From Soil to Self

From an early age, we interact with soil—we run on it, inhale it (likely accidentally), and drink water filtered through it. But our relationship with soil runs much deeper. The plants we eat grow in soil supported by a thriving microbiome—a community of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria that live and work together within their environment.

These microbes play an essential role in nutrient cycling, metabolism, growth, energy, and disease resistance. In the soil, the microbiome breaks down organic materials that other organisms can’t, transforming them into nutrients plants can use and keeping the soil rich and healthy. In turn, these healthy soils support strong plant and crop growth.

Interestingly, our own bodies function in a similar way. In the human gut, the microbiome helps digest food, converting it into nutrients that sustain us. Even if you’re unfamiliar with your gut microbiome, you’ve likely heard of probiotics—supplements designed to support beneficial bacteria in the gut and throughout the body. In recent years, researchers have begun citing comparisons between the microbiomes of our soil and our digestive systems.

The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance recently explored this topic in a podcast episode titled “Gut Check: How Soil Health Shapes Human Health,” paired with a workshop that took a deeper look at the connection between living soil and human well-being. Rather than focusing solely on soil management practices, host Haylie Shipp, along with eco-nutritionist Sara Keough and rancher Craig French, discussed the idea of integrated nutrition—supporting your body as you would support your soil.

As Shipp introduced the episode, she shared a simple but powerful statement: “Healthy soils make healthy food, healthy food makes healthy people.” This idea illustrates our deep connection not only to the food we eat, but also to the soil from which that food originates. While many factors influence the nutritional quality of what we eat, soil health remains a key contributor.

Sara and Craig first connected after her presentation at the 2025 Soil Symposium in Billings, Montana. Inspired by her message and reflecting on his own health, Craig reached out to Sara for guidance in his wellness journey. Sara’s health philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of the human body and the natural environment.

Through her work, she’s noticed that many farmers and ranchers consume only a small portion of what they produce. While it may not be realistic for everyone to eat exclusively from their own land, Sara encourages people to choose foods that are local and seasonal whenever possible. In Montana’s short growing season, she suggests canning or fermenting fruits and vegetables to maintain variety and nutrition through the winter months. She also emphasizes the value of including meat and other animal-based foods as part of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

Toward the end of the episode, Sara also discussed the potential link between gut health and mental health. Serotonin—a neurotransmitter often called the “feel-good” chemical—is primarily produced in the gut. Drawing from her own experiences, Sara shared how changing her diet and focusing on nutrient-dense foods had a positive impact on her mental well-being. She pointed to the growing mental health crisis in the agricultural community as a reason for farmers and ranchers to begin caring for their bodies with the same attention and stewardship they give their soil.

By understanding and supporting the microbiomes within our soil and ourselves, we can nurture both land and body—strengthening the link between healthy ecosystems and healthy communities.