I believe that the “bandaid” approach to medicine is more harmful in the long run, as important signals and messages (aka symptoms) are giving clear signs about what is wrong with your health. When the symptoms are silenced, healing is further suppressed.

Studies have shown a strong link between autoimmune thyroid disease and gluten intolerance. In fact, it is suggested that all people with autoimmune thyroid disease be screened for gluten intolerance and vice versa; however, this rarely happens in a conventional medical setting. In fact, most people diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction are rarely told to make dietary modifications, which could ultimately save their health.

Celiac disease (CD) was initially described in the 1st century by a Greek physician, but it didn’t become clear that CD was caused by an autoimmune reaction to gluten until 1950. Since then, the mainstream view of gluten intolerance has been black & white: either you have celiac disease or you’re tolerant. The truth is, like most things, there are many shades of gray. It turns out most recent research shows it’s possible to have gluten intolerance without having CD. This is known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and gluten intolerance is more a spectrum of conditions than a single condition.

“All disease begins in the gut.” Hippocrates

As we learn more about the origins of chronic illness, it is becoming clear that Hippocrates knew something 2,000 years ago that modern medicine has been ignoring. Research over the past two decades has revealed that gut health is critical to overall health, and an unhealthy gut contributes to a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, obesity, depression, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune diseases.

Lori Earley’s Story…

Upon becoming a student of Chinese Medicine, I also became a patient. At only 31 years of age, I had already been diagnosed with clinical depression, insomnia, anxiety, and an autoimmune disease, which left me feeling fatigued, foggy, and drained. The number of prescription medications were growing by the year, and I was relying on meds for daily functioning. After my first year of school, I was able to say goodbye to 80% of the pharmaceuticals with the help of acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy. Today, I only take one prescription.

Did you know your gut plays a vital role in the inner workings of your body? Not only does it break down the food we eat but uses the nutrients to support bodily functions including energy production, hormone balance, mental health and helps eliminate toxins and waste. Another important role your gut plays in keeping you healthy is with your immune system, as nearly 70 % of the immune system is found in the gut. All can be well when your gut is working properly, but sometimes the gut lining may have cracks or holes that can trigger unhealthy problems. This is called leaky gut.

The US Medical System is a vast and complex beast, riddled with as many issues of practice and politics, as the solutions, care and wellness that it provides. It’s a machine that costs the American people $3.2 trillion last year, which is more than any other nation spends on healthcare, yet Americans rank only 42nd globally in life expectancy at birth so without looking any more deeply than this, it’s already clear that something doesn’t add up.

I've never been so great at making (or keeping) New Year's Resolutions. Last year, as January 1st came and went, I didn't vow to change a thing. However, looking back over this past year, I realized I made some pretty significant changes.