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.
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.
Tessa@The Domestic Diva says
I think any of us who have dealt with allergies and intolerances can totally relate to what Jennifer experienced in this interview. Here is a doctor who is supposed to know what to do to help you feel better and yet they look at you like you have two heads when words like “leaky gut” come out of your mouth. I has certainly been my experience with the ream of specialists I have seen for my son…no help and no information. It’s maddening to feel so helpless. And Dr Drew just perpetuated the problem. Good for you Elana…yes…he SHOULD be using his platform to educate people and help reverse this gross mis-understanding. Celiac and beyond!
Kristin says
He was really rude at the beginning of the interview, but she did a wonderful job explaining about her disease.
Joelle says
I saw this a few days ago and signed a petition for him to make a public apology for his condescending behavior. I don’t have celiacs, but I do have intolerances to food and many friends with it. There is nothing more frustrating than people thinking it is all in your head, and that you can just pick and choose what you can eat, and that your suggestions to leave off croutons is the biggest pain in the butt ever….
Jenna says
Dr. Drew, coming from a viewer that highly respects you and the work you have done for years on the radio and television, I ask you to please get educated on celiac disease. The American public needs to be educated about the problems associated with this disease and know that 1 or 2 Tablespoons in a dish at a restaurant or friend’s home will hurt me. Thank you.
Susan says
Reply to Jenna…
“…know that 1 or 2 Tablespoons in a dish at a restaurant or friend’s home will hurt me.” Count yourself lucky if you don’t get sick when there’s only a little bit of wheat in your food! I got sick at a restaurant that seemed to do everything right to prevent cross-contamination. (I had spoken to the kitchen manager prior to going.)
When I called the next day to let him know I had been sick, the only thing he could think of was the flour used to make the (non-GF) pizza might have settled in the sauces in the steam table. Yes, that would be enough to make me (and many others) sick. Too many people would not believe that an infinitesimal amount of wheat will make us sick.
We must all persevere, as Jennifer did so beautifully, and educate people whenever we can.
Carolina says
Jennifer was so graceful in this interview, and presented herself and her experiences with a lot of intelligence–despite the lack of knowledge and sensitivity on the part of Dr. Drew. I am baffled by his attitude towards her, particularly when repeatedly interrupting her–and practically antagonizing her–when she was discussing her blood tests. The “what blood test, what blood test.. . ” questioning was remarkably tactless and somewhat aggressive; what on earth was the purpose in questioning her like that? Why did he feel the need to challenge her in this way? Clearly, he is not educated in the issues surrounding celiac disease and leaky gut, and as someone who has been struggling for years to also gain recovery from these illnesses, this was so disappointing. Dr. Drew missed an opportunity to learn something, and to help educate the public about these health issues. What a shame.
Josef says
I feel sorry for the actress for being in the same set with the less educated doctor that I wouldn’t ask to advise me on anything medical.
Diane says
Good for Jennifer Esposito to maintain her composure and to continue to try to get her message across despite the antagonistic attitude Dr. Drew had in the beginning of the interview. Dr. Drew, and other doctors, ought to respect the voice of the patient and start to see the value in what we patients have to say about our own health, rather than to denigrate us.
Lorna says
Wow. Props to her for persisting through his bullying tone. I’ve been a fan of his until now. He’s lost all credibility with me for not being prepared & informed . But it does reflect aptly, doesn’t it, on how families & “friends” often treat the celiacs they love?
Monique says
Wow. I am shocked by the way Dr. Drew treated her. It was like he did not believe she was sick and was interrogating her. I guess I should not be surprised since I have suffered that treatment from some doctors as well as co-workers and so-called friends. I hope Dr. Drew will educate himself on this issue. Bravo for the actress for publicly speaking out on her condition. I sincerely hope it does not affect her ability to get work int he future.
Monique
Judy says
Sadly, Dr. Drew’s attitude is typical of many in the the medical profession. I, the physician, know everything, and you, the patient know nothing.
It’s just not limited to Celiac Disease. In my case I’m an asthmatic who is also a diabetic. If my blood sugars get too low then I have an asthma attack. If I eat the ADA diet my blood sugar spikes and then crashes. Yup, you got it, then I have an asthma attack. This is why I’m on your site and others pursuing a grain-free diet to stabilize my blood sugar because breathing, I have learned, is a privilege.