Many of you know that I have been teaching the importance of maintaining a healthy gut for 35 years. When science finally caught up, it was referred to as the microbiome. Now, it’s even mentioned in commercials, so it seems that everyone is familiar with the terminology. A French scientist named Joel Dore and his colleagues instigated the origins of human microbiota research in 1999.
The physical components of the microbiome are well known. It is about building good bacterial colonies in the small and large intestines. The abundance of good bacteria influences everything from the strength of your immune system to managing inflammation and mental clarity.
My whole individualized hands-on program is based on rebuilding the gut system, which natural medicine identifies as the gateway to all diseases.
The most efficient way to reestablish your microbiome is to combine the right foods, cook them according to your individual needs, and ingest them in a calm, intentional environment.
As my mentor and teacher Michio Kushi used to say, and I paraphrase, even the healthiest prepared food can cause intestinal upset if not chewed in a calm environment.
The macrobiotic lifestyle is about cooking and eating seasonally. It is about respecting the time of year when certain organ systems are activated to reboot. Autumn is the large intestine and lung season.
You heard me mention this at last month’s cooking class. I taught about which foods to transition to and what physical intestinal disturbances show up this time of year. ( recording available contact sami@youcanhealyou.com).
There is also an understanding that the intestines are more than just digestive organs; they are considered vital to emotional and mental well-being. This perspective is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which teaches that different organs are connected to specific emotions, and the intestines are linked to feelings of anxiety, worry, and stress. In today’s world of subquality foods and high-stress eating, these emotions are magnified.
In this month’s cooking class, I will address the emotional aspects of the intestinal organs, including which foods trigger emotions, heightened anxiety, and stress. I will demonstrate food preparations and recipes to help a healthy digestive system foster a balanced emotional state.
Having healed from Crohns /Colitis many years ago, I can remember the state of my emotions and how my digestive issues lead to emotional disturbances and stress. As I changed my food and habits, I healed my emotional bandwidth.
At Saturday’s monthly cooking class, I will speak on how the gut microbiome can influence mood and behavior through the brain/gut connection. Keeping a harmonious gut is essential for mental clarity and emotional stability.
Join us on Saturday, October 5th, at 9:30 a.m. for a deep dive into learning how to keep our guts happy and healthy. Happy guts- happy life!
Invite a friend who needs this information and share a happy meal with us!
My best,
~ Virginia
