**Santa Fe Soil: Is Adobe Dust Crashing Gut Biome?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 9, 2026

Forget those glossy travel brochures promising enlightenment in the Land of Enchantment. The real story of Santa Fe, New Mexico, isn’t just about sunsets and art galleries. It’s about the dirt. Specifically, the adobe dust that permeates everything, and what it might be doing to your gut.

Santa Fe’s iconic adobe architecture, beautiful as it is, sheds. It sheds constantly. This dust, a fine powder composed of the local soil, gets everywhere. It’s in the air, on your clothes, and yes, inevitably, in your digestive system.

Now, soil is teeming with microbes. Some are beneficial, others less so. The question is: what happens when you’re constantly ingesting a cocktail of New Mexico soil microbes? Could this constant exposure be subtly altering the gut microbiome of long-term Santa Fe residents? I believe it is, and here’s how to fight back.

The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. It plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Disruptions to this delicate balance, known as dysbiosis, can lead to a range of health problems, from digestive issues to autoimmune diseases.

The soil around Santa Fe, particularly the clay-rich soil used in adobe construction, is known to harbor specific types of bacteria. Bacillus species are common, as are various types of Actinobacteria. While some Bacillus strains are used as probiotics, others can be opportunistic pathogens. Similarly, Actinobacteria can be beneficial, but some species are associated with skin infections and other health problems.

The challenge is that we don’t fully understand how these specific soil microbes interact with the human gut. Are they colonizing the gut? Are they simply passing through, triggering an immune response? Are they outcompeting beneficial bacteria? The research is limited, but the potential for disruption is real.

So, what can a Santa Fe resident do to mitigate the potential risks? Here’s a practical, actionable guide:

1. Assess Your Risk: Consider your exposure level. Do you live in an adobe home? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors in dusty conditions? Do you have a history of digestive issues or a weakened immune system? The higher your exposure and the more vulnerable you are, the more proactive you need to be.

2. Minimize Exposure: This is obvious, but crucial.

   • Invest in a good quality air purifier with a HEPA filter, especially if you live in an adobe home.
   • Dust frequently with a damp cloth to avoid stirring up dust.
   • Consider wearing a mask when doing yard work or other activities that generate dust.
   • Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.

3. Targeted Probiotic Use: This is where things get interesting. Generic probiotics might not be enough. You need to focus on strains that can help counteract the potential negative effects of soil microbes.

   • Bacillus subtilis: Some strains of Bacillus subtilis are known to have probiotic properties and can help improve gut health. Look for a probiotic supplement that contains this strain.
   • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: This strain is well-studied and has been shown to help improve gut barrier function and reduce inflammation. A strong gut barrier is essential to prevent soil microbes from crossing into the bloodstream.
   • Bifidobacterium longum: This strain is known to help improve digestion and boost the immune system. It can also help to outcompete harmful bacteria in the gut.

   Important Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

4. Dietary Adjustments: Your diet plays a crucial role in shaping your gut microbiome. Focus on foods that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.

   • Fiber-rich foods: These include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber provides food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. Locally grown produce from farmers’ markets in Santa Fe is ideal. Think of incorporating more blue corn, a New Mexico staple, into your diet.
   • Fermented foods: These include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Fermented foods contain live bacteria that can help to repopulate the gut with beneficial microbes. Look for locally made options, such as artisanal sauerkraut or kimchi made with New Mexico chiles.
   • Prebiotic foods: These include garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut.

5. Consider a Gut Microbiome Test: While not always necessary, a gut microbiome test can provide valuable insights into the composition of your gut microbiome. This can help you identify any imbalances and tailor your probiotic and dietary interventions accordingly. Companies like Viome and Thryve offer at-home gut microbiome tests.

Common Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them:

• Assuming all probiotics are created equal: They’re not. Different strains have different effects. Do your research and choose a probiotic that is specifically formulated to address your needs.
• Not addressing the root cause: Probiotics and dietary changes are important, but they won’t be effective if you’re still constantly exposed to adobe dust. Focus on minimizing your exposure first.
• Ignoring other factors that can affect gut health: Stress, antibiotics, and other medications can also disrupt the gut microbiome. Address these factors as well.
• Expecting overnight results: It takes time to rebalance the gut microbiome. Be patient and consistent with your interventions.

Real-World Scenario:

Let’s say you’re a long-term Santa Fe resident living in an adobe home. You’ve noticed that you’ve been experiencing more digestive issues lately, such as bloating and gas. You suspect that your gut microbiome might be out of balance due to constant exposure to adobe dust.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Start by minimizing your exposure to adobe dust by investing in an air purifier and dusting frequently.
2. Begin taking a probiotic supplement that contains Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and Bifidobacterium longum.
3. Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and prebiotic foods. Focus on locally sourced produce and traditional New Mexican ingredients.
4. Consider getting a gut microbiome test to identify any specific imbalances.
5. Manage your stress levels through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.

By taking these steps, you can proactively support a balanced gut microbiome and mitigate the potential negative effects of adobe dust.

The link between Santa Fe’s adobe dust and gut health is a complex and under-researched area. However, by understanding the potential risks and taking proactive steps to support a balanced microbiome, Santa Fe residents can protect their health and well-being. Don’t just admire the adobe; understand its potential impact and take control of your gut health. It’s time to get proactive about your microbiome, Santa Fe.