‘Vanessa’s work on sourdough and the gut microbiome is changing the way we think of food, health and baking.’– Professor Tim Spector, Founder of Zoe
A Comprehensive Online training programme in Nutrition and Digestibility of Bread
Duration: 2 years
Total Sessions: 30 Live sessions (10 sessions per term)
Terms: Autumn, Spring, Summer – our live sessions follow a traditional term timetable so you have breaks for Christmas, Easter, half terms and summer holidays
Self-Paced Learning: Structured support to keep students on track, but flexible to accommodate varying schedules
Who Should Attend This Course?
Bakers: Professional and Domestic
This course is ideal for both professional and home bakers who are passionate about creating nutritious, environmentally sustainable bread that nourishes their communities. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the science behind bread making, including its nutritional benefits and impact on health. By learning to craft personalised bread, bakers can differentiate their offerings, support customer wellness, and enhance the overall quality of their products.
Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare providers, including GPs, dietitians, physiotherapists, and frontline staff, will find this course invaluable for integrating baking into preventive healthcare. By understanding the therapeutic benefits of bread making, professionals can use bread as a form of lifestyle medicine. This approach can enhance patient care, support mental well-being, and promote gut health, making it a powerful tool in healthcare settings.
Anyone Interested in Lifestyle Medicine
For those interested in the broader implications of food on health and well-being, this course provides the knowledge and skills needed to use bread as a means of promoting wellness. Dr. Kimbell’s research and the BALM Protocol offer insights into how personalised bread can positively impact both physical and mental health, transforming bread from an ultra-processed food into a nourishing staple. Whether you aim to improve personal health, support community wellness, or contribute to the field of lifestyle medicine, this course equips you to make a meaningful impact.
The BALM Protocol: Baking as Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Kimbell’s research highlights the transformative power of bread through the BALM Protocol. This innovative approach focuses on using diverse, personalised bread recipes to support gut health and mental well-being. The course draws on findings from dietary intervention studies that show a positive impact on the gut microbiome and mental health, making it relevant for healthcare professionals and bakers alike who want to improve the health of their community.
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‘Vanessa’s approach to baking nourishes both the gut and the mind.’
– Dr Michael Mosley‘This is a journey. And these aren’t just courses. Kimbell wants to change the bread we eat, one loaf at a time. She’s the real deal: a total inspiration.’
– Diana Henry, the Telegraph.
Vanessa offers Diploma students a 
The Course is designed for bakers
The Sourdough School Diploma: Course Structure and Commitment
