Between the latest online fads and the crazy media headlines, it’s easier than ever to get confused about your health. If you want to make better decisions about your health today so you can feel better and live longer, you’ve come to the right place.

Leaky gut is the catchall scapegoat for bloating, fatigue, and constipation, but is it a real diagnosis? Is it possible that it’s not a real condition at all? Also known as increased intestinal permeability, leaky gut is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to "leak" through the intestinal wall, but is that such a bad thing?

I’m joined today by Dr. Tamara Duker Freuman, registered dietitian and author of The Bloated Belly Whisperer and expert in healing digestive disorders through diet. Dr. Freuman clearly lays out the truths and myths surrounding increased intestinal permeability and together we dive deep into the idea of leaky gut, what we actually know about permeability and its relationship to leaky gut, and how your health and wellness is affected by these facts. She explains why you actually need exposure to some of the bacteria and viruses that humans have always co-evolved with, and reasons that a one-size-fits-all approach to ‘healing’ a leaky gut isn’t going to solve your constipation and bloating issues at all. To find out what you should do instead, you need to listen to today’s episode of Medical Myths, Legends, and Fairy Tales with Dr. Tamara Duker Freuman.

Key Takeaways:

[1:11] Today’s topic is leaky gut — what it actually is and how it’s really affecting your health.

[2:25] Dr. C introduces Dr. Tamara Duker Freuman and shares his previous biases about a leaky gut diagnosis.

[5:25] Understanding intestinal permeability and the scientific processes that are happening inside your gut during digestion.

[10:18] Common diseases that result from increased intestinal permeability and caution about intervening with scientific processes we don’t fully understand.

[16:29] Dr. Freuman details what leaky gut syndrome isn’t, despite common marketing ploys.

[18:25] The importance of protecting your liver and a warning to not over-supplement in your attempts to reach optimal health.

[24:18] Shortcomings of clinical measurements for determining the extent of leaky gut and common symptoms associated with high levels of intestinal permeability.

[28:50] Do people with Celiac disease have a higher risk of leaky gut syndrome? A look at the role that zonulin plays in both.

[33:04] The ‘power’ of bone broth and other dieting myths that don’t actually benefit your gut health at all.

[38:27] The most effective options for reducing gut borne infections, and why you actually need exposure to some of the bacteria and viruses that humans have always co-evolved with.

[43:54] Summarizing the disillusions that you need to rethink regarding intestinal permeability.

[50:54] Do you have a topic you’d like me to cover? Contact me on Facebook or Instagram using #medicalmyths.

To learn more:

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