While it’s never fun having to deal with prolonged health issues, sometimes it’s a relief to finally get a diagnosis — then you can work on finding livable solutions. At least that’s the hope for Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel, who’s been diagnosed with “leaky gut syndrome” and a wheat allergy. Considering Frankel suffered a near-fatal allergic reaction just last December, the news contributes to what has become an already troublesome year for the reality TV personality and entrepreneur.
Frankel took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to share the news with her followers. As fans have come to expect from Frankel, she remained both optimistic and self-deprecating.
“Just when you thought it couldn’t get any sexier, I was diagnosed today with ‘leaky gut syndrome’ and a wheat allergy. Could there be a more vile title? That I would have put on my dating profile,” Frankel joked before asking fans for any insight. “Ok tweeps, hit me up with the info.”
Not surprisingly, fans started sharing their experiences with similar diagnoses. Even other celebrities chimed in. Jersey Shore’s Vinny Guadagnino recommended a ketogenic diet to “fix all that.” Former Blue Bloods star Jennifer Esposito offered, “Happy to chat anytime.”
Happy to chat anytime
— Jennifer Esposito (@JennifersWayJE) March 9, 2019
Of course, as is so often the case on public forums and particularly where health matters are involved, the tweet created a bit of controversy. On one side were people like gynecologist and women’s health advocate Dr. Jennifer Gunter, who don’t believe leaky gut syndrome is a valid medical diagnosis. The topic of many debates in the medical sphere, leaky gut syndrome is considered by some to be a band-aid diagnosis for people with generally ill health or unexplained symptoms. Yet, many physicians feel there isn’t enough research that points toward leaky gut as a legitimate issue.
However, on the other side of Frankel’s feed were people like New York Times bestselling cookbook author Danielle Walker, who believe leaky gut is real and can be reversed with diet. Esposito, who suffered from celiac disease for 25 years before being diagnosed, falls on this side of the line in Frankel’s thread.
In a recent interview with Mind Body Green, Esposito said of not being heard for so long: “By that time, the disease had wreaked such havoc on my body that my liver and my kidneys were in distress. You see, celiac disease is all about the gut and your ability to absorb nutrients from food. If your body isn’t getting those nutrients, it basically starts to feed itself.”
Regardless of which direction Frankel’s research takes her, she’s clearly grateful for the support. On Saturday, she tweeted her appreciation, saying, “I’m always astounded by how educated, informed and experienced you all are. You’re a personal concierge medical, culinary, motherhood, etc. xoxox.”
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