One of the most important aspects of health lies in the food that we eat because food is information, and can thereby be either medicine or poison. Food is medicine; it has the power to heal and the power to kill in literal terms, and there is mounting evidence to show the link between diet and chronic illness, including autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalance, infertility, degenerative disease, depression, anxiety, diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and all other chronic health conditions.

The most up to date theory states that the intestinal barrier largely determines whether we tolerate or react to toxic substances we ingest. (Food sensitivities, anyone?) The breach of the intestinal barrier (leaky gut) by food toxins like gluten and chemicals like arsenic or BPA causes an immune response which affects the gut and other organs and tissues, including the skeletal system, pancreas, kidneys, liver, and brain.

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.

It’s that time of year again when everyone is declaring New Year’s resolutions. Inevitably, health-related goals tend to be at the top of most people’s list. The ultimate goal is to feel better and look amazing, and the great news is that acupuncture can assist you with whatever health goals you may have. Not many people realize that acupuncture can treat beyond pain relief. In fact, acupuncture has been proven effective for weight loss, smoking cessation, and stress management, among many other conditions.