Why Soil-Based Organisms Are Not Real Probiotics

All the Dirt on Soil-Based Organisms — Why They’re Not Real Probiotics This blog post is based on a podcast episode featuring Jini Patel Thompson, international best-selling author and founder of Listen To Your Gut, and Natasha Trenev, founder of Natren probiotics. In their discussion, they explore the dangers of soil-based organisms (SBOs) and why they should not be considered true probiotics. You can either watch the video: Or listen to the podcast: Chapters (Main Topics) Introduction to soil-based organisms (SBOs)The survival abilities and pleomorphic nature of SBOsWhy SBOs are not true probioticsFDA oversight and safety concernsThe aggressive nature of SBOs in the human bodyComparing traditional probiotics with SBO supplementsCultural context: How Bacillus subtilis is used in Japan (natto)Why quick fixes can be dangerous for long-term healthThe risks for people with weakened immune systemsMisleading marketing around SBO probioticsWhat real probiotics look like (lactobacillus, bifidobacteria)Jini and Natasha’s call for informed, long-term healing Many people believe that soil-based organisms (SBOs) are probiotics. This belief has spread widely. It is even promoted by many supplement companies. But this idea is not supported by science. Soil-based organisms are not the same as regular probiotics. In fact, they can be harmful to your gut and overall health. In this article, we will explain why SBO probiotics should not be used as a replacement for traditional probiotic supplements. You will learn about the differences between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria. We will also look at the risks involved with taking soil-based probiotics. What Are Soil-Based Organisms? Soil-based organisms are bacteria found in the soil. They belong to the bacillus genus. One common type is Bacillus subtilis. These bacteria can form spores. This spore coat allows them to survive in harsh environments. They can even survive high temperatures, such as 400° Fahrenheit. Because of this, many companies promote them as probiotic supplements. They claim that SBOs support gut health. But this claim is not backed by long-term human studies. The truth is that soil-based probiotics are different from beneficial bacteria that live in the human gut. How Do Regular Probiotics Work? Traditional probiotics include species like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. These probiotic strains have been used for decades. They help maintain a healthy microbiome in the digestive tract. These beneficial bacteria support the immune system. They also help prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the small intestine and large intestine. These bacteria are supported by clinical trials and human studies. They help with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis. Why SBO Supplements Are Risky SBO supplements introduce foreign bacteria into the digestive system. These bacillus strains have not evolved inside the human gut. They have not developed a beneficial relationship with the human microbiome. Some experts believe these organisms are too aggressive. Natasha Trenev explains that these bacteria are “opportunistic” and their only goal is to multiply. She says, “They are pleomorphic. They can drop their cell wall and turn into other forms. They’re not stable, and they’re not safe.” Soil-based bacteria compete with fungi and molds in the soil. To survive, they must be strong. This strong nature may make them dangerous in the human digestive tract. They can kill both good and bad bacteria. This can lead to long-term side effects. They can also remain dormant in the gut. Their spores lie in wait. If the immune system weakens, these spores can activate. This could lead to health problems years later. Because these side effects are delayed, most people do not link their health issues to SBO supplements. FDA and Safety Concerns The FDA has allowed these products to be sold. But many experts are surprised by this. Soil-based probiotics have not gone through long-term human safety tests. Most companies self-approve their products without proper clinical trials. This lack of regulation puts your digestive health at risk. Jini Patel Thompson recalls, “I blogged about it and the CEO of a major company reached out. I asked for 20 years of human safety studies. He sent me nothing and I never heard from him again.” That alone raises serious concerns about the legitimacy and safety of these products. Soil-based organisms are not generally recognized as safe for everyone. People with autoimmune diseases or compromised immune systems should be especially careful. Using SBO supplements in these cases can make things worse. Are There Any Safe Uses? Some cultures use Bacillus subtilis in foods like natto. This is a fermented soybean dish from Japan. But the way it is eaten is very different from taking a capsule with billions of spores. A single serving of natto may be shared by many people. It is eaten occasionally, not ...