-based probiotics" are bacteria that may be found in soil and are known to improve gut flora, repair intestinal permeability, and reduce inflammation. These spore-forming bacteria are superior to traditional probiotics because they are able to survive in the stomach's acidic environment.
Content Summary
- Probiotics in soil are compared to "little vitamin factories" that can help restore health to the digestive tract.
- But they've also had a bad rap for being deadly immunological dangers.
- Soil-based probiotics are the beneficial microorganisms that naturally inhabit soil.
- If you have tried several probiotics without success, soil-based probiotics may be worth a go.
- This article will explain the potential health benefits of probiotics found in soil.
- It's important to look at the potential dangers of using probiotics derived from soil.
- There is also much debate over the safety of probiotics isolated from soil.
- One common organism found in dirt is bacteria.
- Lack of exposure to soil-based microorganisms throughout childhood has been related to asthma and eczema.
- Learn more about what triggers allergies and how probiotics may help with allergy symptoms by visiting our dedicated website.
- Soil-based probiotics are good bacteria and yeasts that have adapted to living in close proximity to humans.
- Through their nutrition, agricultural practises, and foraging, humans used to regularly interact with soil and soil-based organisms.
- Soil-based probiotics, such Bacillus subtilis, are ubiquitous in the human microbiome.
- How exactly do the probiotics in soil promote better health?
- Similar to other probiotic microbes, those found in soil help keep the digestive and immune systems healthy and functioning normally.
- Similar benefits have been observed in clinical studies using Bacillus probiotic strains compared to those observed with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, two of the most extensively researched probiotic species.
- The strain significantly reduced respiratory problems.
- Gram-Negative Gram-Negative Bacillus Subtilis HU58 Bacillus subtilis has been shown to be effective in relieving constipation in clinical trials where it was used alone.
- It is helpful for treating constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and H. pylori.
- Interestingly, some soil organisms, such the Bacillus subtilis species, have shown promise in treating SIBO and other severe digestive diseases.
- Clausii Bacillus Clinical research have shown that Bacillus clausii can lessen the severity of nausea, diarrhoea, and pain associated with H. pylori treatment.
- But in the case of probiotic SBOs, these concerns are unnecessary because they would have been subjected to rigors testing and deemed safe by the relevant authorities.
- Furthermore, the vast majority of studies have revealed that the spores germinate in the small intestine when exposed to different nutrients8.
- Numerous studies have focused on strains found in soil because of their prevalence in the food and beverage industries.
- One 2017 study suggested that you should typically avoid Bacillus probiotics if you have any difficulties with your immune system, despite their "an overall outstanding health-promoting record," especially for diarrhoea, H. pylori, and maintaining the delicate balance of microbes in your gut.
- Although some kinds of Bacillus bacteria can be dangerous, online advice nonetheless warn against taking soil-based probiotics.
- This is due to the fact that they represent the demographic most likely to experience problems after being exposed to probiotics found in soil.
- If you're otherwise healthy and fit, there's no reason not to give one of the well-studied strains a try.
- Since there is no such thing as a "best" probiotic, you need to select a soil-based probiotic depending on the strain of bacteria it contains.
- Dangers of Soil-Based Probiotics This is not a straightforward question to answer, despite the fact that SBOs have been around for a while.
- Several scientists are optimistic about the potential of probiotics derived from soil for reseeding gut microorganisms.
- Soil-based probiotics have their supporters, but some scientists warn against using them.
- This theory proposes that if there is insufficient beneficial gut flora, SBO spores can turn pathogenic.
- When the microbiota is off, pathogenic SBOs might flourish.
- Taking probiotics is advocated in part because they can help restore the delicate balance of gut microorganisms that has been upset by modern lifestyle factors such as environmental toxins, antibiotic abuse, and the abundance of processed foods.
- Studies have linked SBOs to "super bugs," or germs that are immune to common antibiotics.
- Since these compounds are considered "probiotics," manufacturers of foods as diverse as nutrient bars, hot teas, and supplements need not worry about finding a way to keep the organisms alive while processing the ingredients.
- You may relax now; the deal is already finalised.
- This spore-forming capability further increases the challenge of completely eliminating a Bacillus overgrowth.
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that some Bacillus species are opportunistic bacteria that produce excellent insecticides, while other species can be detrimental to human health.
- Bacillus subtilis, one of the species used in SBO supplements, is one of the most harmless bacteria in this genus.
- The EPA has issued a warning regarding the possibility for allergic responses and sensitivities to goods containing subtilis despite the fact that it is a frequent component of industrial cleansers.
- In addition to being found on Earth, these creatures can also be found in human bodies.
- Raw fruits and vegetables carry some of them to our lips.
- You can also get healthy soil-based microorganisms through eating natto and traditionally pickled vegetables.
- Soil bacteria, often known as "soil-based probiotics," have been shown to ameliorate gastrointestinal distress by boosting good bacteria in the gut, boosting antioxidant synthesis, mending leaky intestines, and lowering inflammatory responses.
- These spore-forming bacteria are more potent than regular probiotics because they can survive in the stomach's acidic environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soil-Based Probiotics
Lack of exposure to these soil-based bacteria is thought to be detrimental to the development of the immune system, and 'being too clean' is associated with allergic conditions such as asthma and eczema.
Soil-based probiotics are bacteria found in the soil that have been shown to balance gut bacteria, produce antioxidants, improve leaky gut, and lower inflammation in the body. In addition, unlike traditional probiotics, these spore-producing bacteria survive harsh digestion conditions, making them much more effective.
There are two main differences between probiotics with soil-based organisms and other probiotics. First, both are down to their hardiness: Soil-based probiotics have a longer and more stable shelf-life, so they don't need to be refrigerated. That means they might be easier to take with you when you're travelling.
SBOs are vegan non-dairy strains that don't require refrigeration, and unlike many dairy-based probiotics, they're much heartier. They can survive stomach acid to implant in your gut, creating the balance you need! This formula includes prebiotics to feed the probiotic strains and help them take root and proliferate.