Minerals, Microbes & More: Dan Kittredge's Vision for Nutrient-Dense Food Systems

My favorite Dan quote of the episode: "Who eats first = the microbes eat first (the microbes are the people in your colon)."

The Nutrient Density Connection: Dan Kittredge on Soil Health and Human Wellness

In this episode of Rewilded Wellness, I had the privilege of speaking with Dan Kittredge, a lifelong farmer, educator, and founder of the Bionutrient Food Association. Our conversation delved into the often-overlooked connection between the quality of our soil and the epidemic of health challenges we face today.

The Hidden Crisis in Our Food System

Dan opened our discussion with a stark reality that many of us intuitively sense but may not fully understand: truly nutrient-dense food has become increasingly difficult to find. Despite grocery stores brimming with visually appealing produce, the nutritional content of today's conventionally grown foods pales in comparison to what our ancestors consumed.

"The nutrition labeling system we rely on is both inaccurate and woefully outdated," Dan explained. Current food labels focus primarily on macronutrients and a handful of vitamins, missing the complex array of micronutrients and phytochemicals that contribute to true food quality. What's more concerning is that these standards don't account for the dramatic decline in nutrient content over recent decades.

Our Innate Wisdom: Taste as a Guide

One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was Dan's explanation of our built-in biological mechanisms for identifying nutritious food. "Humans evolved with sophisticated taste receptors specifically designed to help us recognize nutrient-dense foods," he shared. The pleasure we experience when eating truly nutritious food isn't just enjoyment—it's our body recognizing genuine nourishment.

Unfortunately, as Dan pointed out, many of us have become "denatured"—disconnected from both these innate sensibilities and from the natural environments that support optimal health. The processed food industry has capitalized on this disconnection, engineering foods that trigger pleasure responses without delivering actual nutrition.

The Bionutrient Food Association's Vision

A significant portion of our conversation focused on the groundbreaking work being done by the Bionutrient Food Association. Dan founded this organization with a mission to develop reliable standards for measuring food quality—beyond the limited parameters currently in use.

"We're creating tools that will allow farmers, retailers, and consumers to quantify the nutritional value of food," Dan explained. This technology could revolutionize our food system by establishing a clear connection between growing practices and nutritional outcomes, ultimately allowing consumers to make truly informed choices.

Renaturing: A Path Forward

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Dan's message was his call for "renaturing"—a process of reconnecting with natural systems and cycles. This concept extends beyond simply changing what we eat to encompass a holistic shift in how we interact with the natural world.

The alarming rates of chronic disease we see today, Dan suggests, are directly linked to our separation from nature—particularly our disconnection from truly life-supporting food systems. By returning to the land, understanding soil health, and supporting regenerative agriculture, we have the opportunity to address not just symptoms but root causes of our collective health challenges.

A Call to Action

As our conversation drew to a close, Dan emphasized that this isn't just about personal health—it's about participating in a vital transformation of our relationship with food and the earth. Whether through growing some of our own food, supporting local regenerative farmers, or simply developing a more discerning palate, each of us can contribute to this essential shift.

This episode serves as both a wake-up call and a source of hope. While the challenges we face are significant, the path forward—returning to time-tested wisdom while incorporating modern understanding—offers tremendous promise for restoring both human and planetary health.

*Listen to the full conversation with Dan Kittredge on the Rewilded Wellness podcast, available on: 

iTunes HERE 
Spotify HERE
Watch in the player above or on YouTube HERE 

To learn more about Dan's work, visit https://www.dankittredge.com and explore the Bionutrient Food Association at https://www.bionutrient.org.