EPI 37: Dr. Tom O'Bryan - The Dangers Of Gluten & How It Relates To Gut Health, Brain Health, & Autoimmune Disease

Dr. Tom O’Bryan is a recognized world expert on gluten and its impact on health. He holds five different positions at Harvard studying the role of gluten in overall health. His work has garnered him international recognition and he’s a highly sought after speaker on all things gluten. 

 

He joins me today to chat about the dangers of gluten, how it affects overall health, and the role of the gut in various autoimmune disorders. It’s amazing to hear him break down complex body processes in an easy to understand way that really drives home the need for ongoing education. 

 

For instance, he notes that our bodies are almost exactly the same at a cellular level as the bodies of our hunter gatherer forefathers. When they would gather food, they trusted their senses of smell and taste to determine if the food they found was still good. 

 

If for some reason the food was spoiled or harbored a bacteria that the acid in their stomachs couldn’t kill, the body would fire an immune response. This is the basis for leaky gut. In ideal conditions, the leaky gut is meant as a protective response. 

 

Nowadays however, we are overloading our system and constantly exposing our gut to gluten. Gluten has a very similar protein map to that of bad bugs in food. This means that our gut is constantly fighting against the “bug” that is gluten which leads to chronic leaky gut. 

 

Like I said, this is truly fascinating. Listen as he shares ways you can start to turn the tables and start living a more healthful life. Everything from how to structure your diet to ways of empowering your mind. Dedicate just 1 hour each week to living a healthier life and you’ll be amazed at the differences you see.

 

In This Episode:

[00:00:17] Welcome Dr. Tom O’Bryan to chat about gluten and overall health. 

[00:01:37] Why is gluten such a problem and how is it affecting our health? 

[00:03:39] Learn the two triggers of leaky gut and why gluten is not bad for you. Bad gluten is bad for you. 

[00:06:12] Gluten activates intestinal permeability in all human beings. Learn more. 

[00:11:36] What should the average person be looking out for with regard to gluten and gluten reactions? 

[00:14:20] Leaky gut is actually meant to be a benefit to the body by removing harmful bacteria. 

[00:16:02] Gluten has the same protein structure as bad bugs which is why the body fights it. The repeated ingestion of gluten laden products is what causes intestinal distress.  

[00:21:05] What should you do now that you know more about the relationship between gluten and gut health? 

[00:24:37] Phthalates are accumulative. Years of exposure compound to create huge health issues both in your body and that of your offspring.

[00:30:47] Dr. O’Bryan shares his thoughts on the good vs bad vs ugly with regard to gluten in food. 

[00:34:47] How your cellular regeneration is impacted by your lifestyle and the food you eat. 

[00:40:10] What does he advise people with regard to gluten and what is safe and not safe? 

[00:44:08] 36% of all the molecules in your bloodstream are the exhaust from your gut. 

[00:48:40] Are there any carbs that are okay or should we avoid them completely? 

[00:52:09] How using vegetables and functional medicine helped one of his colleagues reverse MS. 

[00:56:19] Ways to determine if you’re suffering from inflammation due to gluten responses. 

[01:00:01] Connect with Dr. O’Bryan if you are experiencing symptoms but unable to find the cause.

 

Links and Resources:

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Dr. O’Bryan’s Website

Free Kickstart Guide

Dr. O’Bryan on Facebook

Dr. O’Bryan on Instagram

Dr. O’Bryan on YouTube

Dr. O’Bryan on LinkedIn