[g_podcast id="10032275"]
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Akuma Saningong about why we have the power to beat burnout and stress in the digital age.
Among other things, we talk about:
I am delighted to have Dr. Akuma Saningong as my guest in today's interview. Akuma comes from Africa and only learned German as an adult. You'll recognize that from his accent. You may find that you don't understand every word exactly, but it's definitely worth sticking with it, because what Akuma says has the potential to give you a lot of strength and new energy to tackle things in your life that you haven't tackled yet.
Akuma holds a doctorate in natural sciences and has worked in both research and industry. He is a speaker and motivational trainer, both in the field of personal development and entrepreneurship, and speaks on topics such as the right mindset and inspiration.
His unique selling point is that he combines science directly with personal development. Akuma translates some of that science into universally understandable messages to help people lead a good life.
He is convinced that today's digitalization brings many advantages, but also poses new challenges. Especially when it comes to people's health in terms of stress and burnout.
I'm now looking forward to playing the interview for you and hope that it will clarify some things for you, such as the supposedly huge influence of our genes on our health.
Julia: Welcome Akuma!
Akuma: Thank you, Julia, for allowing me to be your guest.
You are originally from Cameroon and came to Germany when you were 22. Is there anything you miss about your old home?
Not exactly. Sometimes the food. I miss the local cuisine.
Can you cook in Hamburg like you do at home? Or do you miss the ingredients?
Both. When I came to Germany 20 years ago, it was very challenging. Now there are African stores where you can get the ingredients.
Did that affect your digestion when you came to Germany and were forced to change your diet?
When I was still living in Cameroon, I was lactose intolerant. But I didn't know what it was because I didn't eat much yogurt at home back then. But when I ate things that had to do with milk, I had stomach pains, constipation or diarrhea. And when I came to Germany, I ate more yogurt because I had more access to dairy products and then of course the symptoms got worse. I spoke to a friend about it and he told me that I might be lactose intolerant. That was the first time I had ever heard that word. I read up on it, went to the doctor and now when I eat something containing lactose, I take a lactase tablet.
They say that Africans don't tolerate milk well genetically. Have you researched this?
I've read and heard this too. It's mostly true, but I hardly hear any complaints in my family.
Sometimes people don't even realize it. I keep finding that people think that having flatulence and diarrhea is normal. There are people who actually have digestive problems but don't realize it.
Just like me. I didn't know I had the problem until I was tipped off by a friend.
You are originally a scientist and studied biology and biochemistry, is that right?
Biochemistry, yes.
Your specialty is that you combine knowledge from science with personal development. Where do you see the strengths of the scientific approach? What do you like about science?
Science is an objective thing. It's not about emotion. It's just the way it is. Other people judge it. Before we publish the science, that is: other colleagues (who you don't know) get your work and judge it in a completely neutral way. We can take the findings of science, if they are correct, for the people who are skeptical. And that's why I combine personal development and science, to bring the insights for us on the path of how great we all are. And to unleash our potential and our abilities!
My work also aims to help people live their lives the way they want to, and in order to do that they need a body that has the energy to do so. They need their zest for life, their ability to concentrate and much more. I think that's very nice, our goals fit together quite well!
One of your mottos is that when it comes to developing potential, you say: 'You are stronger than you think'. Why do you think people don't think they are strong? Why do they underestimate their own strength?
There are various reasons for this. Our conditioning by society, by the family, by school, etc. We have mostly been brought up through criticism. Many people are not used to receiving praise, but rather to being criticized. Why you're late, why you're not doing a good job, etc. And if you've been used to such unconstructive things all your life, you think you're useless and can't offer anything.
And then we're below our limits.
And when we start to bring out the strengths in people, we take them further! When I strengthen you, it gives you a positive ego. You realize that someone has seen something in you, that you are valuable. In the end, it's a win-win situation. You feel confirmed in your abilities and you've got what you wanted. Why many people don't know what they're made of is because of the things I've just said and also because of beliefs. The story they have told themselves. Many say of themselves 'I'm not loving. People hate me'. When you tell yourself things like that, what do you expect?
My aim is for people to realize again that they are in control and that we can do a lot ourselves through the way we approach things. can bring about. And by the way we think! I also think in terms of health. My topic is the gut and health, because I say quite clearly: that's where it all starts. And if you're not healthy, you can't really be happy. We could achieve a lot of positive things, especially in the healthcare system, if we convey the messages accordingly. Not saying 'You're seriously ill now and you'll never get off medication again'. That also triggers something in the recipient of this message.
I brought a very nice proverb with me in the course of this interview. 'If the gut is healthy, any illness can be cured'.
The gut is so important! There is also a lot of research going on at the moment, we are talking about the microbiome. The microbiome is the entirety of all microorganisms that live in our gut. Many studies are currently showing that there are a large number of neurons (nerve cells) located in the gut. And if they communicate with the gut-brain axis, so to speak, they can bring good values to the body. Many diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc. have their origin. When women are pregnant, what they eat will already influence the unborn child and especially at birth. Vaginal birth provides a certain immunity. A caesarean section means that the baby lacks microorganisms.
I agree that it is very, very important to nurture this microbiome! I would like to talk to you about epigenetics. People often come to me and say 'I have high cholesterol, but it runs in my family'. And with lots of other things too. What do you say to such statements?
Such statements are outdated. That's how we were brought up and it's still strong in society. Epigenetics is a new science that is not yet mainstream. It is coming. To briefly explain what epigenetics means: epi comes from the Greek and means 'over, on'. And the epi part has 'decorations', they have a certain pattern. These can also be inherited and changed. And the patterns change according to lifestyle. Epigenetics is an interface between your environment and your biology. Just what you think has an influence on how your biology reacts. The people around you have a big influence on your biology, on your thinking.
Would you say that even negative people around you can make you ill?
Absolutely! I subscribe to that. The Bible says 'life and death are on the tongue'. Find a healthy environment!
What can you do if there are people around you that you can't simply remove (for example, if you have a father who needs care or a sick mother)?
It's a challenge, but it can be done.
By being aware that you are laughing despite all of this. You can still influence this person with your positivity.
You are the light, bring the light into the darkness!
Stay positive, always find an opportunity to say something nice. Our basic nature is love and if you give someone a lot of love, you win in the long run and as a side effect, people get something out of it.
I always say that if a situation is unbearable, you can seek help! There is always an option if you want to find one. I would like to come back to the fact that you said that our thoughts can influence our genes. Can it go so far as to rewrite our physique? Through Thoughts?
Yes, I am very happy to subscribe to that. Negative thinking causes illness. Thoughts are waves and waves have energy. And every person is a mass of energy. Why do we go to alternative practitioners or people who work with energy for some illnesses? Because there is a disc balance in your energy system. Why acupuncture? Energy can also influence your genetic make-up so that healthy genes are activated.
I think this is a message that is very important. We are not victims of our genes, but can influence our genes through our lifestyle, our thinking, our diet and our environment so that the positive characteristics are switched on and the pathogenic ones are switched off.
Exactly. Depending on the pattern, we are able to dock certain proteins to a certain region of our genes. The gene itself doesn't do anything. It's the proteins that do the work. Life cannot exist without proteins. When we are sad or happy, hormones are involved. Hormones are nothing more than proteins. And by perceiving environmental signals, you can influence patterns.
In order for enzymes and hormones to be produced, I have to provide the body with the right building blocks. How important is nutrition, that you provide the body with the right components through your diet?
Very important!!! Nutrition is part of epigenetics and an important part of our lives!
Hippocrates said 'Let your medicine be your food and let your food be your medicine'.
I advocate a balanced diet of natural things. Back to the roots! Lots of vegetables, lots of fruit that contains little sugar. I advocate eating probiotics and I advocate prebiotics. An example: You're hosting and you have visitors. If your visitor feels good, you feel good too.
I always say the same thing. Our bacteria are our guests. If they don't feel comfortable with us, we lose good bacteria.
But then they leave with a consequence and can no longer work for us.
Now we've talked about the fact that we can positively influence our genes with our food, our thoughts and our lifestyle. So we are NOT victims of circumstances, we can actively do something. The 'bad' news is that we have to take action. Why is it so difficult for many people to motivate themselves to do something good for themselves?
Laziness. Every change is painful. When you've suffered enough, you get to a point where you ask yourself 'Why am I doing this to myself? And that's when the real change happens.
And I think that's the main reason. It's not necessarily laziness, it's that you're not suffering enough. And I don't think the knowledge is there. Many still don't believe in it. Many still don't know that they can change things with relatively simple means.
I completely agree with you. That's why we're doing this work, to break these old patterns.
We've heard the old stories for too long. It's a lie! You can always make a change. Lead by example and be the example the world wants you to be.
My appeal is always: Just try it! You'll see that if you do it consistently, you'll feel a difference in just a few days!
I believe this is the case with both nutrition and mindset. For me, these are the two big things you can start with, if you want a quick change. I think a lot of people have an unfounded fear that it will take years before they see results.
And when you feel the first changes, then you know it's working. Just get into action.
I could go on talking to you for hours. What if someone is inspired? Where can they find you? How can they find out more? I know you've written a book - it's called ' Make something of it'
... two in fact! The other book is called: 'Opening Inner Doors: Inspirational Quotes and Wisdom for 365 Days
There are studies that show that how you start your day affects how you carry out your day. The first 30 minutes after waking up have a consequence on the rest of your day.
On my website www.drsaningong.com you can subscribe to my newsletter list for free. Here you will receive weekly inspiration & motivation to help you stay unstoppable.
Thank you so much for taking the time! Is there anything you would like to mention at the end?
'You shall have a thought, or a mind, that is open to everything and bound by nothing.'
Everything is possible and there are an infinite number of things you don't know.
So that was our interview. Were you able to connect with the message that we are not victims of our genes, not victims of our circumstances? I really hope so and I even assume so if you've been listening to this podcast for a while.
What I enjoyed so much about this conversation with Akuma is that we have a very similar worldview and that I practice much of what he said with my clients.
If you enjoyed this episode, please do me a favor and share it in your networks, for example on Facebook or Instagram. Because the likelihood that if you like it, your friends will like it too is pretty high.
Now I recommend you subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, and if you like what you hear, I really appreciate a review on iTunes or Apple Podcast. Because those reviews also help other people find the podcast so we can spread the knowledge about gut and health more.
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Akuma Saningong about why we have the power to beat burnout and stress in the digital age.
Among other things, we talk about:
- How Akuma himself didn't even realize he was lactose intolerant in the first place
- What Akuma sees as the benefits of science or a scientific approach
- Why so many people underestimate their own power
- Why Akuma believes gut health is immensely important
- Why thoughts can make us sick
- And: why most ailments are not genetic and what epigenetics actually means
About Dr. Akuma Saningong
I am delighted to have Dr. Akuma Saningong as my guest in today's interview. Akuma comes from Africa and only learned German as an adult. You'll recognize that from his accent. You may find that you don't understand every word exactly, but it's definitely worth sticking with it, because what Akuma says has the potential to give you a lot of strength and new energy to tackle things in your life that you haven't tackled yet.
Akuma holds a doctorate in natural sciences and has worked in both research and industry. He is a speaker and motivational trainer, both in the field of personal development and entrepreneurship, and speaks on topics such as the right mindset and inspiration.
His unique selling point is that he combines science directly with personal development. Akuma translates some of that science into universally understandable messages to help people lead a good life.
He is convinced that today's digitalization brings many advantages, but also poses new challenges. Especially when it comes to people's health in terms of stress and burnout.
I'm now looking forward to playing the interview for you and hope that it will clarify some things for you, such as the supposedly huge influence of our genes on our health.
Julia: Welcome Akuma!
Akuma: Thank you, Julia, for allowing me to be your guest.
You are originally from Cameroon and came to Germany when you were 22. Is there anything you miss about your old home?
Not exactly. Sometimes the food. I miss the local cuisine.
Can you cook in Hamburg like you do at home? Or do you miss the ingredients?
Both. When I came to Germany 20 years ago, it was very challenging. Now there are African stores where you can get the ingredients.
How Akuma realized he was lactose intolerant
Did that affect your digestion when you came to Germany and were forced to change your diet?
When I was still living in Cameroon, I was lactose intolerant. But I didn't know what it was because I didn't eat much yogurt at home back then. But when I ate things that had to do with milk, I had stomach pains, constipation or diarrhea. And when I came to Germany, I ate more yogurt because I had more access to dairy products and then of course the symptoms got worse. I spoke to a friend about it and he told me that I might be lactose intolerant. That was the first time I had ever heard that word. I read up on it, went to the doctor and now when I eat something containing lactose, I take a lactase tablet.
They say that Africans don't tolerate milk well genetically. Have you researched this?
I've read and heard this too. It's mostly true, but I hardly hear any complaints in my family.
Sometimes people don't even realize it. I keep finding that people think that having flatulence and diarrhea is normal. There are people who actually have digestive problems but don't realize it.
Just like me. I didn't know I had the problem until I was tipped off by a friend.
Combining science with personal development
You are originally a scientist and studied biology and biochemistry, is that right?
Biochemistry, yes.
Your specialty is that you combine knowledge from science with personal development. Where do you see the strengths of the scientific approach? What do you like about science?
Science is an objective thing. It's not about emotion. It's just the way it is. Other people judge it. Before we publish the science, that is: other colleagues (who you don't know) get your work and judge it in a completely neutral way. We can take the findings of science, if they are correct, for the people who are skeptical. And that's why I combine personal development and science, to bring the insights for us on the path of how great we all are. And to unleash our potential and our abilities!
My work also aims to help people live their lives the way they want to, and in order to do that they need a body that has the energy to do so. They need their zest for life, their ability to concentrate and much more. I think that's very nice, our goals fit together quite well!
One of your mottos is that when it comes to developing potential, you say: 'You are stronger than you think'. Why do you think people don't think they are strong? Why do they underestimate their own strength?
There are various reasons for this. Our conditioning by society, by the family, by school, etc. We have mostly been brought up through criticism. Many people are not used to receiving praise, but rather to being criticized. Why you're late, why you're not doing a good job, etc. And if you've been used to such unconstructive things all your life, you think you're useless and can't offer anything.
And then we're below our limits.
And when we start to bring out the strengths in people, we take them further! When I strengthen you, it gives you a positive ego. You realize that someone has seen something in you, that you are valuable. In the end, it's a win-win situation. You feel confirmed in your abilities and you've got what you wanted. Why many people don't know what they're made of is because of the things I've just said and also because of beliefs. The story they have told themselves. Many say of themselves 'I'm not loving. People hate me'. When you tell yourself things like that, what do you expect?
Why the gut and the microbiome are so important
My aim is for people to realize again that they are in control and that we can do a lot ourselves through the way we approach things. can bring about. And by the way we think! I also think in terms of health. My topic is the gut and health, because I say quite clearly: that's where it all starts. And if you're not healthy, you can't really be happy. We could achieve a lot of positive things, especially in the healthcare system, if we convey the messages accordingly. Not saying 'You're seriously ill now and you'll never get off medication again'. That also triggers something in the recipient of this message.
I brought a very nice proverb with me in the course of this interview. 'If the gut is healthy, any illness can be cured'.
The gut is so important! There is also a lot of research going on at the moment, we are talking about the microbiome. The microbiome is the entirety of all microorganisms that live in our gut. Many studies are currently showing that there are a large number of neurons (nerve cells) located in the gut. And if they communicate with the gut-brain axis, so to speak, they can bring good values to the body. Many diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc. have their origin. When women are pregnant, what they eat will already influence the unborn child and especially at birth. Vaginal birth provides a certain immunity. A caesarean section means that the baby lacks microorganisms.
How much influence do our genes have on our health?
I agree that it is very, very important to nurture this microbiome! I would like to talk to you about epigenetics. People often come to me and say 'I have high cholesterol, but it runs in my family'. And with lots of other things too. What do you say to such statements?
Such statements are outdated. That's how we were brought up and it's still strong in society. Epigenetics is a new science that is not yet mainstream. It is coming. To briefly explain what epigenetics means: epi comes from the Greek and means 'over, on'. And the epi part has 'decorations', they have a certain pattern. These can also be inherited and changed. And the patterns change according to lifestyle. Epigenetics is an interface between your environment and your biology. Just what you think has an influence on how your biology reacts. The people around you have a big influence on your biology, on your thinking.
Would you say that even negative people around you can make you ill?
Absolutely! I subscribe to that. The Bible says 'life and death are on the tongue'. Find a healthy environment!
What can you do if there are people around you that you can't simply remove (for example, if you have a father who needs care or a sick mother)?
It's a challenge, but it can be done.
By being aware that you are laughing despite all of this. You can still influence this person with your positivity.
You are the light, bring the light into the darkness!
Stay positive, always find an opportunity to say something nice. Our basic nature is love and if you give someone a lot of love, you win in the long run and as a side effect, people get something out of it.
The power of our thoughts
I always say that if a situation is unbearable, you can seek help! There is always an option if you want to find one. I would like to come back to the fact that you said that our thoughts can influence our genes. Can it go so far as to rewrite our physique? Through Thoughts?
Yes, I am very happy to subscribe to that. Negative thinking causes illness. Thoughts are waves and waves have energy. And every person is a mass of energy. Why do we go to alternative practitioners or people who work with energy for some illnesses? Because there is a disc balance in your energy system. Why acupuncture? Energy can also influence your genetic make-up so that healthy genes are activated.
I think this is a message that is very important. We are not victims of our genes, but can influence our genes through our lifestyle, our thinking, our diet and our environment so that the positive characteristics are switched on and the pathogenic ones are switched off.
Exactly. Depending on the pattern, we are able to dock certain proteins to a certain region of our genes. The gene itself doesn't do anything. It's the proteins that do the work. Life cannot exist without proteins. When we are sad or happy, hormones are involved. Hormones are nothing more than proteins. And by perceiving environmental signals, you can influence patterns.
Is nutrition still important?
In order for enzymes and hormones to be produced, I have to provide the body with the right building blocks. How important is nutrition, that you provide the body with the right components through your diet?
Very important!!! Nutrition is part of epigenetics and an important part of our lives!
Hippocrates said 'Let your medicine be your food and let your food be your medicine'.
I advocate a balanced diet of natural things. Back to the roots! Lots of vegetables, lots of fruit that contains little sugar. I advocate eating probiotics and I advocate prebiotics. An example: You're hosting and you have visitors. If your visitor feels good, you feel good too.
I always say the same thing. Our bacteria are our guests. If they don't feel comfortable with us, we lose good bacteria.
But then they leave with a consequence and can no longer work for us.
How do we take action?
Now we've talked about the fact that we can positively influence our genes with our food, our thoughts and our lifestyle. So we are NOT victims of circumstances, we can actively do something. The 'bad' news is that we have to take action. Why is it so difficult for many people to motivate themselves to do something good for themselves?
Laziness. Every change is painful. When you've suffered enough, you get to a point where you ask yourself 'Why am I doing this to myself? And that's when the real change happens.
And I think that's the main reason. It's not necessarily laziness, it's that you're not suffering enough. And I don't think the knowledge is there. Many still don't believe in it. Many still don't know that they can change things with relatively simple means.
I completely agree with you. That's why we're doing this work, to break these old patterns.
We've heard the old stories for too long. It's a lie! You can always make a change. Lead by example and be the example the world wants you to be.
My appeal is always: Just try it! You'll see that if you do it consistently, you'll feel a difference in just a few days!
I believe this is the case with both nutrition and mindset. For me, these are the two big things you can start with, if you want a quick change. I think a lot of people have an unfounded fear that it will take years before they see results.
And when you feel the first changes, then you know it's working. Just get into action.
I could go on talking to you for hours. What if someone is inspired? Where can they find you? How can they find out more? I know you've written a book - it's called ' Make something of it'
... two in fact! The other book is called: 'Opening Inner Doors: Inspirational Quotes and Wisdom for 365 Days
There are studies that show that how you start your day affects how you carry out your day. The first 30 minutes after waking up have a consequence on the rest of your day.
On my website www.drsaningong.com you can subscribe to my newsletter list for free. Here you will receive weekly inspiration & motivation to help you stay unstoppable.
Thank you so much for taking the time! Is there anything you would like to mention at the end?
'You shall have a thought, or a mind, that is open to everything and bound by nothing.'
Everything is possible and there are an infinite number of things you don't know.
So that was our interview. Were you able to connect with the message that we are not victims of our genes, not victims of our circumstances? I really hope so and I even assume so if you've been listening to this podcast for a while.
What I enjoyed so much about this conversation with Akuma is that we have a very similar worldview and that I practice much of what he said with my clients.
If you enjoyed this episode, please do me a favor and share it in your networks, for example on Facebook or Instagram. Because the likelihood that if you like it, your friends will like it too is pretty high.
Now I recommend you subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, and if you like what you hear, I really appreciate a review on iTunes or Apple Podcast. Because those reviews also help other people find the podcast so we can spread the knowledge about gut and health more.
