503: Is AI the Answer to Chronic Disease - Or Just a Smooth-Talking Health Coach That Knows You Better Than Your Therapist?

This started out as a totally normal interview about the future of health and wellness, and then something crazy happened that you will not see coming. Let’s just say… there’s a twist. A moment you’ll have to hear for yourself. So buckle up, Food Heals Nation. Because in today’s episode, we’re going way beyond green juice and into the tech-powered future of healing. I sat down with Marcus Spruce, a public health expert, to talk about how artificial intelligence is transforming everything from how we manage chronic disease to how we get reminded to go to bed. Sounds futuristic, right? Just wait until you find out what else happens. Tune in to hear: The unexpected moment that will have you questioning everything Can AI really help us live longer, reverse chronic disease, and remind us to get our mammograms? Is this the beginning of better healthcare—or the start of a Black Mirror episode? What AI gets so right… and dangerously wrong Why I’m low-key obsessed with AI (but not ready to marry it—yet) Plus, what happened when Food Heals favorite Michelle Miller and I asked ChatGPT to be our British relationship coach named Matthew 😆 We also cover: Personalized wellness: AI that knows your calendar and your cortisol The ethics, privacy questions, and yes—creepy clone voice possibilities Why the real root causes of chronic disease can’t be solved by an app, no matter how smart This episode is part experiment, part education, and full entertainment! Let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the “is this really happening?” of AI in our lives. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifi.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off.

In Part 2 of my powerful conversation with Dane Johnson, we dive deep into the healing power of food for reversing Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis — especially for those following a plant-based or vegan lifestyle. Dane breaks down the specific foods, nutrients, and strategies that have helped hundreds of his clients heal naturally using his S.H.I.E.L.D. Protocol. If you’ve been told diet doesn’t matter, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about IBD. In this episode, you'll learn: Healing foods for calming inflammation and restoring gut health How to follow a plant-based or vegan protocol for IBD Common food triggers to avoid during a flare Why real healing starts with personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes And more! Don’t forget: Go to FoodHealsNation.com/shield to get your FREE 1-on-1 strategy session with a certified IBD Support Specialist, a 60-day Healing Journal, and Dane’s 6 Tips to Healing Crohn’s & Colitis ebook. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen for Dane’s inspiring story of how he healed from Crohn’s naturally and is now helping others do the same. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifi.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off.

Have you been told that there's no cure for Crohn’s or Colitis? That your only option is a life full of medications, surgeries, or giving up the foods you love? Think again. In Part 1 of this powerful two-part series, host Allison Melody sits down with Dane Johnson, CEO of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle and creator of the groundbreaking S.H.I.E.L.D. Program, a holistic healing method that has helped over 500 people around the world reverse the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. After nearly losing his life to Crohn’s in 2014, Dane committed himself to natural healing and has been 100% surgery and medication-free ever since. Today, he shares his incredible story, the real root causes of IBD, and how he turned his pain into a mission to help others heal. Dane’s approach proves that you don’t have to live in fear of flare-ups, fatigue, or a restricted life. You can reclaim your health. You can feel strong, energized, and safe in your body again, and it starts here. In this episode, you’ll learn: The shocking story of how Crohn’s nearly took Dane’s life Why the conventional medical model often fails IBD patients How stress, mindset, and nutrition all play a vital role in recovery What your doctor might not be telling you about supplements, food, and lifestyle Why Dane believes you can live symptom-free without meds or surgery Ready to take action? Go to FoodHealsNation.com/shield to get your FREE 1-on-1 strategy session with a certified IBD Support Specialist. You’ll also receive a 60-Day Healing Journal and Dane’s 6 Tips to Healing Crohn’s & Colitis ebook, all completely free. Don’t forget this is only Part 1 of Dane’s healing journey and expert guidance. Tune in to Part 2 for even more tools, tips, and inspiration to become the CEO of your own health. Allison’s Travel & Wellness Must-Haves: Organifi – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Vitality Bits – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Cured Nutrition – Free shipping with code FOODHEALS Just Thrive Probiotics – 15% off with code FOODHEALS15

In this fiery follow-up to Part 1, Allison Melody is back with more truth bombs about the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar and the real-world consequences of media narratives that equate wellness fraudsters with wellness itself. Belle Gibson lied about curing cancer with Gerson Therapy, but that doesn’t mean Gerson Therapy is a lie. Allison breaks down what Apple Cider Vinegar got so wrong about alternative medicine, shares her personal censorship story (yes, YouTube is at it again), and reads some of the shocking and heartbreaking responses she received after posting her thoughts online. From personal loss to purpose-driven passion, this episode is a call to protect the integrity of healing modalities that have helped so many. It’s a reminder that just because something is healing doesn’t mean the person teaching it is a healer. Topics Covered What the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar gets wrong about Gerson Therapy The difference between a scammer and a healing modality Censorship in the wellness space and Allison’s personal battle with YouTube The dark side of speaking your truth online: internet trolls and death threats Why the suppression of alternative medicine threatens our right to informed health choices   Quotes We Love: "The scammer isn’t the science." "Just because something is healing doesn’t mean the person teaching it is a healer." "Belle Gibson lied. That doesn’t make Gerson Therapy a lie." "Our health is in our hands, and we deserve all the information to make the right decisions." Listen Now Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, DeepCast, or your favorite podcast platform. (Probably not on YouTube due to ongoing censorship) Allison’s Travel & Wellness Must-Haves: Organifi – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Vitality Bits – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Cured Nutrition – Free shipping with code FOODHEALS Just Thrive Probiotics – 15% off with code FOODHEALS15

In today's episode of Food Heals, Allison Melody dives into the recent media portrayals of alternative healing practices and their connection to scam artists. Inspired by HBO’s Breath of Fire and Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar, Allison shares her personal experiences with Kundalini Yoga, alternative medicine, and the dangers of blindly following self-proclaimed “gurus.” What You’ll Learn: 🔹 The fine line between healing modalities and the people who exploit them 🔹 How Breath of Fire exposed the dark side of Kundalini Yoga and its leaders 🔹 The truth behind Apple Cider Vinegar and its misleading portrayal of natural healing 🔹 Why alternative healing methods are often vilified despite their effectiveness 🔹 Personal stories of deception, manipulation, and the power of discernment Key Takeaways: ✅ Just because something is a healing modality doesn’t mean the teacher is a healer. ✅ Grifters exist in every industry, including wellness and spirituality. ✅ The media’s portrayal of alternative medicine often discredits legitimate healing methods. ✅ Allison’s firsthand experience with Kundalini Yoga and the questionable figures behind it. ✅ How corporate buyouts have compromised once-holistic brands like Burt’s Bees, Tom’s, and Naked Juice. Allison’s Travel & Wellness Must-Haves: Vitality Bits – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Cured Nutrition – Free shipping with code FOODHEALS Organifi – 20% off with code FOODHEALS Just Thrive Probiotics – 15% off with code FOODHEALS15 ✨ Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on alternative medicine and its portrayal in the media? DM Allison on Instagram @foodhealsnation 🎙 Next Episode: Gurus Who Grift Part 2 Stay tuned for Part 2 of Gurus Who Grift where Allison shares her take on Apple Cider Vinegar, the backlash she faced, and why speaking out got her death threats!

What if the secret to better health was rooted in ancient wisdom? On today’s episode of Food Heals, we’re diving into the world of acupuncture and cupping with Dr. Tom Ingegno, a leading expert in integrative medicine with over 23 years of experience. As a doctor of acupuncture and East Asian medicine, Dr. Tom has dedicated his career to helping people heal naturally by combining modern research with time-tested traditional practices. Dr. Tom is the author of The Cupping Book: Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Healing, where he demystifies cupping therapy and explains how this ancient practice can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce stress—all from the comfort of home. Through his work at Charm City Integrative Health, a clinic hailed as the “Future of Medicine” by futurist David Houle, Dr. Tom uses a multidimensional approach to reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system, and optimize overall wellness. In this episode, we explore: ✅ How acupuncture and cupping work to support healing ✅ The benefits of cupping for pain relief, stress reduction, and improved blood flow ✅ What the heck is fire cupping, and how does it work? 🔥 (Hint: It’s not as scary as it sounds!) ✅ Dr. Tom’s insights on biohacking, longevity, and the future of holistic healing Dr. Tom has taught at top schools for East Asian medicine, expanded acupuncture’s reach through his leadership on the Maryland State Board of Acupuncture, and has been featured in major media outlets for his expertise. He also co-hosts the Irreverent Health podcast, where he breaks down complex health topics with humor and clarity. If you’ve ever been curious about acupuncture, cupping, and how these ancient practices can help you thrive, this episode is a must-listen! Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to organifishop.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off. EnergyBits Our algae tablets have one ingredient, one calorie, and forty vitamins and minerals. Scientific studies show algae’s nutrients help improve immune health, gut health, brain health, mitochondria health, energy, beauty, sleep, longevity and more. Go to EnergyBits.com and use code foodheals for 20% off.  

If you’ve ever felt powerless in the face of cravings, you’re not alone. But what if you could break the cycle of emotional eating, self-sabotage, and guilt—for good? In this episode of Food Heals, Allison Melody and Sexy Fit Vegan founder Ella Magers dive deep into The Peace Process—a 5-step framework designed to help you pause, reflect, and make empowered choices around food. Ella walks Alli through the process in real-time, leading to a massive aha moment that could change the way you think about food forever. Plus, Allison and Ella share personal stories of overcoming cravings, rewriting limiting beliefs, and learning to trust their bodies. In this episode, you’ll discover: ✔️ The Peace Process: A step-by-step method to break free from cravings and emotional eating ✔️ How to shift from autopilot reactions to conscious, empowered choices ✔️ A behind-the-scenes moment where Allison experiences a powerful breakthrough If you’re ready to take control of your eating habits without restriction or willpower battles, this episode is for you! 🎧 Tune in now to discover how The Peace Process can help you finally feel free around food! 🌱 Learn more about Ella at sexyfitvegan.com. 💖 Join the Food Freedom Blueprint with Ella at https://allison.sexyfitvegan.com.   Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifi.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off.

Are you ready to finally heal your relationship with food and your body? In this powerful episode of Food Heals, host Allison Melody sits down with Ella Magers, founder of Sexy Fit Vegan, to dive deep into food freedom, body confidence, and breaking the cycle of restriction, cravings, and guilt. Ella, a dedicated vegan since the age of 15, has spent her life helping people transform their health from the inside out. Having overcome her own struggles with disordered eating and body image, she now empowers others to break free from diet culture and build a healthy, sustainable lifestyle rooted in self-love. In this episode, Allison and Ella discuss: ✔️ Why willpower isn’t the answer—and what actually works instead ✔️ How to stop emotional eating and self-sabotage for good ✔️ The truth about cravings (and how to work with them, not against them) ✔️ How to embrace movement and nutrition in a way that feels joyful, not punishing ✔️ The power pause and mindset shifts that will help you finally feel at home in your body If you’re tired of yo-yo dieting, food guilt, and feeling out of control around eating, this episode is for you. Ella’s Food Freedom Blueprint is changing lives, and today, she’s sharing her secrets to sustainable health, happiness, and confidence. 🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward true food freedom! 🌱 Learn more about Ella at sexyfitvegan.com. 💖 Join the Food Freedom Blueprint with Ella at https://allison.sexyfitvegan.com  

On this episode of Food Heals, we’re diving into two powerful ways to elevate your health—sprouts and CBD coffee! First, I’ve got updates from Tulum, Mexico. Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to step away, even if just temporarily, to gain a fresh perspective. Travel is healing for me, and being here in Tulum, surrounded by nature, vegan food, and a holistic community, has been exactly what I needed. I've been indulging in delicious plant-based meals, including the best whipped coffee at Liefs, working out with friends, and soaking in the healing energy of this paradise. But before we dive into today’s powerful conversations about the incredible nutritional benefits of sprouts and the calming ritual of CBD coffee, I want to touch on something important—the impact of air pollution and what we can do to protect ourselves. The recent LA fires have left behind toxic air filled with chemicals from burned plastics, electronics, and building materials, and we need to take proactive steps to safeguard our health. From air filtration to immune-boosting greens, I’ll be sharing my top tips to help you detox and stay well. Then, we’re diving into two powerful ways to elevate your health—sprouts and CBD coffee! First, I’m sitting down with Doug Evans, a pioneer in the plant-based health movement and author of The Sprout Book, to explore the mind-blowing benefits of sprouts. These tiny nutritional powerhouses can help regulate insulin, improve digestion, and even protect against environmental toxins. We recorded this episode live at Leslie Durso’s house in Marina del Rey, so of course, I had to bring her back to co-host! Leslie Durso, a celebrity vegan chef and wellness expert, is known for making plant-based living stylish, accessible, and delicious. Then, in part two, I’m chatting with Lindsey Sozio, founder of Lavender Coffee Boutique, a Denver-based coffee shop and online retailer redefining how we experience coffee. Lindsey is on a mission to shift away from the fast-paced coffee culture and turn your morning cup into a mindful wellness ritual—whether you take it with or without CBD. Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi Organifi, is a line of organic superfood blends that offers plant-based nutrition made with high-quality ingredients. Organifi takes pride in offering the best tasting superfood products on the market at a price that works out to less than $3 a day. Go to www.organifi.com/foodheals and use code foodheals for 20% off.

Have you ever wondered how trauma impacts your mind and body? Or how you can truly heal from life’s most challenging moments—whether you’ve faced a wildfire, a loss, or another form of pain? In this episode of The Food Heals Podcast, host Allison Melody and guest JJ Flizanes come together to share their experiences with the devastating California wildfires and explore the healing tools that can help us overcome trauma—whether we’ve been directly affected by fires or not. First, Allison and JJ reflect on their own wildfire stories, discussing the emotional and neurological toll these events can take. Then, JJ introduces her powerful Radiant Sacred Circle Meditation, a free 14-minute guided visualization designed to channel love, strength, and healing energy to those impacted by the fires. Through this meditation, you’ll: ✨ Connect with a community sending collective love and light. ✨ Visualize healing energies flowing to those in need. ✨ Find peace within yourself while contributing to collective healing. The conversation goes deeper as Allison and JJ explore additional tools for healing trauma and regulating the nervous system, including: Meditation to calm neurological dysregulation. EFT/Tapping to release stored pain and rewire emotional triggers. EMDR Therapy for processing traumatic memories. Brain Rewiring through neuroplasticity, blending science and spirituality to change our reactions and heal at a deeper level. Whether you’ve experienced the devastation of wildfires or are seeking ways to heal from other forms of trauma, this episode is filled with actionable insights and hope. Download JJ’s free Guided Prayer and Meditation for California Fires 2025 at jjflizanes.com/fires Thank You to Our Sponsors! Organifi If you’ve been affected by the California wildfires—or even if you haven’t—your body may be carrying a toxic load it can’t handle alone. That’s where Organifi Green Juice comes in! With 11 superfoods like moringa, chlorella, turmeric, and ashwagandha, it supports detoxification, immunity, and stress relief. Amazing Deals: 🟢 01/24–01/26: Free Green Juice pouch with any 2-pouch purchase during National Green Juice Weekend. 🟢 01/31–02/03: Orders over $40 get free Organifi Sleep and fun-sized Happy Drops. Save 20% anytime at organifishop.com/foodheals. Your body will thank you!