It’s incredible to think that trillions of organisms (with foreign DNA!) reside within you, yet they function as vital allies in your health.
These beneficial microbes, primarily bacteria, play a remarkable role in defending your body against harmful chemicals—many of which are synthetic toxins we’ve created ourselves, like pesticides and plastic components.
Who are these microscopic defenders?
Probiotics.
A balanced gut microbiome filled with friendly bacteria can break down and neutralize these toxins.
However, the effectiveness of your microbiome hinges on your environment, diet, and soil health—factors that connect your health to the planet’s well-being.
In this article, you'll get a better understanding of the interconnectedness of your health and the planet, as well as the powerful role of probiotics and prebiotics in supporting your gut health, detoxifying harmful chemicals, and enhancing immune function.
Bacteria: From Harmful to Helpful Allies
First off, what do you imagine when you see the word "bacteria"?
Infections? Disease?
If so, the story of bacteria is far more complex.
Most bacteria respond directly to their environment.
In a gut filled with fiber-rich vegetables, good bacteria thrive and support health.
But with sugar, processed foods, and chemical exposure, harmful strains can gain dominance, leading to health issues.
Believe it or not, humans and bacteria are more intertwined than you might think.
Millions of years ago, ancient bacteria joined forces with our cellular ancestors to create mitochondria—the energy-producing organelles within our cells.
In many ways, we’re "meta-organisms": living systems composed of various symbiotic organisms.
Now, let’s explore the extraordinary abilities of these friendly bacteria to combat environmental toxins.
How Probiotics Detox Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a petrochemical commonly found in plastics, thermal paper receipts, and consumer goods.
It’s a known endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormone function and potentially harming human health.
Exposure is nearly unavoidable today, but probiotics are here to help.
Studies show that probiotics like Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei can help reduce BPA levels in the body.
In a study where rats consumed BPA, those given these probiotic strains saw their BPA levels drop significantly, with increased excretion in feces compared to a control group.
Researchers noted that probiotics "reduced the intestinal absorption by facilitating the excretion of BPA, and that these probiotics may suppress the adverse effects of BPA on human health."
In foods, certain bacterial strains isolated from Kimchi (traditional Korean fermented cabbage) can break down BPA directly.
Strains of Bacillus pumilus from kimchi were shown to degrade BPA effectively, suggesting that consuming kimchi or probiotics derived from it could enable our digestive systems to break down this harmful chemical.
How Probiotics Detox Insecticides
Once again, kimchi bacteria come to the rescue. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry demonstrated that certain strains of bacteria in kimchi can degrade chlorpyrifos (CP), an insecticide linked to neurological disorders, developmental issues, and autoimmune conditions.
In this study, kimchi bacteria broke down chlorpyrifos rapidly:
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By day three, 83.3% of chlorpyrifos was degraded.
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By day nine, it was completely eliminated.
The bacterial superheroes responsible were:
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Lactobacillus brevis WCP902
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Lactobacillus plantarum WCP931
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Lactobacillus sakei WCP904
Beyond detoxification, these strains of kimchi bacteria also support digestive health, immune function, and nutrient absorption.
For instance, Lactobacillus plantarum has been shown to improve the bioavailability of essential nutrients, making it an all-around powerhouse for gut health.
Kimchi’s unique bacterial strains not only help you detoxify but also strengthen the gut barrier, support nutrient absorption, and maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
Key Probiotic Strains and Their Benefits
Certain bacterial strains have well-researched benefits beyond digestion and detoxification, such as mental health and even autism.
Here’s a quick look at some popular probiotic strains and how they contribute to overall health:
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Lactobacillus acidophilus: Known for aiding digestion and reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance, L. acidophilus is one of the most common strains used in probiotic supplements. It helps balance gut bacteria, supports immune function, and can even improve skin health.
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Bifidobacterium bifidum: This strain plays a vital role in breaking down complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It’s also known for supporting immunity by enhancing antibody production, making it beneficial for overall resilience.
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Saccharomyces boulardii: A friendly yeast, S. boulardii is particularly effective in managing diarrhea and reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It helps control harmful bacteria while also supporting immune health.
Each of these strains contributes uniquely to the gut microbiome, aiding digestion, promoting nutrient absorption, and strengthening immunity.
How Soil Health Influences Gut Health
The quality of the bacteria in your gut reflects the quality of your food, which ultimately depends on soil health.
Unfortunately, modern agriculture often relies on pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers that deplete soil biodiversity, compromising the microbial health essential to growing nutritious food.
If food is grown in depleted soil filled with antibiotic-resistant bacteria or exposed to excessive herbicides like glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup), it’s likely that the beneficial bacteria in that food will be diminished as well.
This affects not only your gut health but also your resilience against environmental toxins.
Especially as genetically modified crops and broad-spectrum herbicides become more common, soil microbiomes are losing their diversity.
Essential bacteria once used in traditional fermentation practices are disappearing, making it increasingly difficult to produce certain fermented foods.
This loss of microbial diversity in the soil could have profound, long-lasting consequences for human health.
Why Planetary Health and Human Health Are Interconnected
Our health is intrinsically linked to the health of the planet.
You may feel that you can protect yourself by eating "organic," but if industrial practices continue unchecked, the very concept of "organic" will lose its meaning.
For instance, widespread contamination from perchlorate, a common environmental contaminant, has been found even in organic produce, highlighting that we cannot isolate ourselves from environmental degradation.
To maintain a healthy gut, it’s essential to advocate for sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity.
Your health depends not only on the food you eat but also on how that food is grown and cared for.
Practical Steps to Support Gut Health and Planetary Health
By supporting our gut health, we also contribute to the planet’s well-being.
Here are some actionable steps to enhance your gut microbiome while promoting a sustainable lifestyle:
1. Include Probiotic-Rich Foods
Incorporate fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurt to populate your gut with beneficial bacteria that can break down environmental toxins.
2. Choose Prebiotic Foods to Nourish Probiotics
Include prebiotic-rich foods such as garlic, onions, and chicory root to provide fuel for your probiotics and help them thrive.
3. Select Non-GMO, Regeneratively-Farmed Produce
Whenever possible, choose non-GMO or regeneratively-farmed produce to minimize exposure to chemicals and support biodiversity.
4. Limit Processed Foods and Artificial Chemicals
Processed foods and artificial chemicals can disrupt your microbiome. Minimizing them supports both your health and the environment.
5. Be an Advocate for Sustainable Agriculture
Supporting policies that protect soil health, reduce pesticide use, and promote biodiversity in agriculture benefits both planetary and human health.
FAQs on Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Gut Health
1. How do probiotics help remove toxins from the body?
Probiotics can break down certain harmful chemicals, like BPA and insecticides, into less harmful compounds or help excrete them from the body.
Specific strains, such as Lactobacillus brevis and Bifidobacterium breve, have been shown to aid in detoxification.
2. What are the best prebiotic foods to support my probiotics?
Top prebiotic foods include garlic, onions, leeks, and chicory root. These foods contain fibers that feed beneficial bacteria, helping them thrive in the gut.