Written by Bruce Gibson ND · Reviewed 15 July 2026
01
Parallel microbial worlds
Healthy soils and healthy intestines host complex communities of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other organisms. In both, diversity and functional cooperation help cycle nutrients and resist disruption.
02
Pathways of contact
Microbes and microbial products reach us through food, direct contact, animals, water and air. The significance of each pathway varies, and simplistic claims that eating soil will repair the gut should be avoided.
03
Rebuilding diversity
Fibre-rich diverse foods, fermented foods where suitable, appropriate outdoor contact and careful antibiotic stewardship may support microbial resilience. Regenerative farming can also improve soil biological function.
Put the principle into practice
Three grounded ways to begin
Increase plant diversity gradually and according to tolerance.
Garden or spend time in biodiverse environments using ordinary hygiene.
Use antibiotics when clinically indicated, not casually or fearfully.
Evidence context
Established
Gut microbes influence digestion, immune signalling and metabolism.
Emerging
Direct soil–human microbial relationships are promising but complex and context-dependent.
