Causes or Cures
Causes or Cures is a health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks. It is an independent, grassroots podcast rooted in curiosity and passion that tries to break down tough, trending health topics into digestible bits. Dr. Eeks works in the field of public health and health communications as a consultant & contractor. She is passionate about how science is communicated and has a penchant for using a blue-collar sense of humor as a health communications tool. On this podcast, she features experts in their field (doctors, scientific researchers, public health experts, public figures and folks with compelling personal stories) with the goal of discussing hot topics in health and scientific research in a down-to-earth kinda way. (Sometimes they will discuss stranger stuff too, mainly because life is short and it's fun to do.) DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not any kind of health advice. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does.(At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-wall bars.) Some people are experts, some people are interesting or intriguing to talk to, and some people are both. The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted. *The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for. **You can contact Dr. Eeks through her blog, bloomingwellness.com. (Keep in mind that there are some blogs on there that are advertisement only. She does not review them, they are usually awful, but they help fund Barnaby's treat habit.) Finally, THANK YOU for listening, subscribing, sharing and supporting the show through the Support the Show Link! It helps keep the podcast independent and up and running. :)
Causes or Cures
The Hygiene Hypothesis & its Link to the Microbiome, Leaky Gut & Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, with Dr. Alessio Fasano
In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks chats with Dr. Alessio Fasano about the Hygiene Hypothesis and its connection to our guts, microbiomes and chronic inflammatory diseases.
The Hygiene Hypothesis is a proposed explanation that states that improved hygiene in an industrialized world and less exposure to infectious agents ( bacteria & viruses) has led to an increase in chronic inflammatory conditions. ( This is why some supporters of the Hygiene Hypothesis will tell you to take your kids to a farm or play in the dirt.) In this episode, Dr. Fasano discusses how this hypothesis relates to a leaky gut and how our modern way of life may affect our microbiome ( bacteria that live in our gut) in a way that puts us at risk of developing a chronic inflammatory condition. He will discuss the 5 pillars that he believes need to be in place for this to happen, how probiotics and gluten relates to this, and ways we can improve leaky guts.
Dr. Fasano is a pediatric gastroenterologist and researcher. He is a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and professor of nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health. He is the director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for children and co-director of the Harvard Medical School Celiac Research Program. He's the director of the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, where he oversees over 50 researchers and staff. Dr. Fasano is credited with discovering Zonulin, a protein responsible for regulating intestinal tight junctions ( and he explains this in the podcast) and he is the author of over 300 peer-reviewed publications. He is considered a world expert on Celiac disease and is in the top 1% of scientists cited worldwide.
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