SCAN & Urja Holistic Health and Hypnosis presented Food as Medicine Workshop

This wasn’t just another health talk, it was a full-circle experience of gut health, fermentation, relaxation, and empowerment  and it left the room buzzing with energy and excitement! On June 26th, 2025, the Sustainability Community Aid Network (SCAN), in partnership with Urja Holistic Health & Hypnosis, hosted a dynamic and enriching Food as Medicine workshop. Far more than a typical health seminar, this interactive session offered participants a full-circle experience, exploring gut health, the art of fermentation, relaxation techniques, and holistic empowerment. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the room was alive with curiosity, connection, and renewed energy.

Learn more about the broader initiative behind this workshop here: Sustainability on My Mind – Nurture and Renew.

Exploring the Gut Microbiome:

The day kicked off with a powerful session on the gut microbiome, the trillions of helpful bacteria that live in our digestive system and play a huge role in our overall health.

Participants were amazed to learn that a healthy gut microbiome:

• Aids digestion and nutrient absorption
• Produces essential vitamins
• Supports a strong immune system
• Protects against harmful bacteria
• Regulates weight and metabolism
• Maintains gut barrier integrity
• Balances mood and brain function
• Controls inflammation
• Even impacts how well medications work
  

It was a real eye-opener, because when your gut is happy, your whole body is happy!

LIVE Fermentation Demo: Make Your Own Gut-Healing Drink

A hands-on fermentation demonstration where we made a simple, natural fermented drink that supports digestion, boosts immunity, and tastes amazing!

Here’s what we used:

• 2 Apples
• 1 Liter of Water
• ½ Cup Jaggery (natural sweetener)
• Optional spices: chili, cinnamon, cloves — your choice!
  

How to make it:

1. Mix the jaggery into water in a clean jar.
2. Add chopped apples and spices.
3. Cover with a cloth and secure with a rubber band.
4. Ferment in a warm, shaded place for 8–10 days. Stir twice daily.
5. Strain & store in the fridge once it reaches your desired taste.
   

Everyone left with not just a recipe, but the confidence to try fermentation at home and start supporting their microbiome naturally!

After learning and tasting, it was time to breathe, relax, and unwind with a guided chair meditation led by Jigna, an amazing yoga instructor.

This session reminded us that it is important to keep us less stressed and calm, and just a few moments of mindfulness a day can:

• Lower stress and cortisol levels
• Calm the nervous system
• Improve digestion
• Enhance emotional well-being
  

It was the perfect way to close the circle: food for the body, peace for the mind.

Everyone who attended the workshop shared that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a lot about the concept of food as medicine. Participants also had the opportunity to try a new form of meditation, which many found refreshing and insightful. We’re thrilled with the positive feedback and are already looking forward to the next workshop. We can’t wait to see you all!

Join Us for Our Next Workshop: July 10th, 2025!

Feeling inspired? We hope so because we’re inviting YOU to our next big workshop!

Upcoming Workshop: Dental Health Awareness & Support

Date: July 10th, 2025, 4:00-7:00pm
Location: Four Corners Health Centre: 7205 Goreway Dr, Mississauga ON L4T 2T9

Oral health is more than just a nice smile,  it’s deeply connected to heart health, digestion, and even brain function. This workshop will teach you everything you need to know about WellFort programs and the importance of oral health.

Bonus for Attendees:

• FREE Massage Therapy
•  FREE Dental Care for: Youth (under 17)
• Seniors (65 and over)
  (Must meet eligibility requirements)

Spots are limited — don’t miss out!
Register today at: Dental Health Awareness and Support Workshop Series

Let’s keep building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

We can’t wait to see you there!