"I was pretty healthy and happy, I thought, but realised I wasn't thriving. Shanti introduced me to the microbiome protocol and guided me through the approach based on where I was physically and mentally. I am vegan, so Shanti worked with my personal requirements of only plant-based foods, herbs and some supplements. It was surprisingly easy to adjust my food intake to heal and support my microbiome. It kicked off an unexpected journey of deep healing on all levels: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I realise now that I accepted some physical and mental challenges as 'normal', but they have disappeared. Within 4 weeks my outlook on live and my health has changed. I feel completely transformed and 10 years younger. This is only the beginning, this isn't temporarily, this is a change for live." - Martine Baanvinger, Golden Bay
“My family (5 people) and I went through Shanti’s microbiome protocol together. Icannot fully express how grateful I am for this experience. Not onlywas the food delicious, it revolutionized our health. I’d beensuffering headaches for many years and these have since disappeared,my daughters’s stomach issues went away, and my wife lost somestubborn weight. The diet is now a constant part of our lives. Shantiprovided such good service throughout the process. It makes adifference dealing with someone who lives what they are offering.” --David Bott, Golden Bay
"I am a fairly active person who loves to eat. I particularly love dairy and good bread. The idea of giving up gluten had crossed my mind many times, but it seemed like an enormous sacrifice. After reading the Microbiome Protocol by Dr Rafael Kellman, I decided to give the full Microbiome protocol a go. It happened to coincide with the beginning of level 4 lockdown in NZ and felt like a perfect time to go inward and focus on my own personal well being. I have done several fruit and juice detoxes and liver / gall bladder cleanses before with positive results. The Microbiome Protocol has been, by far, the most rewarding and transformational cleanse I have done in my life. In fact, my mind and energy levels have shifted in such a positive direction, there is no way I can go back to my previous way of eating gluten, sugar, refined foods, preservatives, etc. Sure, I may occasionally indulge on a savoury pie or a French baguette but I will also notice how I feel afterwards and keep these types of treats for the rare occasion with family or friends when I am eating out. Some observations from my past 6 weeks on the Microbiome Protocol: -The quality of my sleep at night has improved dramatically -My thoughts and my brain are more responsive/reactive, clearer and sharper -I am not feeling the first signs of hunger/cravings until late morning -I feel I have endless energy when chopping wood, tramping, cycling etc -I am eating more deliberately and fully enjoying the flavour and texture of my food -I am eating in smaller quantities yet not feeling "hungry" -I have regular, consistent and more "powerful" bowel movements -I crave the crunchiness of nuts and fresh fruits and fermented vegetables -I have lost a few kgs and converted it into muscle -I noticed a significant improvement in sometimes hazy/dull vision I had some questions along the way regarding permitted foods, reactions, energy levels, etc and Shanti's expertise and advice was extremely helpful. I also really liked that Shanti has completed the Microbiome Protocol and had quite a transformational shift herself so she can relate directly in some capacity to my questions and experiences. It was also beneficial to know she is stocked with a full range of supplements and products if I needed any along my journey. Removing sugar from my diet (except from fruit) has significantly reduced my need to snack and when I do a handful of almonds or a homemade treat is enough to get me through to the next meal. I feel like the majority of food I am eating is fresh. My food bill has gone up slightly but I am more than happy to pay for the higher quality ingredients now feeding my system and enabling me to sleep better, wake with more energy, think with more clarity and feel more positive. Try the Microbiome Protocol - it may change your life too! Thanks Shanti and Thrive Therapies for an amazingly positive shift in life." --Namaste, Taj
"I am week five of eight weeks of what I'm calling a biome re-set. I had been looking to change some eating and behavioural patterns for a while and I knew when I heard Shanti talk about thie biome cleanse that this was the one for me. Shanti has worked with me with other cleanses and body work, and I know that she is totally onto this line of work. Trust her completely. I've found this re-set easy, exciting and totally transformative. I'm imagining that I wont be eating much dairy, wheat or sugar from now on- time will tell, but I definitely will be eating less. I enjoy eating this way and this is a place Ive been wanting to be for a long time. My energy has totally picked up , my body feels clean and clear as does my mind. Whereas before the reset I knew I wanted to be feeling this, I was butting up against negative barriers in my being which were inhibiting me in so many ways. I am so much less reactive, my body feels like the inflamation has gone and my eyes and skin are shining. I am now in my present moments more potently and so looking forward to all that is to come." -- Annie Turner, Golden Bay
"Already it has been a few months since I have completed my microbiome protocol. I have had a great experience. I have lost 4 kg and maintaining since. I am eating 50/50 at the moment and I still feel good. You were very supportive and approachable. Your knowledge about microbiome was great. It was great working with you Shanti! I want to say: "Big big thank you!" -- Ejay, Coromandel
"The improvement to my health is amazing! Going from extreme pain in my left shoulder and chest for the last three years, not knowing what from, physio, doctors and osteopaths...no answers. But as my microbiome healed and I made the correct food choices (the pain has mostly gone) guided by you Shanti is so what I needed. You are so knowledgeable and grounded. I have and continue to keep the permanent life food choices. Losing weight was an extra bonus, that I thought wasn't important but realised it was." -- Carrie Dobbs, Golden Bay
"The microbiome reset was at the perfect timing for me, personally as I was bogged down in body, mind, and emotions and ready for a shift. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations that this would be significantly different than my twice-yearly cleansing fast. The structure of the protocol felt relaxed and gentle, while the supplements and Shanti's guidance were great support throughout. It felt easy, and so I was truly surprised to experience a great amount of emotional as well as body cleansing-- leaving me with physical energy, mind clarity and a renewed zest for life. -- Aralyn, Golden Bay
"The Microbiome Protocol as created by Shanti has been a dynamic and extremely beneficial experience. It has now been six months since a small group of us started the programme which involved not only changing what we ate but also the ways we approached nourishing ourselves including mindfulness, journaling, yoga, and the sharing of food preparation and experiences. I'm still marveling at the transformation in myself, which is both subtle and profound. Any change that is noticed on the outside has come from within. I'm no longer led by my emotions towards overeating or eating for comforts sake. The change feels lasting too. Even though I've never been on any kind of diet before, I have heard reports that dieting (often for weight loss), can easily 'fail' in terms of going back to old habits. I undertook the protocol for reasons of overall health and well being knowing that weight and fluid loss (due to a reduction of low grade inflammation) would likely be one of the benefits. These days all I need to do is 'listen to my gut' and know that it never leads me astray. There are certain foods that I haven't re-introduced back into my diet as it turns out that my body would prefer not to have them, and yet the occasional small portion is fine, so I never feel 'deprived'. Also I feel completely satisfied (i.e. full) from eating less food every day, so the compulsive aspect of eating hardly arises, and when it does I most often go for protocol food items. I no longer yawn throughout the day, (unless I'm seriously lacking sleep ;-)) and my energy levels generally feel boundless. My body feels 'just right', and there have been positive shifts in many aspects of relating to self and others. I found Shanti's personal yet professional approach to be the perfect balance of providing clear individual guidance and support while also remaining open and flexible to the overall needs of our group. I also appreciated her experience; having tried and tested the protocol herself. Her ability to maintain a consistent tone of sincereness, kindness and humour coupled with a much needed championing spirit, was what helped me to stick with the plan and to find the 'I can do this' attitude when the going got tough. I aliken the programme to taking an ocean voyage - where the days are not all calm waters and clear skies - however riding out the odd rough sea of emotional food craving is more than worth the arrival in paradise. With Shanti at the helm I strongly recommend jumping aboard and sailing this journey of discovery for your well being." -- Rae McDowell, Golden Bay
"I have decided to do Shanti’s Microbiome diet again this winter I felt so good after doing it last year. I have kept the 10 kgs off even without effort. For example Xmas was really naughty. I know my food fetishes have shifted although not perfect but I figure each year I will get better and better especially with Shanti’s help." -- Christine Carter, NZ
"I did the microbiome protocol with Shanti last year and it has been life changing for me. I have dropped 10kg and my energy levels are great. I love the structure of the protocol, and also the flexibility within the structure. Shanti's knowledge and support through the process are fantastic. I highly recommend the microbiome protocol with Shanti for anyone looking to re-create their relationship with food. Viva la microbiome!" -- John Black, Golden Bay NZ
"I found the protocol very easy to follow & to do. It was great to become familiar with more food substitutes to cow dairy, like coconut milk & sheep yogurt. Loved the increase of lentils in my diet and the seed crackers are a revelation! I find that I have more awareness to fermented food and I intend to apply more cultured food into my diet and have minimum gluten & sugar as possible. The outcomes are that I have no pollen hey fever, no itchy arms. I lost about 9cm waistline and probably about 4kg so I feel like I’m back into my ideal weight. It was good to have a break from drinking wine, I think it contributed to my energy level. I sleep very well and wake up with the first light feeling ready for the day.. perfect timing as my days are super duper busy at the moment. I’ll definitely keep eating with a gut health awareness. Thanks for your wisdom & support." -- Galit Maxwell, Wellington
“Life changing. I did the Microbiome process with Shanti and it has completely changed my relationship with food. Gut health really is one of the core aspects of my well being and now that I’ve experienced it, I won’t go back because I feel so good! I look around at people who aren’t using the protocol who are experiencing health problems and I think ‘try the protocol!’ I’m not stiff any more and I feel very tuned into my body. Also, when I’m really dose up on probiotics (eg sauerkraut, which I used to fear) I notice my appetite lessons as I’m filled up nutritionally.” -- Charlotte Squire, Golden Bay
"Doing this diet/protocol for 2 months was super easy and I definitely didn't feel like I was missing out on anything with all the yummy alternatives available these days to sugar etc. It is certainly a 'journey' which each individual experiences differently...it is a 'reset' of alot more than just your gut microbiome! Some days I felt really elevated, needed less sleep, and had lots of energy, and other days it was the opposite. You have to take a lot of supplements etc throughout the day which support the whole process but again, you just get into the swing and habit of it all and it is only for 2 months, which goes pretty fast! I was mainly doing this to lose some of my middle age muffin top spread and was very happy to lose 5.5kgs after 2 months, and to feel lighter in my body. It was a very easy and safe way to shed some weight with the added advantage of a nice new healthy gut and immune system! Shanti was awesome with her knowledge and support throughout, and it is definitely something I have the know how and experience to do again in the future if ever I am feeling the need to lose some weight or get my health/immunity back on track." -- Sarah Manson, Golden Bay