It is not intuitive while we’re eating our food throughout the day to think that agricultural practices halfway across the world can ruffle our bodies. Indeed, it is hard to imagine that the practices of a farmer may influence our mental wellbeing, and be attributed to chronic diseases.
Studies have highlighted the bidirectional communication between the gut-brain axis and the gut microbiota, which connects the cognitive and emotional centres of the brain to peripheral intestinal functions. This communication between the microbiota and our gut and brain is mediated by neural, endocrine, immune, and humoral signals.
The human gut microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms that plays an essential role in human health. Recent scientific research has shown that the human body hosts more than 100 trillion bacteria and fungi, which help metabolise and digest food, convert nutrients into hormones, and regulate inflammation. Without this symbiotic relationship with our microbiome, humans would not be able to survive.
The interaction between these microbes and the metabolites they produce with the neurotransmitters in the brain is complex and significant. For example, there’s a causal relationship between lower levels of beneficial microbes, such as various bifidobacterium or lactobacillus, and the expression of serotonin and dopamine, which regulate our mood and impact virtually every decision we make in life.
Basically, the human brain and the gut microflora are in constant communication, and the foods we consume can impact not only our digestion but also how we manufacture basic hormones. The symbiotic relationship of the bacteria in our gut regulates our mood, hunger, brain fog, energy, hormone health, and digestion. Additionally, dysbiotic bacterial imbalances have been associated with inflammatory conditions.
Many modern-day conditions are gut-related, and there are many gut-centric components of the cascade or downstream ripple effect, whether it be in the heart, brain, joints, or muscles. Bilateral pathways in our gut-brain axis are intricately related to the toxicity in our soil, air, and water. These toxins can lead to a ‘leaky gut’ and enter our bloodstream, disrupting the ability of our bodies to optimally process beneficial nutrients, which keeps us physically and mentally healthy. Two-thirds of our immune system, and inflammation is a direct product of our immune system, are related to our gut.
This relationship is crucial in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and in reducing the environmental impact of farming. It is becoming increasingly important as preventable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are responsible for prematurely attributing to three-quarters of deaths across the world each year, according to Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.4 aims to “reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and wellbeing” by 2030. Specifically, it addresses the importance of how an increasingly globalised world, longer life expectancy, rapidly changing climate, and increasing urbanisation are affecting public health and mental health disorders, ultimately leading to needless mortality rates.
The gut microbiome has been found to have a significant impact on human health, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system regulation. However, recent research has also shown that agricultural practices have a direct impact on our gut microbiome. The composition of the gut microbiome in livestock can significantly affect animal growth, health, and production, which in turn affects the quality and safety of the food produced, as well as the sustainability of agricultural practices.
The upstream root issue is that what is going on in our gut is directly related to the synthetic chemicals used to farm the foods that end up on our table. It’s really important, especially in the context of modern medicine to look at the broader holistic root issues that contribute to a health condition beyond the symptoms.
The use of manufacturing waste as chemicals in agriculture can have significant downstream effects on the environment and human health. Some of these waste products, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, can accumulate in soil and water sources over time, leading to contamination and potential harm to ecosystems and the animal health of livestock. This disruption can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can have severe consequences for human health. However, the use of sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and the reduction of pesticide and antibiotic use, can promote a healthy gut microbiome and sustainable agricultural practices.
Beyond negatively affecting human health, the disposal of manufacturing waste to produce the harmful synthetic chemicals used on our foods can also contribute to pollution and other environmental problems, such as the release of greenhouse gases and the destruction of natural habitats. It is important for industries to implement responsible waste management practices and for agricultural practices to minimise the use of harmful chemicals to reduce these negative downstream effects. This will not only help protect the environment and human health but also support sustainable agriculture practices for long-term food security.
The relationship between how micro-technology can impact the gut microbiome through regenerative agriculture practices is a crucial area for investment in human health.
Microorganisms can play a significant role in improving agricultural practices by providing a natural approach. Certain soil bacteria can help fix nitrogen, allowing plants to access this essential nutrient without the need for synthetic fertilisers. Additionally, some microbes can enhance soil fertility and structure, promoting healthier plant growth and reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides.
Microbes can also help mitigate the negative effects of agricultural practices on the environment by breaking down pollutants and contaminants in soil and water, reducing the risk of ecosystem contamination. Moreover, certain microbes can facilitate carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
By harnessing the power of these tiny organisms, we can create a healthier and more regenerative agriculture that benefits both the planet and human health.
