Empowering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living & Microbiomes
Empowering Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living & Microbiomes
I’ve been wrestling with how to articulate my thoughts on the desire to analyze herbs for specific nutrients especially minerals. To break down these complex plants into neat little lists of vitamins and minerals, to quantify their goodness in milligrams and percentages is not always best (extractive in nature). I …
Your hunger and passion to eat illustrate the body’s need for daily nourishment. However, the food we consume cannot be directly utilized by our internal systems. It must undergo a series of transformations to make vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates available to the body through complex biochemical reactions. These …
except from the Human Microbiome Course Manual This is one of my favorite stories because you know the story. You already know what I’m going to tell you… I’m just going to bring it to your attention. Some of the words you might not understand yet, but you will understand …
The pervasive presence of microplastics in our environment has become an increasingly alarming global concern, with these tiny plastic particles infiltrating every aspect of our world and our bodies. Recent studies have revealed the shocking ubiquity of microplastics, from the peaks of Mount Everest to the depths of the Mariana …
We’ve all heard the term “weed,” which often conjures images of unwanted plant invaders. However, a nuanced perspective reveals that weeds play vital roles in the grand scheme of soil health. While some weeds can be disruptive in cultivated areas, they contribute to preventing soil erosion and enhancing soil stability …
(except from the “Human Microbiome & Kitchen Alchemy” book) When we create our fermented veggies, we become GABA producers, crafting an incredible compound right in our kitchens. These nutritional powerhouses are finally gaining the recognition they deserve for their role in health promotion and disease prevention. GABA, or Gamma-aminobutyric acid—which, …
In an era of rising energy costs and growing interest in sustainable living, many are turning to traditional food preservation methods. Dehydration, one of the oldest techniques for extending the life of food, is experiencing a resurgence among homesteaders, off-grid enthusiasts, and those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. While …
Living in Ecuador, I now tend to my eight cashew trees, which I planted nearly four years ago. When I first planted them, the trees were just 3 inches high. Witnessing their growth has been an incredible journey. With both male and female trees necessary for fruit production, I was …
We have all heard of taking turmeric (curcumin) with black pepper (piperine) to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of curcumin. Piperine, the bioactive compound found in black pepper, has been shown to significantly increase the absorption of curcumin by inhibiting metabolic enzymes that break it down and increasing intestinal permeability. …
The natural world never ceases to astonish me. Learning about the microbes (the unseen world) and the recent research into plant senses (communication) raises the intriguing questions about whether we truly understand how nature is alive and conscious. Can plants hear? Do they possess the ability to sense …