Ahimsa Spiritual Foods

THE IMPORTANCE OF ORGANIC, UNPROCESSED FOODS

The human body contains about ten times as many microbes as human cells, and most of them live in the gut!

New research shows that these germs form a symbiotic relationship with the body and the body and mind are in better health when these intestinal flora are in balance. Medical studies show effects on the brain, liver, immune response, allergies, asthma, autism, parkinson's and a host of other relationships that are being explored. The proper balance cannot be maintained when we are consuming chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, dyes, flavorings, genetically modified foods and loads of sugars and chemical combinations that are packaged as food in our culture. These bacteria and our bodies have evolved together over thousands of years and thrive on natural unprocessed foods. There is a stress response of the body called "digestive leukocytosis" which occurs after ingesting foods which are overcooked. Most of the foods in this country are irradiated and pasteurized in the name of food safety. These processes kill all bacteria, good and bad. In the science of gnotobiotics, or germ free environments for lab animals, it was recognized very early in the 50's that germ free animals could not be kept alive without the supplement of vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, this is what is happening to us today as our food supply is being sterilized and we find ourselves increasingly reliant on vitamins and minerals to maintain our health. Manufacturers add vitamins to milk, bread, cereals and other foods to replace the wheat germ and wholesome fats and nutrients that are processed out or would spoil with extended shelf life.  Natural foods need to be consumed fresh in order to get the health benefits nature put into them.

    All of the current research has far reaching implications for what we consider to be nutritional information. Together with other studies regarding the influence of bacteria on immunology and organ functions, it makes sense that we need to be colonizing bacteria and taking them regularly. This is accomplished by consuming fermented products like lacto fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, kim chee, pickled vegetables, traditional miso, tempeh and traditionally fermented soy.  These are great ways to preserve foods and to help the body in it's process of culturing these important bacteria which are a part of our health. Soaking and sprouting grains and legumes can reduce or eliminate cooking times and in many cases enhances the nutritional benefits of the item. It also removes chemicals that interfere with digestion and cause gas and bloating.  Raw dairy products such as raw milk, yogurt, kefir, raw milk cheeses, cottage cheese, raw cream are useful as long as they come from grass fed cows that are well cared for in small herds.   Some states, such as Pennsylvania, have inspection and testing  programs to certify raw dairy products for consumption.  It is important to note that after working with raw dairy products for years and seeing raw milk turn naturally into yogurt and then cheese on its own without any additives or cultures, it really makes one appreciate the ingenuity of nature that God created. Seeing this for yourself removes the fear that has been instilled in us about natural foods and our connection with nature.

    In addition to the benefits to our health this is also a food security and a food justice issue. With the proper training anyone can prepare these foods for themselves and be able to grow their own food for their family or even for their community. It supplies locally grown foods to those who need it the most. Some statistics say that most U.S. cities have only a few days supply of food on the shelves in the local stores, and in an emergency or natural disaster this could lead to panic and violence. Local food sources supply jobs not only to those who farm or supply farmers, but to those who prepare, distribute and serve foods. Many states consider these food and agriculturally related fields an important part of their economy and perhaps the most important part. This is true economic security.

 In agriculture, the soil must have organic matter such as cover crops and mulch to maintain the bacteria and fungus in the soil that are necessary for the uptake of minerals into the plant that makes the plant robust and resistant to diseases and pests. These pests and diseases cannot take over a healthy plant but the plant depends on a lively soil for its health and vitality. This life in the soil depends on organic matter and is destroyed by synthetic chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides.  In the same way, we are discovering that our bodies need bacteria for a lively and robust health. We have a symbiotic relationship with these bacteria that help us to process foods and take in the minerals and vitamins and enzymes needed for cellular regeneration. If we could realize the potential of bacteria to work within us and internally farm an eco culture that vitalizes the body, perhaps we as a culture could be much more productive and peaceful without the feelings that we are always in need of something else to satisfy us. Much like the movie Avatar, we have a connection with all living things in our environment that are more a part of us than we would care to admit. Rather than looking on the body as a mass of hostile invaders, we could learn to tend a garden of internal flora that lives within us to nurture and support us. It is part of the same flora that surrounds us. Perhaps this is the beginning of bringing the Kingdom of God upon earth. To realize that the body is a temple of the soul and is a part of this earth, but the soul is apart from it. This earth is the Garden of Eden and to help to create this is the future of our health and true happiness.

Please read our reference pages to the left and for even more information, please do your own research by searching gut bacteria or intestinal flora on the internet.

Please note that this website is for informational purposes and not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals.  If you have a medical condition it is important to get treatment from a professional first and then do your own research for long term healing.  Information and statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

(And would likely not be appreciated)

If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.
 Thomas Jefferson  

Thanks for your interest.

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