October 2024 – Clarity

Updated: Oct 9

Inspirations:

After returning from our holiday in France, I immediately delved into a series of workshops, demos and talks on fermentation. I find it incredibly rewarding to spark people's interest in the world of fermentation, particularly in light of the significant impact our gut health has on various diseases.

Recently, I delivered a presentation on the gut-brain axis to a group of 25 NHS psychologists, which required me to step out of my comfort zone and put together a thorough PowerPoint presentation. While it was a challenging endeavour, it held great significance for me. It was a profound reminder of how our brain is intricately connected to our dietary choices, and how those choices greatly influence our brain function. In today's society, we often resign to fate and rely solely on medical professionals to alleviate our symptoms and address our problems, thereby losing touch with our own power and connection. It is time for us to awaken to the reality that it doesn't have to be this way.

I strongly believe that humanity's health has been exploited, and it is crucial to awaken as many individuals as possible to reclaim our inherent power. By cultivating a keen awareness of our beliefs, actively exploring our experiences, fostering curiosity and interest, we can challenge ourselves to initiate meaningful changes and resist external influences dictating our choices for resolving issues. I recommend watching the insightful film First Do No Pharm, which, despite having low production values and requiring a fee ($10), is truly worthwhile as it is authored by a fearless GP and includes many contributions from former 'insiders'.

Clarity is also part of being aware of what is happening in the skies - as well as seasonal changes - which can have a massive impact on our bodies. Solar flares have been more frequent and stronger this year, especially following the two eclipses and new moon at the start of this month. Consequently, symptoms such as aches and pains, tinnitus, and chronic fatigue may be experienced.

I love the idea of practicing Equanimity, it is a lovely word that means: "a state of psychological stability and composure which is undisturbed by the experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, or other phenomena that may cause others to lose the balance of their mind". It is very much about staying at peace, finding your centre and basically having clarity of the mind.

Clarity and sustained concentration are essential to stay focused, along with optimal cognitive function. This largely involves brain health. Recognizing the gut-brain connection, and maintaining a healthy gut leads to clearer and sharper cognitive abilities.

It remains puzzling to consider that a potential remedy for Alzheimer's lies in a mass-produced pill by pharmaceutical companies, when the core of this disease lies in diet and lifestyle choices! It's crucial to educate individuals, restrict and tax harmful foods, rather than investing in big pharma. Explore Patrick Holford's advice on Alzeihmer's prevention in his initiative backed by leading scientists aiming to prevent this epidemic.

In October, as the autumn kicks in and is associated with the metal element in Chinese medicine - linked to the gut, lungs, brain, and skin - consider reducing gluten and wheat consumption, increasing intake of green juices containing celery, fennel, spinach, parsley, and apple. Incorporate white foods like cauliflower, cabbages, parsnips, pears, and fermented foods and drinks for revitalization.

Boost your well-being with additional Magnesium (150mg twice daily) and begin a course of Vitamin D (3000ui spray) as daylight diminishes, enhancing sleep, mood, gut, and brain health.
Remove gluten for a while or just go with sourdough. This is so important for clarity! Check out the Grain Brain from Dr David Perlmutter.
Are there enough good fats in your diet? We are looking for good omega 3 fats. Find out the about the miracle oil that is coconut oil!
Limit sugar intake to a couple of fruits daily, supplement with extra Vitamin C (1000mg twice daily) and cinnamon to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques.
Start your journey and discovery of fermented foods & drinks to enrich your gut micro biodiversity
Experiment with intermittent fasting 2 to 3 times weekly, abstaining from food for 14 to 16 hours (typically from 8pm to 11am the next day) to give your digestive system a break.
Kickstart your metabolism by drinking warm water with half a lemon or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in the morning.
Start the day with a 20 minutes exercise to manage weight and sluggishness effectively, combining strength, cardio, and sprinting.
Begin and end your day positively with affirmations and gratitude reflections for three things you cherish.

I have been discovering the power Tulsi tea or Holy Basil, it is a great herb for brain health and clarity combined with Rosemary. If you have a polytunnel it is very easy to grow!

This month is also the month for cauliflower, why not try a Kung Pao cauliflower, it's one of my favourite ways of cooking this amazing vegetable and is lush with a spoon of Ginger Krautslaw!

My mantra for this month is:

I am a divine expression of Life

I accept healing, I accept myself

GOOD TO KNOW:

> Great Taste Awards Latest News and flavours updates:

Our Ginger & Lemon won a star again for 2024 but also our Lavender YAY!!!

Our flavours will be changing towards the end of this week as we are waiting for our new labels. Our Blackcurrant will become Blackcurrant and Hibiscus and our peppermint will become Lime and Mint.

> One more festival in 2024:

Newport Food festival (Sat Oct 12th)

> South Wales Fermentation Revolution:

The WhatsApp group for fermentation enthusiasts is growing with each market and event I attend, welcoming new fermenters. If you are keen on learning and sharing your fermentation experiences, kindly provide your phone number to join us! (07515493402) Please note that the group is open to those residing in the South to West Wales region.

We are planning a Gathering on Tuesday 26th of November! Tickets are available now so don't wait too long to secure your space!

> Salt from the Vendee: Our salt from the Vendee is available on line and at markets! It's a slightly grey and sticky Celtic salt, the best you can find!

> Initiatives for Promoting Wellness: Our exciting mission is to share our expertise with a broader audience and make the wonderful world of fermentation accessible to all! If you know of anyone keen on exploring fermentation, whether they're individuals, communities, or venues, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We offer engaging presentations, hands-on demonstrations, enriching workshops, and delightful tasting experiences showcasing water kefir and sauerkraut. Let's spread the joy of fermentation together! Click here to get a glimpse!

> Bridge Studio News: We are currently focusing on expanding our offerings to more independent shops and reducing the number of markets we attend. We have acquired a 2-head filling machine and have now invested in a labelling machine (manual), as well as introduce new flavour variations in the Autumn! We are looking to expand our team, so if you are interested in being part of our exciting journey, please contact Laure or Alan!

> Website links and references: We have a page featuring links to authors, books, and podcasts that we enjoy has been included on our website! Check it out!

> Accessories: Absorb Glasses and T-Shirts: Our vibrant T-shirts and drinking glasses are available for online orders or can be bought at markets.

> Drinking Water Kefir for better health: If you want to drink our Water Kefir regularly to support your health journey, there are 2 money-saving options available:

Join our subscription scheme by filling in this document and emailing it back to us at (absorbhealth@outlook.com) *.
Learn how to make it yourself! We can sell you some grains, give you a receipt and teach you all you need to know!

*We deliver all around Cardiff and surrounding area - and further afield (see below).

> Grouped Deliveries outside of Cardiff: We have 2 separate delivery runs each month that go east of Cardiff one week and west of Cardiff on the other. Please get in touch if you live in the areas detailed below and want a Water Kefir delivery:

. Gower, Mumbles, Swansea, Swansea Valleys to Pontardawe and Ystradgynlais: Next runs are Thurs 10.10/ 7.11 . Newport, Monmouthshire and Bristol: Thurs 24.10/ 21.11

WORKSHOPS and TALKS on Fermentation and Digestive Health:

Our last workshops and demos at St Fagans Food Festival, Coed Hills Rural Artspace, St Peters Edible Gardens and Cardiff MET Uni in Llandaff have really been amazing and I have had such great feedback. I am so grateful and happy to have helped more people to start their fermentation journey.

Here are the next workshops due after the Summer holiday:

Saturday October 26th, Global Gardens, part of grow your own series – It's FREE but your need to register and bring an empty jar!!
Saturday November 2nd , Insole court– 10.30 to 12.30 AM - SOLD OUT

ABSORBHEALTH presents *The GREAT GUT GATHERING*, Tuesday November 26th: an evening at Coed Hills for fermentation enthusiasts: includes a discussion panel with foraging, wild fermenting & cooking experts, a buffet featuring fermented foods (by Chef Becky of @onlylovekitchen), sharing our ferments (please bring your latest fermentation creation) and some great music! Tickets are NOW available!

Please check my calendar for the latest updates on which markets I'll be attending in the next couple of months and links to workshops (some will be updated later)!

WATER KEFIR

Flavour of the Month:

We are launching our new Lime and Mint flavour as the flavour of the month until we move on to our Festive flavour in December.

Do your bit for the environment and remember to return your empty bottles and sauerkraut jars - reusing is much better than recycling!

Happy Autumn season! Thank you for following Absorb!