Regenerative Microbiomes
Just as with this planet, our body has a soil. Our microbiome, what we eat, yields the fruit of the life we experience.
In our practice sessions, we can cook, eat, and do meal prep together, usually with your pots and pans, your stove, and containers. We will build a shopping list that suits your needs, and practice with a goal of eating nourishing food as easily and accessibly as possible with what you have access to in your life already.
Resetting or restoring the microbiome refers to taking steps to promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, primarily through dietary and lifestyle changes. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, that reside in and on our bodies, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Here are some potential benefits of resetting the microbiome:
Enhanced Digestion: A diverse and balanced microbiome helps in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, improving overall digestion. An imbalanced microbiome, on the other hand, can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and discomfort.
Strengthened Immune System: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in supporting immune function. A healthy microbiome can help regulate and balance immune responses, reducing the risk of certain autoimmune disorders and promoting a more robust immune system.
Improved Mental Health: Research suggests that the gut microbiome can influence brain function and mental health. A healthy microbiome is associated with a reduced risk of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Resetting the microbiome may positively impact mental well-being by promoting a healthier gut-brain axis.
Enhanced Nutrient Production: Some beneficial bacteria in the gut can produce essential vitamins and metabolize dietary fibers, aiding in the production of important nutrients like vitamin K and short-chain fatty acids, which have various health benefits.
Reduction in Inflammation: An imbalanced microbiome can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, which is associated with numerous health issues, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and certain cancers. Restoring the microbiome's balance can help reduce inflammation levels.
Weight Management: The gut microbiome has been linked to weight regulation and metabolism. Resetting the microbiome to a more diverse and balanced state may contribute to maintaining a healthy weight or supporting weight loss efforts.
It's important to note that resetting the microbiome is a complex process, and there is still much research to be done to fully understand its intricacies. The specific methods for resetting the microbiome may vary, but they often involve dietary changes, probiotic supplementation, prebiotic fiber consumption, stress reduction, and avoiding excessive use of antibiotics. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
There is a need for self-sustaining agriculture and self-sustaining consumption. No-till gardening, organic farming, ethical animal raising, and microbiome building is a therapy in itself. There is an opportunity for everyone to connect with nature, however deep they may want to.
A sure way to get anyone interested in the world of growing their own food starts in the kitchen, tasting a delicious local organic harvest from the cast iron, and feeling more connected with life and the earth. Sometimes, then we find ourselves there, smelling, tasting, pausing, and chewing in a short meditation. Undistracted, this experience can inspire someone to want to know more about how they can taste their own, and to be told that anyone can do it, and it can be easy.
Enjoy the pictures below of my latest farming photography, and if you’d like to see more, check out my instagram @hash_mitten
