World-renowned pediatric gastroenterologist and Harvard research scientist Alessio Fasano, M.D.  heads the Center for Celiac Research at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston, Massachusetts. His subsequent work includes numerous diagnostic and research breakthroughs, including the discovery of the ancient molecule "zonulin," which regulates the impermeability of the intestine also known as "leaky gut." Dr. Fasano's research has linked an overproduction of zonulin to the pathogenesis of a series of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, celiac disease and multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Fasano's books include Gluten Freedom as well as his newest book Gut Feelings. 

Show Notes:

1:40 - The effect of the agricultural revolution and gluten on human health

3:37 - The difference between Celiac disease vs gluten sensitivity vs wheat allergy

6:01 - Dr. Fasano’s view on if we should all cut gluten out of our diets

8:26 - What is gut permeability or “leaky gut”? 

12:43 - Shifting the autoimmune paradigm and discussing the importance of the gut microbiota for health

17:20 - Why autoimmune disorders are rampant and increasing 

18:40 – How the genes of our gut microbiome affect our health

22:32 – The gut circadian rhythm 

23:25 – Is there a normal microbiome? 

24:35 – The impact of Western civilizations showing fewer gut microbiome species 

29:11 – Maternal microbiome and its effect on fetal health 

31:00 - Cesarean section and the microbiome of the fetus 

33:07 – Breastmilk’s ability to support the microbiome 

35:52 – Dr. Fasano’s perspective on if we should all be taking prebiotic/probiotic supplementation 

39:45 – Eastern philosophy, protecting the planet for a more balanced microbiome & how eastern and western medicine are complementary to each other