• 75% of those who take their own life are male (ABS, 2022).
• 9 people take their lives every day.
• 1 in 4 children will develop a mental illness by age 14.
• An unknown number of Australians attempt suicide every year, with some estimates suggesting this figure may be over 65,000 (Slade et al, 2009).
• Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44 (AIHW, 2022a).
• The suicide rate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is twice that of their non-Indigenous counterparts (ABS, 2022).
• People in rural populations are 2 times more likely to take their life by suicide (AIHW, 2022b).
• LGBTIQ+ community members report having attempted suicide in the past 12 months at a rate 10 times higher than the general Australian population (Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, 2021; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, 2020).
• Beyond the tragic loss of the person, the impact of suicide deaths are felt by up to 135 people, including family members, work colleagues, friends, first responders at the time of death (Cerel et al, 2019).
• Males aged 85 and older experience the highest age-specific rate of suicide (ABS, 2022).
• An estimated 1 in 3 of Australians reported feeling lonely (AIHW, 2021). Lifeline is here to listen.

The current treatment models for mental illness on offer are out of reach, inaccessible or unaffordable for the majority of Australians, most psychologists have wait times up to 12-24 months, whilst many aren't accepting new patients, and the cost of a psych consult has increased to an average of $200 per hour, a price that most Australians can't afford to pay, on top of trying to keep up with sky-high livings costs.

Now more than ever we need to prioritise holistic health becasue the current model simply ISN'T working. Not only that, but the natural alternative is the cheapest, safest and most effective way to treat and prevent 95% of mental and neurological illness cases.

Current compelling research has proven that the focus needs to be on microbiome, metabolic and mitochondrial health, because these factors directly impact the quality of our mental and neural health.

We need to throw out the toxic bandaid solutions, and focus on treating the root biological and emotional causes that are leaving so many suffering in silence, losing their sense of self, purpose and hope.

THIS IS THE SOLE PURPOSE BEHIND IKKAGAI: To give people a reason to live again.

Iki meaning “to live”. Gai meaning “your purpose” = “your life purpose”.

The journey to IKKAGAI is deeply personal and was the result of a tragic loss for the founder and her family, when the father of her kids was diagnosed and killed by terminal brain cancer. Edible Earth wouldn't exist to help others if it wasn't for the traumatic experience of seeing someone you love, slowly lose who they are, their quality of life, their ability to talk, walk, eat, go to the bathroom, or do any basic day to day activities. The scars are deep as many who've lost will attest to, but it alwasy leaves us with a choice... for Sarah it was to either let grief consume her, or find a way to get out of bed each day, if not for her, for her 2 kids.

Edible Earth slowly evolved from age and chronic disease prevention, to researching the links between metabolic and microbiome health and their impact on mental and neural illnesses. It further cemented Edible Earths position as the Australian holistic health pioneers, by including a natural and desperately needed mental health protocol to reduce these heart wrenching statistics and end the suffering of generations.

When they were lost int he depths of darkness, it was leaning into nature and holistic health that saved them. Also driven by a mothers innate instinct to do anything to protect and save their kids from pain and harm, Sarah says she also didn't want her children to follow a generational tradition of becoming a victim of your unfortunate circumstances, saying:

"I wanted to find meaning behind something so senseless, and that meant doing the inner work to be able to carry and guide my children through the hardest experience they will ever have to go through, at an age that was far too young to comprehend such a profound loss.

I wanted to live by example as any parent does, finding the silver linings in any tragedy, teaching them to find purpose through pain, to find motivation and resilience in discomfort, and to never allow adversity to outweigh the light in the world, or within them. Whilst i wouldn't wish this experience upon anybody, it's a gift in the sense that it gives you so much compassion and empathy for others, and an unshakable passion to end the suffering that's completely preventable in the majority of cases.

To know that the majority of suffering in this world is a result of OUR choices, beliefs, and lifestyles, is the most empowering revelation anyone can have, because regardless of what is thrown at you in life, how YOU choose to deal with it dictates whether it will destroy you or make you unbreakable - the power always lies within YOU. It forces you to ask yourself questions like: will you choose light, or darkness? The easy road, or the hard road? Cheap thrills or meaningful challenges? I really want my children and every other child to grow up knowing that no one is fundamentally broken or sick, and that our body is always working for us, not against us, and that they always have a choice, no one can ever take that away from you. I want them to know the power in that and how it shapes the world, because it is literally the only way that we break these toxic generational traumas and diseases that have been passed down for far too long.

I often get asked "how do you do so much? how did you get through it? how do you manage a company and raise 2 small kids with no support?"... I now believe that our capabilities are well beyond anything we can comprehend, and our ability to adapt is miraculous, we're all capable of so much more than we're aware of. But, I'm no different to you, underneath all the unique lives we have, we all have the same fundamental needs of love, purpose and health - and ultimately that's because we are the same on the inside regardless of race, or socio-economic background, there are universal natural lores to follow which have been passed down through ancient civilisations to ensure as humans, we reach our full potential, procreate and thrive. At the end of the day we are all made of the same compounds, we're literally just stardust from the heavens, designed to shine bright into the darkness, and GLOW.

Having these insights now doesn't mean the journey and the lessons were easy, or that i didn't make wrong choices whilst trying to heal my body and mind. Sometimes i chose to numb the pain in unhealthy ways, sometimes my traumas took the wheel and steered me down paths i should never have gone down, i failed over and over again, and was treading water for many years, in survival mode, healing is never linear, but there was always one thing that gave me a tiny bit of hope and led me home to myself, to find truth, tenacity, discipline, integrity, love, light and purpose in helping others - and that was nature, and all that she embodies.

And now, 8 years after Lee was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, after having the privilege of learning from holistic and conventional specialists around the globe, and obsessing over thousands of hours of research, i believe to my core, that there is NO man-made disease on this planet; like cancer, that can't be prevented and cured NATURALLY. Our bodies are miracles by design, created to thrive off the perfect ratios of energetic compounds only found in nature, and can never be replicated by any human or lab."

Those days that shape you:

The day that Sarah decided to create IKKAGAI was the day that her 6 year old son Olli said to her; "I want to die, so i can see daddy again in heaven". Something no parent should ever hear, and no child should ever feel. It's a moment in time forever burnt in her memory. Sarah now believes every experience has led her to this calling to help others, it's given her insight that can only come from being in the depths of the darkness, not wanting to live life, and experiencing the failures of a flailing mental health care system.

These experiences always confirm that the current treatment models that have become the norm, don't work, and aren't sustainable long term, and the science proves that -  for example: running for 30 minutes or taking 3,000mg of omega 3 oil everyday, is more effective at treating depression and anxiety than ANY pharmaceutical medication like an anti-depressant.

Sarah had the luxury of knowing the current science behind neurobiology and nutritional neurochemistry, so when her children struggled to find their way, she refused to resort to drugging them, numbing them with a bandaid solution, that would cause further issues down the track. This is not to shame anyone who has used these medications, i have in the past and sometimes pharmaceuticals provide a necessary intervention for extremely severe cases as a quick survival mechanism, however, they are NOT a long term, sustainable solution.

The solution lies in returning the body back to balance.

And this is how IKKAGAI was born...

WHAT IS THE IKKAGAI PROTOCOL?

It's the holistic nutritional solution essential to bring the body & brain back to biological balance & harmony, to prevent & alleviate mental illness.

This evidence-based combination of over 500+ synthetic free, live micronutrients & lifestyle rituals, target the root cause of mental illness & chronic disease regardless of circumstance, and is scientifically proven to repair, regulate & optimise microbiome, metabolic & hormone health, to remind the body of it's innate ability to heal itself, when given the right tools.

WHATS INCLUDED IN THE IKKAGAI PROTOCOL
1. Organic adaptogen CALM mushroom blend: Reishi, Chaga, Maitake, Lions Mane.

Studies published in "The Lancet Psychiatry" and "Journal of Psychopharmacology", as well as research out of Harvard, MAYO Clinic, NIH and Stanford, demonstrate the mushrooms ability to repair the body/brain connection through a variety of vita bioenergetic vitamins, terpenoids, polyphenols, enzymes, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, necessary to stimulate happy hormones or neurotransmitter, prevent oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and neurotoxicity and promote neurogenesis

2. GLOW gut hydrolysed keto marine collagen: Peptides & L-Glutamine.

A happy healthy gut = a happy healthy brain.

GLOW is designed to support digestive lining and microbiome health. 80% of your stomach digestive lining, is made up of collagen, that depletes by 1.5% each year from our mid twenties, disorders such as leaky gut, ulcers, IBS, and poor microbiome health. 75% of happy hormones (neurotransmitters like serotonin) are made in the gut, as well as receptors for GABA, Glutamate and Mitochondrial ATP and ADP carriers, so when we have poor gut health our gut/brain axis is compromised, causing mental illness. World leading psychiatrists like Dr Chris Palmers of Harvard, Neurobiologist, Dr Andrew Huberman of Stanford, and physician/diabetologist Dr Russell Wilder of MAYO, and the worlds leading neurologists and neuroscientists have established that microbiome and gut/metabolic health are directly linked to mental health.

3. DETOX all-in-one probiotic micronutrients

Raw, live micronutrients target the 3 main causes of mental illness and neurological dysfunction: chronic inflammation, poor metabolic and microbiome health, and nutrient deficiencies, as it's the richest natural source of raw live vitamins, flavonoids, minerals, antioxidants, free amino acids, anti-histamines, essential fatty acids and digestive enzymes. Our bodies require specific micronutrients so cells can function and communicate effectively. However, 80% of the modern world eat ultra-processed foods more than 3 times a day; due to this rise in ultra-processed food consumption, our bodies have become highly deficient in many of the essential nutrients needed to ensure our bodies are balanced and work in harmony, to prevent chronic disease and degeneration.

4. Comprehensive Nutritional Mental Health Literature

Educating and empowering people with healthy, natural and safe alternatives that will safeguard full body and brain wellness and longevity to promote mental health! Containing the latest research behind the most effective, natural treatments for mental and neurological illness so you know what you’re ingesting is backed by science and recommended by leading mental health and wellness specialists from around the globe.

A Little more about our CALM mushrooms for mental health:

Chaga:

An immunological powerhouse and potent anti inflammatory, this fungi friend is renowned for its ability to modulate and restore the immune system. With a long ancient history in Northern Europe & Asia, it has the ability to regulate and rejuvenate, studies show that Chaga has the ability to lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, reduce disease a whole range of risk factors and prevent free radical formation being a strong antioxidant. Many studies show the potential for chaga mushrooms to slow the growth of cancer cells.

Its also increasingly being shown in research to be a potent contender in the fight against both cancer prevention and even treatment itself with one study showing that using the chaga supplement resulted in a 60% reduction in tumour size. Other research shows it helped prevent the growth of cancer cells in the liver, similar results have been seen in lung, breast, prostate and colon cancers. This is really exciting news and why we have chosen this incredible powerhouse to be included in our formula.

Chaga contains specialised gut friendly compounds called polysaccharides this acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in your microbiome, which is the foundation for your entire body’s health.Your gut microbiome is the single most important aspect influencing your overall health, it has more impact than anything else, important right! Its been clearly shown that gut microbiome is what determines our mental and not just physical health. When our beneficial bacteria within our gut are not happy or fed the correct nutrients they cannot perform their role in keeping us healthy and free of disease.

A daily dose of CALM provides your beneficial gut bacteria with the necessary compounds to perform at their best, keeping you mentally and physically well.

Reishi:

Known as a calming and uplifting mushroom, Reishi has more studies than any other mushroom with an enormous track record of efficacy and a genuine ability to greatly assist with Insomnia, both acute and chronic stress, depression, anxiety and any kind of inflammatory condition. Also a powerful immune modulator, shown to have cancer protective benefits as well as being a strong antioxidant and containing many beneficial polysaccarides. Reishi also has a particularly special ability to regulate stress hormones such as cortisol, this gives it a unique ability to calm you down.

Lions mane:

The nerve regenerator, yes you read that right this incredible mushroom has been clinically shown to help regenerate nerves! A powerful anti
inflammatory and containing highly beneficial polysaccharides, this mushroom is
truly unique in its ability to repair and restore function to injured and dysfunctional
nerves and neurons. With inflammation now shown to play a key role in the development of conditions such as depression and anxiety, Lions mane is a true ally
in your quest to be the most well being that you can.

Maitake:

Very rich in beta glucans this mushroom is renowned for its ability to
regulate blood sugar and endocrine abnormalities associated with metabolic
dysfunction. It’s a heart health mushroom with its ability to reduce cholesterol,
improve artery functionality and overall cardiovascular health to lower your risk for
heart disease. Maitake also has properties of Immune system support, anti
inflammatory compounds and flavonoids. The beta glucan also ensures that your
friendly gut bacteria are fed nutrients to keep them functioning optimally.

A little more about our GLOW 02 Collagen Peptide Gut Elixir:

With 600 reviews on our website, this is our specially formulated elixir for digestive health, it’s created to provide intensive digestive support for issues such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, impaired digestion, reflux, GERD, IBS, Leaky Gut, Crohn’s, SIBO, and any kind of inflammatory or auto immune related gut problem. It contains L- GLUTAMINE a nutrient used as a first line therapy by many Naturopaths and Functional doctors as its ability to heal the damaged gut junctions within the gut wall are second to none!

L GLUTAMINE is required in large amounts by the body, Nobel prize winning biochemist Fritz Lipmann found that it improves healthy gut immune response, regulating auto immune responses within people, it is therefore of particular importance when dealing with any kind of microbiome impairment such as with SIBO or Leaky Gut. Knowing that there is a direct connection between gut health and brain health means that we need to most of all care for our microbiome.

L GLUTAMINE is a pre curser to neurotransmitters such as glutamate which have a calming effect on the brain, when glutamate levels become disrupted it can even lead to exacerbation of symptoms associated with Bipolar, anxiety, depression,epilespy and other neurological conditions. For anyone dealing with food sensitivities, L GLUTAMINE is also excellent as it reduces inflammatory cytokines within the gut wall which reduces intestinal inflammation.

A short summary of the I K K A G A I Protocol & support system:

We can also provide advice & assistance with additional support available to address lifestyle factors and ensure all bases are covered for your journey to Wellness. We are advocates for saunas, ice baths, staying physically & mentally active, getting plenty of sunlight, rest, deep sleep, living in harmony with our natural circadian rhythm to ensure our hormones are all calibrated and in tune where they should be to have us feeling our best.

We love cold pressed green juice and bullet proof coffee with MCT oil, excellent for staying in ketosis while providing hydration, minerals and micronutrients. A ketogenic wholefoods low carb style of eating as we have mentioned in the past, is also of huge benefit and is now shown in hundreds of studies to be anti inflammatory and highly beneficial for balancing blood sugar and of course keeping our microbiome happy!

Lets not forget community, passions, purpose, family and most of all love, this is our foundation for all we do here and we are truly grateful to serve you here at Edible Earth, together we can rise and create the world we dream of for ourselves, our children and generations to come.

"If we heal ourselves, we heal the world"

In loving memory of Lee Henderson.