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.
Stephanie says
Is Dr. Drew really a doctor? Or is he someone who has a little knowledge about some things and decides to call himself a doctor so he can get a tv show? Not only was his lack of knowledge embarrassing, but his lack of people skills makes me wonder why anyone would watch him in the first place. Kudos to Jennifer for maintaining composure when he was so obviously condescending, rude and ignorant. Thankfully there are other famous doctors who are willing to educate themselves and others about this illness.
rebecca antonacci says
Dr. Drew, does his medical career a dis-service along with all of his patients. For an educated Doctor, he comes off as an ignorant, accusatory lay person. I have read articles written by Jennifer Esposito prior and can feel for her frustration and would not have kept my cool like she did under his onslaught of ignorance. I give her a lot of credit she’s a wonderful actress even on set with this Bully.I’ll not listen to him ever again, knowing how little he knows of major health issues and exhibiting no compassion to other people.
Anna says
What incredible ignorance. He thinks a leaky gut is a leaking colon, which he equates with diarrhea? Basically he implied that leaky gut is when your bowel leaks.
Eliana says
Kudos to Jennifer for maintaining her composure. This guy really thinks that MD stand for Medical Deity…not only is he clueless but he’s poo pooing her condition. Apparently he had coaching from the show with the script to see if something “newsy” and controversial would come out. He also doesn’t score high as an empathetic type. He asked about her blood tests and threw out that he’s a doctor and would know what they were–but not know the sympotms of celiac and leaky gut. Golly, just google it before the show if you are not sure.
annaroggen says
I wish he was my doctor so I could fire him. I would tell him what I have told a few other M.D.’s, “You’re going to be professionally humiliated as soon as the medical community catches up to the science behind this disease.”
Michele says
Unfortunately people can respond to ailments with a similar tone of Dr. Drew – somewhat aggressive and defensive, when what is called for is curiosity and compassion. He should have been more informed but the key here is his approach. I do like Dr. Drew and I’ve been educated by his show, but it seems this actress is ‘under fire’ from several angles, as I understand. Good for her for standing up for what is true.
Robyn says
Pleae, please do your homework…it’s not that hard.
Jodi says
I don’t watch his show and I’m happy abou that, this guy is rude! He needs to have her back on and apologize.
Jami says
Thank you, Elana, for bringing this to the table! This interview seemed so “Hollywood” on his part, in that he kept trying to dramatize what happened to Jennifer. She was awesome! My husband and I have opened a coffee shop and paleo bistro in Denver. All the food is strictly paleo. We have proudly created a place where people can come and eat, enjoy themselves, and never have to worry about cross contamination or have to explain why they eat the way they do. It bothered me how Dr. Drew kept trying to put her on the spot…who wants to feel that way, ever!
Elana, you are the best!
Jami
Sharon says
“He let his ego do his talking until his ignorance got in its way.” Nicely said Nancy. Who would watch his preformances? Not on my radar.