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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The America gut project and other similar initiatives have significantly advanced our understanding of the complexity and importance of microbiota in human health and disease. The evidence suggests that a diverse and balanced microbiota is associated with health, while an imbalance (dysbiosis) can contribute to various diseases. The research has found significant variability in the composition of the human microbiome across different populations, reflecting factors such as diet, lifestyle, environment, and socio-economic status.

There is little doubt that poor diet in disadvantaged social groups suffer from a less healthy microbiome due to poorer monoculture and low-fibre diets, higher stress, and reduced access to healthcare and healthy environments. Diversity is related to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), as socioeconomic factors can influence a person's microbiome, which in turn can impact their health. Addressing diversity could therefore contribute to improving microbiome health and reducing health inequalities.

 

The image shows a large brown paper bag labeled "Botanical Blend no. 2" from The Sourdough School. The bag appears slightly crumpled, giving it a natural, handcrafted look. The label includes text indicating that it is a blend of wholegrain flours. The bag sits on a wooden countertop, and the background is softly blurred.

Botanical Blend Flour – Supporting diversity in the gut, and diversity in the environment.

Miguel

MIGUEL TORIBIO-MATEAS on Sourdough, the importance of diversity & the Gut Microbiome

fermented creme pâtissière

Fermented Crème Pâtissière – Probiotic Diversity

Diversity leavens

Diversity Soup

sourdough school loaf

Sourdough Diversity Loaf – Using Botanical Blend No 13

Increase Your Diversity Score With A Muesli Leaven

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