Recently a reader left a comment for me about an unfortunate interview in which Dr. Drew discusses celiac disease and leaky gut with a famous actress.
As those of us with celiac disease know, we are often questioned (not always in a constructive manner) by family and friends who do not understand the medical challenges we face.
Here is what we are often told about our conditions and the steps we take to remediate them:
- just a little bit won’t hurt you (fill in that sentence with gluten or other substances that make you ill)
- it’s all in your head
- you’re just following the latest fad
These types of questions are not malicious, they come from a place of ignorance and lack of education.
Unfortunately, it seemed that during his show, Dr. Drew was not entirely aware or informed when it came to his subject matter and did not display a comprehensive understanding of celiac disease and leaky gut. This is most regrettable as the doctor missed an opportunity to educate his audience on a disease that is widespread in the American population and around the world.
Celiac awareness and education is much farther along in other countries; in fact, in Italy, children are tested for celiac disease before they reach the age of 6. Celiac disease meets the World Health Organization standards for universal screening and is considered an epidemic by this organization.
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
Here is the video in which Dr. Drew takes a less than sympathetic tone towards an individual with celiac disease and leaky gut:
As you can see from the video Dr. Drew is not familiar with leaky gut and does not entirely understand the concept of this medical disorder. Dr. Drew, here is a description of leaky gut from Dr. Andrew Weil, who says that leaky gut:
..affects the lining of the intestines. The theory is that leaky gut syndrome (also called increased intestinal permeability), is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, making it less able to protect the internal environment as well as to filter needed nutrients and other biological substances. As a consequence, some bacteria and their toxins, incompletely digested proteins and fats, and waste not normally absorbed may “leak” out of the intestines into the blood stream. This triggers an autoimmune reaction.
Leaky gut can lead to the following disorders:
- chronic inflammation
- food allergies
- skin rashes
- joint pain
- fatigue
So, here is my urgent plea to Dr. Drew: please use your platform as a public persona to further education regarding medical issues, rather than perpetuating common stereotypes and misinformation. This is a small request from those of us in the celiac community who work so hard in the name of celiac awareness and education.
Now is the time to rectify the unfortunate interview of Jennifer Esposito with a story on what celiac disease actually is and how it impacts the lives of millions of Americans. Leave a comment below if you wish to urge Dr. Drew to remedy this situation.
Jessy says
This is horrible!
Not completely related, but I think that comments that you mentioned (”a little won’t hurt you” and ”you’re just following fad”) ARE caused by people who are indeed following a fad (paleo etc.) or looking for an excuse to restrict their diet (disordered eating).
Oriana says
So sad! Poor Jennifer is trying to explain what we all know – and is harassing her. Thanks for the share.
Liz H says
I don’t know who Dr Drew is but duh. How, in this day and age, can a provider be so ill informed? I kind of laughed that he had to remind her that “I’m a doctor” because he certainly didn’t sound like one. I happen to be a medical provider and also have Celiac disease. I listen to patients and let them speak. And I BELIEVE them. Often I’m the FIRST person to believe them. It’s sad the state of medicine. Dr Drew needs to get educated and perhaps give Ms. Esposito and apology.
Sara Jean says
dr. drew infuriates me!!!!!!!!!! He is like SO many GI’s and other docs I’ve had to sit and talk to over the years. ARGHHHHHH. He needs to LISTEN instead of assume and interrupt all the time.
Jennifer did amazing to hold herself and her position well. I can relate to her so very much.
Thank you for speaking out about Celiac disease!
Sas says
Good grief, this was painful to watch. Dr Drew acted in a way that no one should, especially not a physician. But Jennifer handled herself with integrity and grace.
I am ashamed of my fellow physicians who will not do right by their patients and learn about functional medicine. Millions are suffering (I did) needlessly with celiac and other problems that can be treated. It is so frustrating to me as a doctor to see things like this interview. Thank you Jennifer Esposito for talking about your journey.
Mrs G says
I do think that those remarks you mentioned do come from a lack of emphathy and understanding of other people’s problems.
Do take any non visible medical condition (infertility is just another big example)and the result will be the same.
For some people putting themselves in another person’s shoes is simply too much. They would minimise, belittle and mock your condition.
They will tell you that there is worse in life. No doubt. But in the world there’s always someone who has it worse than you, no matter how bad your situation is.
However it’s sad when such attitudes come from the medical profession.
Rachel says
It’s Leaky Gut not Leaky Butt Dr. Drew!
bethanyf says
That was a bit frustrating to watch. He seemed so dismissive, and unaware of a wide spread problem that people are becoming much more educated about.
LeeAnn Parry says
I think it’s really unfortunate that he did not familiarize himself more with Celiac disease and all of its repercussions before conducting this interview on his show. What makes me sad is so many doctors don’t want to dig deep into medical conditions, and unfortunately Dr. Drew seems to be one of that lackadaisical attitude.
Diane says
That wasn’t an interview, it came across more as an interrogation! He proved his ignorance over and over. That was painful to watch. I applaud her for not losing her patience with him as I certainly would have!