daniellefflerinterview

Interview with Dr. Daniel Leffler by Gina White

Dr. Daniel Leffler, Senior Clinical Fellow in Nutrition and Gastroenterology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has completed a number of projects on nutrition and health in the United States and internationally. He has a number of publications in peer-reviewed journals and has active interests in gastroenterology and nutrition including malabsorptive disorders and celiac disease.

Dr. Leffler says the problem is not only what is in the diet but also what is left out. Aside from the detrimental inclusion of ingredients like hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, gluten, and other cheap additives, is the exclusion of complex carbohydrates and fiber which contribute to intestinal disorders like diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome. "People have become over reliant on simple carbohydrates and other products that lack nutrients necessary for good health. The problem is that highly processed foods are less expensive, and inadvertently, these foods are the ones that are being subsidized," states Dr. Leffler. "There needs to be a broad based health initiative by the government since the foods we are consuming are catching up with us".

As a result, the country has seen the obesity rate rising accordingly. "Obesity increases the risk factor for many conditions such as reflux disease, colon and esophageal cancers, and others problems which are difficult to treat, but more importantly, cost so much in terms of human suffering".

Dr. Leffler also comments on the rise of autoimmune illness which has increased dramatically in the last fifty years. Since 75% of the immune system exists in the intestines, one must recognize that intestinal health or sickness, will dictate the condition of the rest of the body and its ability to stave off illness. "The majority of my patients are referred to a nutritionist who can help educate them to making better decisions about their diet patterns and hopefully, toward better health."