This lesson starts by tracing the history of the demonization of cholesterol and saturated fats, and the promotion of industrially produced seed oils. The different fats available from the natural world is explored, illuminating an intriguing connection with the sun. The fatty acids in seeds and those found in animals are surveyed and compared. Attention is then turned to the fascinating history of the ‘vegetable oil’ industry and its deleterious consequences for human health. The lesson concludes by looking at the range of healthy fats available in food.

Grains have become a staple food for the modern world. As we will learn it has not always been thus and they are a relatively new arrival in the human nutritional fare. We will learn in depth and detail about these grass seeds, how they are in nature, the modern varieties and the consequences their consumption has on human physiology and health.

In this lesson we start by looking at the models used to describe the intricate and unfathomably complex realm of Proteins – and we contemplate the limitations of these representations. The basic biochemistry of amino acids and proteins is then explored from their coding in the DNA to their folding into three dimensional shapes. We look at some of the specific proteins that compose our structure – bone, muscle and fascia as well as the fine extracellular matrix. Maintenance, recycling and regeneration of our proteome is studied in detail, as it is critical to all aspects of health. Thus, understanding the factors that degrade and impair renewal of our protein fabric, we are better placed to nurture it from youth to old age.    

This lesson reviews some of the basics of protein biochemistry, then turning attention to the proteins available in food. First, the microbial realm is acknowledged for fixing Nitrogen from the air into the soil, making it available for protein production in all plants and animals. A look at some of the more severe examples of protein malnutrition in humans gives an appreciation of its structural essentiality. Learning the roles of individual amino acids in our biochemistry, then gives appreciation to some of the more subtle expressions of specific deficiencies. The protein profiles and bioavailability of different foods is then explored, bringing clarity to nourishment that might best support our proteome.

In the introduction we first acknowledge the profound elemental nature of what we call nutrition; through death, life is nourished. Something as simple as knowing what as humans we are to eat, has become a fraught arena of conflicting ideologies, investments, biases, misinformation and marketing. In this confusion we review different frameworks for understanding what ‘is’ and reorientate to the ‘scientific method’. The invitation here is to bring awareness and curiosity to each of our biases, keeping heart and mind open to learning. We then shift the the focus is the art of fasting, and its important role in maintaining human health. Fasting shifts the body into nutritional ketosis and engages the clearing and renewal of the proteome through autophagy. We look at the mechanisms of these cellular and physiological processes and contemplate their benefits. Fasting is compared with calorie restriction, and different approaches to abstaining from eating are considered, as well as care that needs to be taken, and contraindications.

The focus of the next lesson is the art of fasting, and its important role in maintaining human health. Fasting shifts the body into nutritional ketosis and engages the clearing and renewal of the proteome through autophagy. We look at the mechanisms of these cellular and physiological processes and contemplate their benefits. Fasting is compared with calorie restriction, and different approaches to abstaining from eating are considered, as well as care that needs to be taken, and contraindications.  

In the introduction we first acknowledge the profound elemental nature of what we call nutrition; through death, life is nourished. Something as simple as knowing what as humans we are to eat, has become a fraught arena of conflicting ideologies, investments, biases, misinformation and marketing. In this confusion we review different frameworks for understanding what ‘is’ and reorientate to the ‘scientific method’. The invitation here is to bring awareness and curiosity to each of our biases, keeping heart and mind open to learning.

In Nourishing the Inner Terrain – The Essentials, seeks to establish the biological foundations for what might be considered appropriate nourishment for the human body. Different food categories are surveyed – from those considered cleansing and medicinal, and those that are nutrient dense, providing the building bricks for the body’s structure. This provides a context for what might be considered appropriate in each individual’s metabolism. Essential macro- and micronutrients are considered as well as their presence in different food groups. Some more troubling chemicals from the plant realm are given focus – the anti-nutrients and phytochemicals such as oxalates. In conclusion we consider the simplicity of what might be thought of as real food – and what falls short of this definition, being biologically unnecessary and potentially toxic.

In the introduction we first acknowledge the profound elemental nature of what we call nutrition; through death, life is nourished. Something as simple as knowing what as humans we are to eat, has become a fraught arena of conflicting ideologies, investments, biases, misinformation and marketing. In this confusion we review different frameworks for understanding what ‘is’ and reorientate to the ‘scientific method’. The invitation here is to bring awareness and curiosity to each of our biases, keeping heart and mind open to learning.

In Post Modern Dietetics, we look at what lies behind the so-called ‘science’ of nutritional research and dietetics. Starting by revisiting the scientific method,we look at the design of trials, how ‘evidence’ is assessed, and review 9 important means for establishing causality – the Bradford Hill Criteria. This highlights the challenges in reaching conclusions from epidemiological research on nutrition. Distortions in interpretation are elucidated, particularly that of relative and absolute risk. The important landmarks in the development of the ‘Food Pyramid’ are noted, including the role of Kelloggs, Ancel Keys and the McGoven report. Understanding these powerful interests helps us begin to recognise patterns at play in the realm of nutrition and health ideologies.

In the introduction we first acknowledge the profound elemental nature of what we call nutrition; through death, life is nourished. Something as simple as knowing what as humans we are to eat, has become a fraught arena of conflicting ideologies, investments, biases, misinformation and marketing. In this confusion we review different frameworks for understanding what ‘is’ and reorientate to the ‘scientific method’. The invitation here is to bring awareness and curiosity to each of our biases, keeping heart and mind open to learning. 

The Tailoring the Approach, we bring together the learning in a way that it can be applied in practice. We start by reviewing what is and what is not food, moving on to review nutritional ketosis and diets configured to carbohydrate tolerance. Approaches of plant and animal based nutrition are then looked at, weaving depth and nuance into the considerations. We touch on ways that seek to tailor nutrition to our ancestral lineages and our individual constitution as in Ayurveda. Finally, a series of case studies are shared demonstrating how what has been learnt can be put into practice.

In the introduction we first acknowledge the profound elemental nature of what we call nutrition; through death, life is nourished. Something as simple as knowing what as humans we are to eat, has become a fraught arena of conflicting ideologies, investments, biases, misinformation and marketing. In this confusion we review different frameworks for understanding what ‘is’ and reorientate to the ‘scientific method’. The invitation here is to bring awareness and curiosity to each of our biases, keeping heart and mind open to learning.

In What Our Ancestors Ate, we start by contemplating our physical emergence as a species ‘Homo Sapiens’, then compares our gastrointestinal tract to that of our nearest ape ancestors and our fellow mammals, as this can tell us a great deal about the foods we are designed to process. Moving on, we look at the work of Weston Price and others which illustrates that indigenous people from all continents lived free of chronic diseases. This offers many insights into the foods that maintained their health and vitality, and demonstrates how their body’s nutritional needs adapted to the ecologies they were part of. We look at some of the deleterious physical and ecological consequences in losing these ways of being. Attention is then turned to look in more detail at foods from the plant and animal realm that might be considered appropriate nourishment, their benefits and ways of preparing.  

This lesson focuses on the critical and often underappreciated biochemical cycle of methylation. We learn of its importance in a vast array of essential biological processes, from the sculpting of the body within the mother’s womb, to detoxification and cell membrane health. We then look at the related interlocking cycles that affect production of neurotransmitters and the powerful antioxidant, glutathione. Focus is turned to the detail of these enzymatic pathways, and to factors that can clog and slow down these cycles including genetic SNPs, nutrient depletion, stress and toxicity. We are then better able to appreciate the individuals who are vulnerable to problems in these pathways and laboratory measures that may be of help confirm methylation issues. Two key vitamins – B12 and folate are of particular importance and are explored, as well as the means to remedy imbalances and keep the methyl groups flowing.

This lesson starts by looking at the anatomy and the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract, with particular focus on the hepatobiliary system. Reviewing the diverse responsibilities of the liver enables an understanding of the downstream consequences of problems affecting this great organ of metabolism. Having gathered an understanding of its function and common disorders, the laboratory indicators of liver imbalance are explored. We also pause to consider the energy centres or chakras that live below our diaphragm and contemplate livers' place in the Chinese and ancient Greek system to reflect on what this may speak about its deeper and more nuanced aspects.

Biotransformation describes the body’s ability for alteration of any chemical – natural or synthetic. The liver is the organ that holds the greatest capacity for this alchemy. Toxins that are fat soluble need to be made water soluble in order to be excreted in bile, sweat and urine. The process by which this occurs involves several interlocking phases. This lesson focuses in depth and detail on each step of this complex process, bringing to light factors that may support or impede the body’s capacity to remove unwanted chemicals from bowel health to SNPs. This understanding then provides a foundation to both assess and support each individual’s detoxification process.

This last lesson in the series on toxins gathers an overview of what has been covered, to then focus on approaches that may enable the body in its process of detoxification. Attention is first given to reducing exposure and integrative strategies supporting gut and liver health as well as nutrition and stress reduction. From this foundation, fasting and nutritional ketosis is considered as a means of mobilising toxins stored in fat. The great range of phytochemicals that impact the CYP enzyme pathways are considered as well as supplements and nutrients that may support the liver in its work of biotransformation. The final excretion of toxins in bile, stool, urine and sweat is explored, and chelation and binding therapies that can help ensure their removal. Finally, we contemplate the deep cleansing benefits of the diverse traditions of sauna from the sweat lodge to the banya.

This lesson introduces the subject of toxins. First, a broad overview on the subject both historical and semantic is offered, with particular focus on the toxicity accompanying the era of industrial development. We then look at the mechanisms the body has evolved to deal with toxins generated naturally as by products of metabolism, and toxins entering from food, the microbiome, through the air and the surface of the skin. The Phase 1 and 2 and CYP family of enzymes are introduced, as well as the genetic SNPs that can alter their function. Attention is then turned to significant toxins that have been generated through human intervention: Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, and Glyphosate. Understanding the history, lifecycle and actions of these substances, both in the environment and our bodies, opens insights into how to reduce exposure and support their removal.

This lesson reflects on the feedback mechanisms that keep us upright and alive, and the consequences of the overuse of these natural adaptation responses. It starts by looking at the historical context and research on homeostasis and the stress response. In allostasis we explore the consequence of sustained stress on the neuro-endocrine and immune system, and the downstream effects on all organ systems. The feedback loops between these systems are contemplated, as well as the central role of the mind in framing the perception of threat and thus the response to the world. The last part of this series looks at the biomarkers of allostatic load as a helpful means of assessing and monitoring the specific configuration of stress burden in each individual.