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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Proving it ...

BALM CASE STUDIES

Welcome to the BALM case studies library, where we have compiled a collection of case studies that showcase the impact of Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM) on people's lives. We don't just make claims about the health benefits of Diversity Bread and The BALM Protocol—we prove them.

Through years of dedicated research and comprehensive case studies, we've lived, worked, and breathed our nourishing approach to bread. The evidence is phenomenal: here we share how our methods not only enhance physical health but also improve mental well-being. Discover the real-world impact of our groundbreaking work here.

Our work is evidence-based, (meaning that the insights and teachings we share are grounded in real-life experiences and outcomes.)  We have gathered these case studies over the years to illustrate how our approach to baking can have profound effects on health and well-being, particularly for individuals who may have struggled with mental health issues and noncommunicable diseases or digestion issues in the past.

Disclaimer: We’ve made this library available to see and give you an overview of some of the studies and examples to showcase the work we do at the Sourdough School.  However, the full case studies in this category are only accessible to members. If you'd like to learn more about our work, please get in touch.

Evolutionary theory Folate and a closer examination of the gut contents of a 4th century man

The BALM Protocol Dietary intervention Case Studies – 2019

Crohn’s Disease Case Study: BALM and no flare-ups

Case Study: IBS & BALM

Case Study: BALM, Paralysis & Gut Motility

Case Study: Bowel Cancer. BALM is slow, thoughtful and nurturing. It’s good for the soul.

Case Study: BALM & reversing pre-diabetes

A 2400 year old case study – a closer examination of the gut contents of a 4th century man

Miguel

So does our approach to baking really change the gut microbiome or the way you feel?

Case Study: lower levels of anxiety, reduced headaches & improved satiety

Case Study: Sleep & BALM

Case Study: BALM and significant change in butyrate producers, and lower levels of stress and bloating

Case Study: a change in bacterial balance, lower risk of IBS, & skin inflammation improved

Case Study: Microbial Imbalances

Case Study: significant improvement in sleep, indigestion and restlessness

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