The Dirt on Soil Based Probiotics and Earth Based Nutrients [UPDATED: Jan. 2024]

The Dirt on Soil Based Probiotics and Earth Based Nutrients [UPDATED: Jan. 2023]

Historically we foraged or grew all our own foods and harvested them straight from the ground, eating it right there usually without washing it. The earth was once full of soil based nutrients like organic bioavailable minerals and vitamins in the form of humic and fulvic acids as well as friendly beneficial bacterias. It’s where we used to get most of our dietary nutrients such as vitamins and minerals and most of our probiotics.

In todays world the soils have been over farmed, sprayed with pesticides, chemical fertilizers used and have had exposure toxic acid rains. The once abundant nutrients have been leached out or destroyed and are now almost non-existent in todays topsoil. Our fruits and vegetables get their nutrients from the soil and then these organic compounds are absorbed by your body when you eat them.  When the soil nutrients are depleted, so are your fruits and vegetables. In fact, studies have shown that 1 orange several decades ago is equivalent to 21 oranges today in terms of nutrient profile!

In our over-sanitized modern lives, we are so far removed from the dirt that grows our food that we’re missing out on some of the most crucial nutrients, microorganisms and probiotics needed for optimal health. I believe this is one of the reasons digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies are more common today than they once were. That’s where soil based probiotics and nutrients come in.

What are Soil Based Probiotics?: The Advantages of SBOs

Soil based probiotics do not contain lactobacillus or bifidobacterium strains, yet they still provide all the benefits and even a few advantages. They are not derived from animals so they are completely vegan friendly which cannot be said about most of the common probiotics on the market today. Soil based probiotics (SBOs) are more robust and survive the harsh acidic environment of your digestive system. Soil based probiotics have a natural, seed-like structure that makes them stronger than lacto-based probiotics. SBOs survive the journey through the stomach, are more efficient and require far fewer colony-forming units (CFUs) than lactobacillus-based supplements. This is due to the formation of endospores which can withstand stomach acid, bile salts, and pancreatic enzymes that would normally destroy the bacteria. They also do not need to be refrigerated and can be stored at any temperature. This makes them a better choice for travelling or for busy lifestyles.

Bacillus coagulans: The Best Soil Based Probiotic for SIBO

These characteristics of Soil based probiotics are also what make them the best probiotics for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). A sign that you may have SIBO is that when you take a common probiotic containing lactobacillus or bifidobacterium strains you experience symptoms such as more gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or other digestive symptoms. Soil based probiotics do not exacerbate symptoms of SIBO in the way other types of probiotics can. They don’t colonize the small intestine or feed the bacteria already growing there which can cause symptoms and discomfort. Instead, these probiotics head straight to the large intestine and colon where they can support vibrant health.

Bacillus coagulans is a thoroughly-researched, versatile, stable and safe probiotic with clinically-proven anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory effects. Clinical trials and studies have proven that Bacillus coagulans is a safe and highly effective probiotic for not only adults, but children as well.

A multitude of human scientific clinical studies support the efficacy of Bacillus coagulans in a variety of conditions and helps:

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Acute diarrhea
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Liver cirrhosis complications
• Dental caries and Gingivitis
• Functional abdominal pain (FAP)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults and children
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in adults
• Hypocholesterolemic activity

SIBO and IBS (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and irritable bowel syndrome) 

About 80% of IBS patients are likely dealing with SIBO, so Soil based probiotics are an effective way to alleviate any SIBO-related symptoms. If you are currently dealing with IBS, a probiotic containing Bacillus coagulans could be your answer to relief.  This specific SBO has been validated with numerous scientific studies which demonstrate its efficacy. A 2-week double-blind clinical study of patients diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) demonstrated a significant reduction in symptoms when treated with a Soil based probiotic.

Soil based Probiotics, Fuvlic and Humic acids for the Immune System

Your gut health and your immune system are closely related as about 80% of your immune cells are located in your gut.  Leaky gut and SIBO have become increasingly prevalent these days. The convenience of modern life has diminished the consumption of nutrient dense, non-GMO whole foods eaten raw or close to their natural state (only slightly cooked or mildly boiled). We regularly eat unethically raised and farmed livestock. Our activity levels have decreased and our exposure to environmental toxins have increased.

This creates the perfect storm for an immune compromising state. We start becoming more susceptible to preventable conditions and illnesses. Our body becomes weaker and our brains start to function at suboptimal levels.

The combination of Earth based nutrients and soil based probiotics could be the ideal solution for anyone looking to improve their overall health and vitality. The trinity of: Fulvic acid (FA), Humic acid (HA) and Bacillus coagulans is nature’s ideal combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and probiotics. They all can be found together in nature. The science and benefits of FA and HA are compelling and plentiful. These two nutrient powerhouses were once abundant in our Earth’s topsoil providing benefits to the foods we eat. The human body thrives when provided nutrient dense foods but unfortunately most of todays fruits, vegetables and meats are lacking the nutrients they once contained. This can cause nutrient deficiencies as well as gut and immune conditions that can affect your overall health and wellbeing. If you are looking to bring your body's balance and health back to its optimal state, combining these three Earth based nutrients may be your answer.

SOIL BASED PROBIOTICS FAQ

Are soil based probiotics better?

They are not derived from animals so they are completely vegan friendly which cannot be said about most of the common probiotics on the market today. Soil based probiotics (SBOs) are more robust and survive the harsh acidic environment of your digestive system. Soil based probiotics have a natural, seed-like structure that makes them stronger than lacto-based probiotics.

Are soil based probiotics safe?

Clinical trials and studies have proven that Bacillus coagulans is a safe and highly effective probiotic for not only adults, but children as well.

Are soil based probiotics good for SIBO?

About 80% of IBS patients are likely dealing with SIBO, so Soil based probiotics are an effective way to alleviate any SIBO-related symptoms.

Can soil based probiotics cause gas?

Soil based probiotics do not exacerbate symptoms of SIBO in the way other types of probiotics can. They generally help bloating and gas symptoms better than common animal based probiotics.

I highly recommend reading up on the benefits of fulvic and humic acids - start here

Article References 

1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss/ Scientific American
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151376/ The National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. Small Intestinal Bacteriall Overgrowth: A Comprehensive Review. Andrew C Dukowicz, Brian E Lacy, Gary M Levine. NCBI. 2007.
4. Prescript--Assists Probiotic--Prebiotic Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Methodologically Oriented, 2-Week, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Study. Alvah C Bittner, Robert M Croffut, Mary C Stranahan. NCBI. 2005.
5. Composite Genome Sequence of Bacillus Clausii, a Probiotic Commercially Available as Enterogermina, and Insights Into It's Probiotic Properties. Indu Khatri, Gauray Sharma, Srikrishna Subramanian. BMC Microbiology. 2019.
6. Bacillus Coagulans. WebMD.
7. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48554-x Nature.com
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30911991/ PubMED