The Sourdough School

BALM – Proven as one of the healthiest approaches to bread in the world.

Based in the walled gardens of Dr. Vanessa Kimbell's beautiful Victorian home in rural Northamptonshire, UK, we tutor individuals and train bakers and healthcare professionals in Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM). Personalising bread to your lifestyle, gut microbiome, and unique genetics for optimal health—tailoring fermentation, fibre, and diversity so that your daily bread becomes the foundation of your health.

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Can participants expect changes in their overall health and well-being in the short term, or is the program focused on long-term benefits?


So often people write to me in the months following a course with updates on both the short-term and long-term benefits to their overall health and well-being. The best thing to do is to log how you feel before ether course, and this is why we encourage you to fill in the self assessment form. In the short term, you may notice immediate improvements, particularly in digestive health. As you begin to consume bread tailored to your specific needs, it’s common to experience better digestion and a more balanced gut microbiome. This can lead to a general feeling of increased energy and well-being.

In the long term, the workshop aims to instil a deeper understanding and appreciation for nutritionally rich bread, which contributes to sustained health benefits. Regular consumption of well-crafted bread, combined with a balanced diet, supports ongoing gut health, improved blood sugar balance, and overall diet management.

Additionally, the knowledge and skills acquired in the workshop about bread-making and its connection to health can lead to a lifelong appreciation for quality, wholesome food. This not only benefits your physical health but also enhances your mental and emotional well-being, as you become more connected with your food and its sources.

So, while immediate benefits are noticeable, the true value of the workshop is realised in its long-term impact on your lifestyle and approach to nutrition.

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