In our modern world, we’re often taught to fear germs and avoid exposure to dirt. However, research shows that this mindset may be misguided when it comes to gut health.
In fact, exposure to a diverse range of microorganisms, including those found in soil and on farm animals, can actually have significant benefits on your gut microbiome.
The beauty of soil: Is playing in the dirt good for you?
It’s easy to forget how important soil is to our existence. Soil plays an essential role in human life and on the human microbiome [1].
After all, the water we drink runs through it. Plants we eat grow in it. Houses, playgrounds, and daycares we inhabit are built on it. Soil is a microbe-dense environment with a wide variety of species present [2].
Is dirt good for you? If you’re wondering why playing in the dirt is beneficial, let’s look at the impact of living in a city, with limited access to soil.
In individuals living in urban environments, the microbial gut diversity is lower compared to individuals living in rural environments [3], [4]. This is thought to be linked to the decreased interaction with soil, as well as other environmental factors.
Further, studies have found that individuals with yards rich in different plant varieties have different gut microbiomes. They have reduced levels of Bacteroidetes and increased levels of Firmicutes, which have been shown to lower the risk for obesity [5].
Even where your children play in daycare can affect the health of their microbiome.
One study found that playing in nature-oriented daycare centers had several health benefits. Some of the benefits of dirt include:
- Improved immune systems
- Diverse skin microbiomes
- Diverse gut microbiomes
In the study, children had contact with nature five times a week for a month. While outdoors, they would do guided activities in nature, including:
- Planting plants in planter boxes
- Crafting natural materials
- Playing games
- Peat blocks for climbing and digging [6]
Playing in the dirt is not only fun but also good for you and your baby's gut microbiome. Exposure to dirt in childhood may promote immunity.
But not all dirt is created equal. Some dirt and soil can be contaminated with lead, which may cause toxicity [7].
Lead-contaminated soil can be found in and around:
- Urban areas
- Places with artificial turf
- Industrial parks
- Homes built before 1978
Does growing up on a farm help your immune system?
Old McDonald had a farm, with a cow, pig, duck—and also microbes!
Children living among farm animals are inhaling and ingesting bacteria. Research has shown that exposing babies to farming agriculture and farm animals can also influence their microbiome and immune health.
For example, one study found that two-month-old babies who lived in a farm had higher levels of Bifidobacterium infantis in their gut, compared to babies from urban/suburban settings [8]. Another study found that living on a farm increased the levels of Firmicutes in babies [9], which can have positive health benefits later in life.
Simply, growing up on a farm helps your baby's immune system.
Farm Animals, Allergies and Asthma
Living around farm animals has been shown to potentially reduce the risk of allergies and asthma [10]–[13]. This can be seen in children of full-time and part-time farmers who are at a lower risk for pollen allergies and atopic sensitization [14], [15]. Atopic sensitization includes things like allergic eczema and asthma.
Even moms exposed to farm animals, grass, and hay have babies with lower seasonal allergy marks [16]–[18].
When we look closer at their microbiome, we find that children with asthma at 4 years old have been shown to have lower levels of beneficial bacteria in their gut microbiome, including:
- Bifidobacterium
- Akkermansia
- Faecalibacterium [19]
Instead of good bacteria, children with asthma had a higher amount of fungi, including:
- Candida
- Rhodotorula [19]
Playing outside can have beneficial effects beyond the microbiome. Exposure to green spaces has been associated with beneficial effects on brain development and cognitive function [20]. Exposure to nature during childhood has been associated with better mental wellness in adulthood [21].
Spending time outdoors, playing with animals, and getting your hands dirty in soil is a great way for you and your child to have fun, while also introducing a world of beneficial microbes.
Interested in taking control of your family’s microbiome health and reducing the likelihood of future illness? With Tiny Health’s gut tests for babies, children, and adults, we teach you about your microbiome and give you unbiased recommendations to put your family on the path to better lifelong health.