After a revitalizing stay at a Swiss wellness clinic, my pursuit of well-being led me to Mayrlife, a medical spa perched on the serene banks of Lake Altaussee in the Austrian Alps. Recommended for its comprehensive approach to managing pre-diabetes, Mayrlife offered more than a retreat; it promised a scientifically grounded, holistic transformation rooted in nearly a century of medical tradition.

Founded on the pioneering work of Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr in the early 20th century, the Mayr Cure emphasizes digestive health as the foundation of all vitality. Dr. Mayr identified poor gut function and impaired digestion as primary culprits behind chronic illness, advocating for rest, cleansing, and retraining of the digestive system to restore balance and promote longevity.

At Mayrlife, this century-old philosophy converges with modern diagnostics - food intolerance tests, blood panels, and body scans - to deliver a personalized, medically supervised program. Patients undergo daily assessments, receive targeted therapies such as cryotherapy and therapeutic massage, and follow tailored nutrition plans developed by expert clinicians.

What sets Mayrlife apart is its rigorous insistence on mindful eating - an often overlooked pillar of health in a world saturated with conflicting dietary advice. Here, eating is redefined from a mechanical necessity to a deliberate act that begins in the mouth. Thorough chewing is not a trivial suggestion but a critical first step in digestion, preparing the body to absorb nutrients effectively and maintain metabolic stability.

Importantly, meal composition and sequence are calibrated to optimize gut function and prevent blood sugar spikes - vital considerations for those, like myself, navigating pre-diabetic conditions. Starting with fiber-rich vegetables before proteins and carbohydrates illustrates a nuanced understanding of how food order affects glycemic response, underscoring the clinic’s evidence-based methodology.

Beyond the clinical precision lies a transformative ethos: nourishment without deprivation, presence without distraction. Encouraged to disconnect from devices and savor each bite, patients cultivate an awareness that extends beyond the plate and into broader well-being. The alpine setting - quiet, majestic, and restorative - reinforces this integration of mind, body, and environment.

Perhaps most revelatory is the clinic’s emphasis on the gut as a “second brain.” Housing up to 70 percent of the immune system, the gut-brain axis plays a decisive role not only in digestion but in mood regulation and cognitive clarity. This insight, now increasingly supported by scientific inquiry, challenges conventional health paradigms that have long marginalized digestive health.

My week at Mayrlife culminated in a clear and urgent conclusion: mastering how we eat is foundational to sustaining health. Yet, despite overwhelming evidence linking gut health to overall well-being, the principles of mindful eating and digestive care remain conspicuously absent from mainstream education and public health initiatives.

In an era dominated by quick fixes and fad diets, Mayrlife’s enduring message is unambiguous and indispensable. True wellness demands a return to fundamentals - respecting the gut’s central role and embracing eating as a deliberate, informed practice. The question that remains is why such critical knowledge is not universally taught, given its profound implications for the health of individuals and societies alike.

Luiz Costa Macambira

Luiz F. Costa Macambira is the former Publisher of Forbes Monaco and Forbes Netherlands.