How baking can improve wellness for elderly people, teenagers, and those with specific nutritional needs

Introduction to Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM)

The Sourdough School stands at the intersection of traditional baking and modern health science. For those attending this introductory day, we offer a unique approach that leverages evidence-based protocols to enhance both physical and mental health. Central to this is our Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM) protocol, a seven-step framework designed to make baking a vital part of a healthy lifestyle.

The BALM Protocol

The BALM protocol, which stands for Baking as Lifestyle Medicine, encompasses evidence-based principles to ensure the bread we bake is nourishing and beneficial. Unlike typical methods where bread and cakes can harm health or be at best neutral, our approach transforms baking into a health-enhancing activity. You will learn how to apply these principles to create personalised bread recipes tailored to various health conditions.

Community and Support

One of the most unique aspects of The Sourdough School is our community support system. Weekly live meetings provide a space for members to share experiences, ask questions, and learn together. This community aspect is vital for behavioural change, helping members integrate healthy baking into their daily lives. Dr. Kimbell will explain more about the importance of community in supporting lifestyle medicine.

Detailed Health Benefits

Obesity: With rising obesity rates, engaging in the process of making and learning about bread can be a powerful tool. Our bread supports a healthy diet by providing essential nutrients and fibre, helping to combat obesity and promoting overall health. You will discover how personalised bread recipes can help manage weight and improve overall health.

Mental Health: Baking, particularly in a community setting, has significant mental health benefits. It fosters a sense of achievement and well-being, supports routine and rhythm, and provides a creative outlet. Our bread supports cognitive function and mental health by ensuring the availability of key neurotransmitters and metabolites needed for brain health. Dr. Kimbell will discuss the mental health benefits of baking in detail.

Children’s Health: Addressing the health of children is crucial, particularly in light of increasing rates of obesity and other health issues. Engaging children in the process of making and understanding bread can instil healthy eating habits. Our bread provides the essential nutrients and fibre needed for their growth and development, making it an excellent addition to their diet. You will learn how to involve children in baking to promote healthy eating habits.

Teenagers and Pizza: Teenagers often prefer fast food, but our approach includes making healthy, delicious options like sourdough pizza. This not only appeals to their taste preferences but also ensures they receive the necessary nutrients and fibre. Baking together can also serve as a bonding activity, promoting mental health and well-being. You will discover how to create healthy pizza options that appeal to teenagers.

Bowel Cancer Prevention: Increasing fibre and nutrient diversity in the diet is crucial for families with a history of bowel cancer. Our bread enhances the bioavailability of key minerals and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which are vital for preventative health measures. The diversity in fibre supports gut health and may reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Dr. Kimbell will explain the role of personalised bread in bowel cancer prevention.

Cancer Support: For individuals undergoing chemotherapy, our bread recipes are designed to accommodate changes in taste and texture preferences. Chemotherapy can alter taste buds, making certain foods unpalatable. Our recipes are tailored to provide essential nutrients and maintain calorie intake during treatment, ensuring patients receive the necessary nourishment. You will learn how to personalise bread for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

Blood Sugar Management: Proper management of blood sugar levels is essential for overall health, especially for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. Our bread helps manage blood sugar levels by providing a steady release of carbohydrates, reducing spikes and crashes. This contributes to better overall glycaemic control and supports long-term health. Dr. Kimbell will discuss the benefits of personalised bread in managing blood sugar levels.

ADHD, ASD, and Autism: Our bread is specifically designed to support neurodiverse individuals by providing increased fibre and nutrients that create metabolites beneficial to brain function. The fermentation process reduces gluten and FODMAP content, making the bread easier to digest and reducing bloating and discomfort. This is crucial as it can help manage the unique dietary needs associated with these conditions. You will discover how to tailor bread recipes to support neurodiverse individuals.

Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity and IBS: While we do not specifically work with coeliac disease, our fermentation process degrades gluten and FODMAPs, making the bread easier to digest for those with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and IBS. This reduces bloating, pain, and discomfort, supporting better digestive health. Dr. Kimbell will explain the benefits of our fermentation process for individuals with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and IBS.

Women’s Health: During menstruation and menopause, women often need additional support for managing symptoms like constipation and bloating. The soluble fibre in our bread aids gut transit and supports overall digestive health during these times. Additionally, our bread provides nutrients that can help balance hormone levels and support women’s health. You will learn how to create bread recipes that support women’s health.

Athletic Performance: Athletes benefit greatly from our focus on gut microbiome support and nutrient availability. Our bread helps maintain blood sugar balance and extends nourishment through polyphenols, aiding muscle repair and overall performance. Athletes often suffer from gut dysbiosis, and our bread helps restore gut health, which is essential for peak performance. Dr. Kimbell will discuss the benefits of personalised bread for athletic performance.

Anaemia Management: The fermentation process in our bread neutralises phytic acid, making key minerals like iron more bioavailable. This is particularly beneficial for those managing anaemia, as it helps in the retention and absorption of iron levels, thereby improving overall health. You will discover how to personalise bread to support anaemia management.

Sleep Quality: Proper sleep is crucial for overall health, and our bread supports this by providing essential nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins. These nutrients help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality. The fermentation process also enhances the production of serotonin, which is a precursor to melatonin, further supporting restful sleep and managing insomnia. Dr. Kimbell will explain how personalised bread can improve sleep quality.

Elderly Nutrition: Supporting the elderly in maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for their overall well-being. Our bread provides essential nutrients, easy digestibility, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which are vital for older adults. Baking also provides a sense of purpose and community engagement, enhancing mental health and well-being. You will learn how to tailor bread recipes to support elderly nutrition.

Conclusion

Attending this course at The Sourdough School offers more than just baking skills; it provides a holistic approach to health through our BALM protocol. With over two decades of experience and numerous dietary intervention studies supporting our methods, we offer a proven way to improve both physical and mental health. The joy of baking, the sense of community, and the health benefits make this course a unique and enriching experience. We invite you to discover the transformative power of baking as lifestyle medicine