Life on Earth began with microorganisms, the tiny architects that laid the groundwork for complex ecosystems. In our bodies, the gut microbiome profoundly impacts mental health, energy levels, and our ability to cope with stress. On a planetary scale, the Earth’s “microbiome” (think soil microbes, marine bacteria, and more) keeps ecosystems balanced and resilient.

When we talk about burnout - whether personal or planetary - the missing link often lies in the health and diversity of these microscopic allies.

If we deplete our personal microbiomes through poor diet, chronic stress, or lack of rest, we weaken our resilience. Similarly, if we deplete the Earth’s soils and oceans of their microbial diversity, we undermine the planet’s ability to rebound from climate extremes and environmental crises. Viewed through a food systems lens, how we grow, process, and consume our food can either support or erode these crucial microbial networks.