Pursuit of Gut Happiness: A Scientific and Simple Guide to Use Probiotics, Herbs and Spices to Achieve Optimal Gut Health

Across all cultures it has been known for thousands of years that “all disease begin in the gut”. Human gut is about 25 feet long and carries 100 trillion microbes that make the human gut a very efficent bioreactor with many functions key to human health such as regulation of metabolism, immune balance, digestive processes and more.

Research over the years has reconfirmed that a healthy digestive system in fact is the key for overall health & wellness. Clean functional foods, probiotics, spices, herbs, fresh organic fruits and vegetables need to be a part of everyday life. As a board certi ed Integrative Gastroenterologist of Indian descent, I plan to bring a wholistic viewpoint on how our food plates should look. Eat clean, be well.

FEATURING:

• Tips to Improve Gut Health

• Probiotics & Prebiotics

• How Probiotics Work

• Introduction to Turmeric & Spices

• Essential Vitamins & Minerals for Gut Health

• INVIGORATING RECIPES

Dr Rajiv Sharma, also lovingly referred to as "Dr. Rajiv", was born and raised in Punjab, India. By growing up in an agricultural community, fresh and homemade "farm to table" sustenance was all he knew. He learned early on the appreciation of nutritious food. Deep knowledge and a passion for healthy living and health food selection were instilled in him by virtue of his upbringing. He grew up drinking fresh milk, enjoying mangoes & mulberries on his family farm in Northern India. His father used to put 5 Almonds in his school shirt pocket so that he can snack on almonds instead of candy. He learned from his parents, that "You can only have a healthy mind if you have a healthy body". His interest in "Good Healthy Clean Food" piqued from the science of digestion that eventually led him to pursue Gastroenterology training. He met his wife in Northern India when she was visiting her grandparents who lived in a quaint village located at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a majestic location abundant in mineral water springs, surrounded by snow capped Himalayas. Then Dr. Rajiv moved to California where he pursued his Internal Medicine residency training at the prestigious Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. The city of Loma Linda is a community esteemed for their healthy lifestyle and has been labelled as one of the Blue Zones of the world- known for longevity and clean lifestyle. Loma Linda's philosophy of "Making Man Whole" by focusing on a healthy mind, body, and spirit balance further cemented the beliefs and ideology Dr. Rajiv was instilled with at a young age. Dr Rajiv specialized his medical training in Gastroenterology at the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York. He learned under the mentorship of Dr Richard G. Farmer who has pioneered the field of Gastroenterology and had previously served as the Chief of Gastroenterology and Chair of Medicine at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in, Ohio. Training with Dr. Farmer went outside the hospital which included "healthy pizza teaching sessions" to understand the digestive system. After New York, Dr. Rajiv moved to Indiana to initiate a Gastroenterology practice. He was attracted to Indiana because of the commonplace agricultural communities made him feel at home. The Hoosier kindness and acceptance makes him feel at home. Dr. Rajiv believes in science reviews the science behind every new health & wellness idea. He has published a lot of scientific articles in leading American medical journals. He received the Walter McPherson society research excellence award at Loma Linda University in 2007. At Loma Linda he also started a sports club to help physicians stay physically active. He has done a lot of scientific research on liver, gut health and immunity. He applies the healing science of complementary and alternative medicine to his medical practice as well his own life. He is active with Charity and Community Services Local & Overseas, Dr. Rajiv has worked closely with Gilda's Club in Evansville, IN to organize laughter clubs and healthy cooking classes for cancer survivors. In his hometown in India he supports a charity that helps handicapped children pursue education to gain self-respect and raise their social status