In this episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, I have the distinct pleasure of talking with Jason Demchok, a chef and lifestyle medicine enthusiast who shares his personal journey towards a whole food plant-based diet.
Jason shared how meeting with Dr. Lou, an MD with expertise in environmental toxins and hormones, changed his life by recommending a plant-based diet. This conversation highlights the power of lifestyle medicine and the importance of making conscious food choices for our health.
In particular, the episode focuses on the benefits of fermenting vegetables for improved gut health and overall well-being.
Fermentation is an age-old process that has been used for over 8,000 years to preserve vegetables by selectively breeding probiotics that protect food from bad bacteria. Jason explains that fermenting creates a whole ecosystem of bacteria inside the food, which can lead to improved gut health, digestion, and nutrient absorption.
Fermenting is also an easy and fun process to learn, and Jason encourages listeners to try fermenting at home. He even offers a free lesson to anyone who contacts him after listening to the podcast.
Jason and I discuss the harmful effects of consuming animal products and processed foods, and the importance of incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables in one’s diet.
We touch on the addictive nature of cheese, the harm caused by dairy farming, and the role of food manufacturers in creating products that are designed to be addictive. The conversation emphasizes the importance of the microbiome and how plant-based diets can heal the gut.
To start a basic plant-based diet, Jason recommends beginning with greens, organic beans, apples, and cucumbers. He also recommends using whole food dressings such as tahini and balsamic vinegar.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at fermenting vegetables, Jason recommends using mason jars with fermentation tops, which are available on Amazon. He emphasizes the importance of cleanliness when fermenting and recommends using organic vegetables for the best results.
This episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast highlights the power of fermenting vegetables for improved gut health and overall well-being. By adopting a whole food plant-based diet and incorporating fermented vegetables into your meals, you can take control of your health and enjoy the benefits of a healthier gut. So why not give it a try?
Learn more about Jason
Jason started cooking with his father as a child and went on to learn traditional cooking methods and herbal medicine from grandmothers and holistic doctors across the world. After decades of experimenting with many diets and supplements, he met Dr. Shanhong Lu MD. PHD who taught him the importance of Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine with an emphasis on systemic detoxification and the high-fiber Whole Food Plant Based Diet. Following her advice, he experienced relief after a lifetime of digestive and metabolic issues and has been able to easily maintain it for years.
Committed to sharing the message of Lifestyle Medicine, he combined 30+ years of culinary training to teach others how to feel joy and creativity in their kitchen, while maintaining optimal health. Instead of teaching mere recipes, he carefully guides others to master the ABC’s of traditional culinary skills such as fermenting vegetables.
Beyond teaching people to cook, he is committed to do everything he can to support the wonderful Lifestyle Medicine community, especially the MDs. Just like everyone else, MDs are faced with many physical, emotional and financial struggles. Being the front-line healers of society, it’s so important that they themselves are healthy! He has teamed up with MDs, High-Performance Mindset Coaches, Project Managers and Social Media Content Creators to create a path for Lifestyle Medicine MDs to live a holistic lifestyle that includes eating nourishing food, reducing their stress, moving with grace, optimizing their sleep, eliminating toxins and maintaining healthy relationships; while having financial and time freedom.
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