by 
If you have ever read the blog Agriculture Society and appreciated what you found there, I hope you will enjoy this brand new site.
I am the author and owner of Agriculture Society, and founded that site in 2006. I wanted to share with others what I was learning about natural alternatives in health. Almost 9 years later, I still have that same desire. I have founded this site as a way to share my knowledge and experience of teaching GAPS and healing foods workshops to those reading online.
In 2011, I began the GAPS Diet developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride, following it as closely as possible for almost 2 years. My results on GAPS enabled me to overcome chronic health issues including panic and anxiety symptoms and insomnia which controlled my life for over 20 years.
Although I have not observed a wide range of discussions about those who have resolved panic and insomnia issues with GAPS, I believe this is a remarkable discovery and hopeful solution for those who suffer from these chronic conditions.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America:
“…anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18% of U.S. population). Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country’s $148 billion total mental health bill, according to ‘The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders’, a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry,60(7), July 1999).”
A report from Medco shows the use of medications used to treat psychological and behavioral disorders increased 22 percent between 2001 and 2010:
“…more than one‐in‐five adults was on at least one of these medications in 2010. Women are far more likely to take a drug to treat a mental health condition than men, with more than a quarter of the adult female population on these drugs in 2010 as compared to 15 percent of men.”
From Sleep Education:
Among adults in the U.S.:
• 30 to 35% have brief symptoms of insomnia.
• 15 to 20% have a short-term insomnia disorder, which lasts less than three months.
• 10% have a chronic insomnia disorder, which occurs at least three times per week for at least three months.
I would guess those numbers are probably higher due to the fact that not all incidences are reported. I never wanted to be someone who relied on medication for anxiety, but at least a few times before I resolved my issues with food, I became desperate and took drugs. What I learned is that those drugs didn’t solve the root of the problem, and in fact, things only became worse.
In Gut and Psychology Syndrome, Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride discusses how damage to the gut from poor diet and lifestyle habits greatly contribute to issues like hyperactivity, ADD/ADHD, depression, learning disorders and fine motor skill degeneration, and even schizophrenia. Based on those observations, it’s not a stretch to say GAPS or a similar healing protocol could also resolve panic, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
I have taught workshops, organized events, prepared supporting literature for those events, shared educational information with those in need in various capacities including providing educational sessions/coaching, and continued to produce online content.
I believe the GAPS Diet is an effective healing protocol, but acknowledge that it is not a one-size-fits-all diet and that there are other effective protocols for healing and recovery from chronic health issues. Above all, my goal is to share information about beneficial ways to heal the gut or digestive tract with real food and other natural methods, whether it is by GAPS or other means.
Although not everything you will read here represents the philosophy of The Weston A. Price Foundation, the research of Dr. Weston A. Price has been and continues to be a significant influence in my life. I am grateful for the presence of The Weston A. Price Foundation, founded in his name in 1999 by Sally Fallon Morell.
In 2004 or 2005, I had been doing a great deal of online research and came across the Foundation’s web site. I really appreciated its mission and information, and stance on sustainable food, farming, and nutrient-dense diets. In my opinion, the outreach done by The Foundation and by extension its members and all others affiliated including practitioners, bloggers, activists, authors, and others is some of the most necessary and profound on our planet.
Health begins in the digestive tract, so I want to focus on what I consider to be one of the most important aspect of wellness. As I have in the past, I will also publish about sustainable farming, food politics, recipes, and most anything related to Traditional Wellness Wisdom.
Thank you for joining me here. I look forward to sharing information and ideas as I embark on the next chapter of my health education journey!
Yours in health,
– Raine Saunders
by