When we think about health, we often picture exercise, supplements, or diet plans. But the truth is—our health begins much deeper, right down in the soil. Just as depleted, chemical-laden soil produces weak plants, a depleted body terrain produces poor health. To thrive, both soil and body need to be nourished and cared for.
The Problem With Modern Agriculture
Since World War II, farming has shifted from nourishing soil to simply producing bigger crops. Chemical pesticides and herbicides, like glyphosate (Roundup), destroy not just pests but the living organisms—worms, microbes, and bacteria—that keep soil healthy. Fertilizers such as potassium-based potash encourage quick plant growth but block absorption of minerals like magnesium and calcium. Acid rain adds yet another layer of depletion, stripping soil of key minerals and leaving behind harmful aluminum.
The result? Even before food is processed or shipped, many fruits, vegetables, and grains are already nutrient-poor. Processing then removes even more—like when wheat is milled into white flour or oils are stripped from nuts and seeds. What’s left behind are foods that fill our stomachs but don’t feed our cells.
Organic vs. Regenerative:
What's The Difference?
Buying organic is a good step because it reduces pesticide exposure. But organic doesn’t always mean nutrient-dense if the soil hasn’t been replenished. Regenerative farms, on the other hand, focus on rebuilding soil health over time. They measure, test, and improve their land to restore the minerals and living systems that produce truly nourishing food.
Your Body as Soil
Here’s the deeper connection: your body is like soil. Your microbiome is the living terrain that determines whether health or disease grows. If the terrain is toxic, depleted, or imbalanced, no quick fix will hold. But if the terrain is nourished and restored, your body can often resolve symptoms naturally—because God designed our bodies with the ability to heal.
That’s one reason I love using HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) testing with clients. Just as a farmer tests soil to know how to replenish it, HTMA helps reveal nutrient deficiencies and imbalances in the body. With that insight, we can make targeted changes—adding in what’s missing, removing what’s harmful, and restoring balance—so the “terrain” of the body can thrive again.
The Hope
- Choosing local and regenerative produce when possible
- Eating magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans)
- Reducing processed and pesticide-heavy foods
- Supporting your microbiome with fiber and whole foods
- Considering functional tests like HTMA to guide your personal path
Feature Image Photo by Gabriel Jimenez on Unsplash
Farmer’s Market Photo by Shelley Pauls on Unsplash