"All disease begins in the gut." Hippocrates

• Have you been wondering: what is all this buzz about the microbiome?
• Do you want to learn why fermented foods are so great for your body, mind, and emotions?
• Would you like to learn how to make fermented foods yourself?

This day of wellness begins with a dynamic, alignment based yoga practice followed by a healthy, seasonal lunch. You’ll have an opportunity to taste samples of fermented vegetables and drink a sparkling seasonal fruit water kefir.

After lunch, John will lead a workshop about fermentation theory, nutrition, the brain/gut connection. You will learn how to create tasty and healthy ferments at home, get access to John’s many recipes, and you’ll make a jar of fermented veggies to take home with you.

What is the microbiome? Scientists are continually discovering more about the microbiome and the gut/mind connection, and I have been diving deep into this as part of my study of functional medicine. Scientists have linked the bacteria in your gut to obesity, anxiety, depression and much more. Your gut is the home to bacteria–both good and bad. The beneficial "bugs" break down food, support the immune system, create neurotransmitters, make hormones like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, and much more.

For optimal health, you want a rich and diverse community of beneficial bacteria–and those good bugs need to be fed. This class will cover fermentation history, chemistry, the health benefits, fermentation methods, and give you many recipes to take home and create on your own. 

Chef John has been fermenting a variety of goods for years now, and loves to share his methods and his recipes. He is a passionate teacher, and he always brings many ferments to taste and discuss.