07/10/2025
Health Begins Beneath Our Feet: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Goodwood Health Summit
Last week, we had the pleasure of presenting the Goodwood Health Summit, and what an eye-opening experience it was! The event was a powerful reminder that health truly begins beneath our feet. We explored the fascinating connections between soil health, the human gut microbiome, and our overall wellbeing – and left with some insights that could change the way we think about what’s on our plates.
The Gut Health Summit was a ‘historic’ day for brining together the health and farming communities to examine the ‘intricate relationship’ between the human and soil microbiomes as these communities have been segregated for such a long time. We were thrilled to hear from some incredible experts on the day:
- Dr Chris Van Tulleken – renowned physician and TV presenter.
- Dr James Kinross – leading researcher on the microbiome and digestive health.
- Dr Federica Amati – expert on nutritional science and sustainable diets.
- Patrick Holden CBE – champion of organic farming and soil health.
- Dan Kittredge – agroecologist and advocate for regenerative agriculture.
Key Takeaways
- Soil health matters – The nutrients in our soil directly affect the nutrient density of the food we eat. Healthier soil = healthier food.
- Microbes matter – A thriving soil microbiome not only supports sustainable agriculture but also helps keep our ecosystems resilient.
- Your gut matters – The foods we eat, and how they’re grown, shape our gut microbiome, which in turn influences our overall health.
What the data tells us
Randox Health data gives some real-world insight into gut health trends:
- 19% of clients tested have below-average gut microbiome diversity, which can mean reduced resilience to illness, poorer nutrient absorption, and a higher risk of digestive issues.
- 32.5% of clients show an above-average ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, a balance often linked to obesity, inflammation, and reduced metabolic efficiency
These stats highlight just how important it is to understand your gut health. That’s where our microbiome home test kit comes in. With a simple, easy-to-use kit, you can get insights into your gut microbiome from the comfort of home, see how your diet and lifestyle are affecting your gut, and take proactive steps to support your health.
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1. The Human–Soil Microbiome Link Is Clear and Crucial
Speakers stressed that the soil microbiome — the living community beneath our feet — mirrors the human gut microbiome in both complexity and importance.
The way we grow our food, the condition of the soil it comes from, and the microbes we encounter each day all shape our long-term wellbeing.
2. Both Are Under Threat — But Action Is Possible
Today, both the soil and human microbiomes face serious challenges. Modern lifestyles, intensive farming, and pollution have reduced their diversity and resilience. However, the Summit’s message was one of hope.
Speakers urged immediate action. They encouraged soil-friendly farming, greater biodiversity, and more informed food choices.
3. Public Appetite for Change Is Growing
Importantly, the Summit showed a strong public and political appetite for change. People want to rethink how we farm, feed, and measure health — and they want that change now.
As this momentum builds, Randox Health remains committed to leading the way. Through science-led insights and personalised diagnostics, we empower individuals to take charge of their wellbeing while supporting a healthier planet.
In Summary
It’s clear that healthy soil leads to healthy food, which leads to a healthier gut – and ultimately a healthier you. The Goodwood Health Summit made one point unmistakable: the human and soil microbiomes are intertwined, and protecting them is vital for our shared future. Randox Health stands ready to lead this crucial conversation — connecting personal health with planetary health.
Interested in your own Gut Health? Get our At-Home Gut Microbiome Test and save 15% with code GUTHEALTH15 here:
Gut Microbiome Test | Understand your Gut Health | Randox Health