Gut health has become a focal point of modern wellness, with growing research shedding light on the intricate relationship between our digestive system and overall health.(*) Among the various conditions affecting the digestive tract, gut inflammation stands out as a significant disruptor. Chronic gut inflammation can lead to a range of issues, from discomfort and digestive problems to more serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In today’s article, I will explain how soil-based aka spore-based probiotics can be a powerful ally in the battle against gut inflammation.

The Dirt On Soil-Based Probiotics: Are They Better?

Soil-based probiotics are derived from the natural environment, primarily soil…dirt. (*) They are unique because they have a protective spore layer that enables them to survive harsh conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and most importantly stomach acid. Once in the intestine, these spores transform into metabolically active bacteria, exerting their beneficial effects especially when there is inflammation.

People often want to know if Soil-based probiotics are “better” than regular antibiotics and my answer is No! they are different! A knife is not better than a fork or a spoon, it serves a different purpose. Soil-based probiotics provide another tool in our toolbox to support gut health and gut inflammation. Gut inflammation is a serious problem with far-reaching consequences, the more tools we have to fight this inflammation the better.

The Benefits of Soil-Based Probiotics for Gut Inflammation:

Gut inflammation arises from various factors, including a poor diet, stress, infections, medications, and imbalances in the gut microbiota. This inflammation, triggers an immune response that leads to the release of inflammatory molecules like histamine, damaging the gut lining, causing Oxidative Stress, and compromising the gut barrier. When the gut barrier begins to break down, harmful substances now have access points into the bloodstream. Once these bacteria and bacterial LPS toxins escape the gut, systemic inflammation soon follows.

1. Reduction of Inflammation:

Soil-based probiotics have demonstrated powerful anti-inflammatory properties. (*) By regulating the immune response in the gut, these probiotics can help balance the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines and histamine. (*)

Studies have shown that soil-based probiotics can decrease the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) (*) and here’s why this is important to you.

These cytokines are associated with oxidative stress, gut inflammation, and more tissue damage. (*) Soil-based probiotics also help with restoring the balance of the gut microbiome (*)

2. Restoration of Gut Microbiota Balance:

You see… we know that when the gut microbiome is imbalanced, this imbalance contributes to gut inflammation and because soil-based probiotics can be delivered to the areas of the gut where they are needed the most, they in turn help restore microbial balance by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful ones.

These probiotics, such as Bacillus strains, produce antimicrobial peptides that can selectively target pathogenic disease-causing bacteria while maintaining the diversity of the gut microbiota.

Gut diversity, often referred to as gut microbiome diversity, describes the variety and abundance of different microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, residing in the digestive tract. A diverse gut microbiome is associated with numerous health benefits and is considered a key indicator of a healthy gastrointestinal system.

A diverse gut microbiome supports the immune system by helping it distinguish between harmful pathogens and harmless substances, and by stimulating the production of antimicrobial compounds that protect against infections. Additionally, various gut bacteria contribute to the digestion and absorption of nutrients, enhancing the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, leading to better nutrient availability and overall health. Diversity in gut bacteria also aids in regulating metabolism and maintaining a healthy weight, influencing fat storage and energy expenditure. 

Promoting gut diversity can be achieved through dietary and lifestyle modifications, such as consuming a variety of fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and probiotics, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, managing stress, and maintaining overall healthy lifestyle habits. These measures contribute to the richness and balance of the gut microbiome, enhancing overall health and well-being.

3. Enhancement of Gut Barrier Function:

Soil-based probiotics also help enhance the function of the gut barrier also know as the mucosal lining and improve Secretory IgA levels.(*),(*) The gut barrier is a critical component of the digestive system that serves as a protective interface between the internal environment of the body and the external environment within the gut.

It is composed of several layers and elements that work together to regulate the passage of substances, ensuring that only beneficial nutrients are absorbed while harmful pathogens and toxins are kept out. The main components of the gut barrier include the mucosal lining, the epithelial cell layer, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and the microbiota.

This gut barrier is home to specialized cells that make mucin and other cells that make Secretory IgA. Soil-based probiotics have been found to enhance gut barrier function by increasing the production and expression of tight junction proteins.(*)

These tight junction proteins maintain the integrity of the gut lining by preventing the entry of harmful substances within the gut. They prevent the gut from becoming “Leaky”

4. Regulation of Immune Responses:

Soil-based probiotics also help regulate the immune response.(*) If you Remember what I said at the beginning of this video about chronic inflammation, I said that an overactive immune response in the gut can trigger chronic inflammation.

Soil-based probiotics have immunomodulatory and immune regulating properties, meaning they can balance the immune system’s response and they do this by stimulating the production of regulatory T cells which help suppress excessive immune activity, (*) Really important for those of you with autoimmune disease.

5. Antioxidant Protection:

With Chronic inflammation comes high levels of oxidative stress and free radical production. Oxidative stress happens when there’s a mismatch between the production of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to protect or fix the damage they cause. Thes ROS include highly reactive molecules like free radicals and hydrogen peroxide, which can harm cell components like fats, proteins, and DNA. For example, ROS can damage cell membranes, leading to problems in cell function and creating toxic byproducts. They can also alter proteins, making them function poorly or not at all, and wreak havoc on DNA, which can cause mutations and potentially cancer.

Mitochondria, the energy producers in cells, can both produce and suffer from ROS. When damaged, they work less efficiently and produce even more ROS, which can lead to cell death. Oxidative stress can also trigger inflammation; while short bursts of ROS help immune cells kill invaders like bacteria, chronic oxidative stress can cause long-term inflammation and damage, contributing to diseases like heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s.

Even though our bodies have defenses against oxidative stress, such as enzymes, vitamins and gut bacteria, an overwhelming increase in ROS or lack of these defenses can lead to significant cellular and tissue damage.  Due to Soil-based probiotic’s antioxidant properties, Soil-based probiotics have been shown to help minimize the damaging effects of oxidative stress, free radical damage, and tissue damage (*), (*)

These probiotics can increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, supporting the gut’s defense against inflammation.(*)

6. Regulation of Mucin Production:

If you have seen some of my other videos, I have talked about the importance of the mucous layer of the gut, but here’s the thing, the gut relies on a protective layer of mucin to prevent the attachment of harmful bacteria to the gut lining.

Mucin forms not only a physical barrier but also an immunological barrier. If you are someone who had a functional stool test and you had low levels of SIgA this is where you find that SIgA- in that mucous (*)

Soil-based probiotics have been shown to enhance the production of mucin. (*) And when we increase mucin production, it can reduce the risk of inflammation caused by pathogens.

So Here’s What You Need To Remember About  Soil Based Probiotics

It should be pretty obvious that soil-based probiotics provide so many benefits when we suffer with chronic inflammation, make them a powerful tool in promoting gut health.

Their unique properties,

• Positively influence the immune response,
• Restore balance to the gut microbiome,
• Improve gut barrier function,
• Increase SIgA levels, reduce leaky gut, and
• Reduce oxidative stress, and tissue damage

When you Incorporate soil-based probiotics into a comprehensive gut health regimen, meaning a healthy diet and lifestyle, this will go a long way at improving not only your digestive health but your mental health and every other facet of health that is tied into the gut-immune inflammation connection.

 People Who Read This Article Also Recommend 

• Psoriasis and Gut Health: Exploring the Link between Leaky Gut, Food Sensitivities, Gut Dysbiosis, and Gut Inflammation
• The Best Fermented Foods for Gut Health and The Microbiome
• Why Most SIBO Treatments Fail 
• The Soil Based Probiotic I Recommend 
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Symptoms and Causes-A Functional Medicine Approach
• Detox and Cleanse Your Liver with These 8 Liver Superfoods
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Hypothyroidism Explained