Health in Harmony
Exploring the Relationship Between Human and Planetary Health
The environment shapes our health in profound and often unnoticed ways, woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It influences what we drink, eat, and breathe, and even how we move through the world. At the heart of it all lies an undeniable truth: a thriving environment is fundamental to the well-being of every person.
Read More
We readily acknowledge the impact of environmental air quality on our bodies, recognizing the dangers of inhaling polluted air. Yet, how often do we consider that the pollution of our soils can have equally dire consequences? When soil becomes depleted of vital nutrients, the quality of the food we consume suffers as well. Many of our meals carry the burden of chemical residues, a silent testament to the industrial practices that have become the norm.
When the environment
is sick – so are we.
This channel will delve into the intricate relationship between planetary health and human health, illuminating how our agricultural practices shape our collective well-being. The shift from small-scale farming to industrialized agriculture has led to an alarming increase in chemical use, with over 8 billion pounds of toxic pesticides sprayed globally for agricultural use each year (citation). This pervasive practice not only strips our planet of its topsoils, leading to diminished nutrient density in the seeds and foods we consume, but it also correlates with a troubling rise in human diseases. We see increases in cancer, autoimmune disorders, and reproductive and neurological issues—all directly linked to our daily exposure to agricultural chemicals through the food we eat, the water we drink and even the rain that falls from the sky. (citation)
By fostering awareness and understanding, we can pave the way for a future where the health of our communities and the health of our planet flourish together. We’re cultivating a new narrative, one where regenerative practices restore both our soils and our bodies.
Grounding in
Terminology
What is the Soil Microbiome?
The soil microbiome is the diverse community of microorganisms that live in healthy soils, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses. A teaspoon of soil contains more microbes than there are people on the planet (citation).
A healthy soil microbiome supports:
• Nutrient cycling
• Water retention
• Root formation
• Disease suppression
• Carbon sequestration
• Environmental resilience
The soil microbiome and the gut microbiome exist in a cycle connecting our bodies to the earth beneath our feet.
From soil, to seed, to food, to gut, to earth again, this continuous loop illustrates how soil health and human health inform one another. The widespread decline of soil health, driven by factors such as pesticide use and industrial farming techniques, mirrors the decline of the human gut microbiome, leading to an increase in chronic diseases and weakened immunity in humans. Just as the overuse of agricultural chemicals disrupts the balance of microorganisms in the soil, so do environmental toxins and highly processed foods affect the delicate ecosystem within our digestive system.
The practices of Regenerative agriculture offer a pathway to restore this balance. By prioritizing soil health through methods like rotational grazing, cover cropping and reducing chemical inputs, these practices nurture a thriving soil microbiome. In turn, healthier soil produces more nutrient-dense food, which supports a more diverse and resilient gut microbiome. Improving soil health is a powerful step toward improving human health, as what we cultivate in the earth ultimately nourishes our bodies, fostering resilience against modern diseases.
Nurtured
by Nature
About Series
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” highlights the truth that what we eat profoundly influences our state of well-being. Our ancestors understood that food was not merely a source of sustenance; it held the profound ability to heal and nourish. This ancient wisdom is still alive in our communities today, serving as a reminder of the incredible potential that food possesses to restore balance in a body beset by dis-ease
In this series we are encouraged to venture beyond conventional medications and embrace the profound healing potential of natural foods and plants. These personal, human-centric stories of healing highlight a growing recognition of our deep connection to the natural world, revealing its remarkable capacity to restore balance in our lives. These stories serve as a testament to the power of nature in nurturing our well-being and remind us of the wisdom inherent in the earth’s bounty.
Glyphosate
About Series
This series aims to educate on the pervasive presence of glyphosate in our food systems and provide solutions so that we can forge an oath towards the regenerative practices that prioritize the health of our soil, our bodies and the ecosystems we share.
Nutrient
Density
About Series
And yet, not all foods are created equal. How they’re grown directly impacts the nutrient-density of each bite.. A compelling study found that organically grown wheat, corn, potatoes, apples, and pears contained up to 125% more essential minerals—like iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium—than their conventionally grown counterparts. It’s a reflection of how nurturing the earth nurtures us in return.
In this series, we’ll uncover the profound ways nutrient-dense foods support our health, protect us from disease, and foster growth. But it doesn’t stop there. These same foods hold the power to restore our soils, reconnecting us to the cycles of life that sustain us all.
The Science
of Wellness
About Series
Every disease starts in the gut, where our microbiome acts as the foundation for both immune and metabolic health. Over 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, making it the body’s first line of defense. The gut, when neglected, quietly influences every aspect of our well-being.
By nourishing our gut with diverse, whole foods and embracing regenerative agricultural practices, we can encourage healing from the inside out and reconnect to the earth, cultivating true, lasting health.
In this series, we’ll invite you to join us as we explore stories that weave together science and health. These discoveries will not only inform but inspire, illuminating vibrant pathways to a healthier and more fulfilling life. This series uncovers the narratives that shape our understanding of what it means to thrive.
Unprocess
Your Life
About Series
Soon we will navigate this intricate landscape, empowering you to reclaim your health and make informed decisions about the nourishment you provide for your body.
“
It’s such a collaborative place, inside and outside of us
”
– Bikle and Montogomery in The Hidden Half of Nature
