Speaking Engagements

Part 1 of a presentation at Dominican High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in January, 2012 to benefit the Dominican High School Athletic Fund. Part 2.

40 Responses to Speaking Engagements

  1. larry kaskel md says:
    August 17, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    Dr
    My staff and I wold love to have you speak with our providers at a dinner meeting to learn from the master
    Larry kaskel MD

    Reply
  2. Jennifer Fugo says:
    September 15, 2011 at 2:00 am

    Hi Dr. Davis,
    Would love to have you on for an interview this fall! My site is geared toward those going gluten free. I know they would love what you have to offer. Please email me and we can figure out the details.
    Sincerely,
    Jennifer

    Reply
  3. Carla Payne, PsyD says:
    September 15, 2011 at 2:49 am

    Dear Dr. Davis,
    I am only on page 168 but I am a diehard fan and earnest accolyte already. I was attracted to your book for a variety of reasons. One, I’m a psychologist who works with the blind. Many of my clients are diabetic, and most suffer from multiple disorders, which I often perceive to be nutritional in origin. Most importantly at the moment is the health of my clinical chief, Dr. Bob. He just had surgery today to clear blockage in his ankles and legs, and he’s had an ulcer on his big toe for three months that hasn’t healed. He’s been diabetic (“Type One and a Half”, he says), since age 17, and he’s been completely blind since age 33. I have known him for several years, and all he eats is bran muffins and hard cheese, basically, because he has IBS. His diet is pathetic. He says he will follow my advice now. I’m also a psychologist, not a medical doctor, and have only the knowledge I’ve accrued in 35 years of vegetarian/vegan/pescetarian eating, and my lust for health information, which led me to your book. I want to be able to capsulize what you are instructing people to do and the reasons for it. Therefore I ask, do you have a “cheat sheet”?
    Also, I am treating a woman whom I believe has celiac disease as you more inclusively describe it. She’s a psychiatrist, blind due to autoimmune disorders (can’t describe better) and has lost a dangerous amount of weight. I feel like the only person who believes she’s got celiac, and the only person who can help because of the nutritional establishment, and I really need help to help her. Can you suggest anything?
    As a convinced reader of your work, how might you suggest I now spread the word to my clients, family, friends and associates, without, you know, sounding like a nutjob? Generally people take my opinions seriously, but I am finding that talking with people about this nets mostly patronizing “uh hunhs” or “mmm, ok…”.
    Finally, my dear sister is also suffering from the weirdest combo of illnesses ever found in one body, and her doctor friends and the best specialists in L.A. can’t seem to help. She is a believer in food intolerance. I know she will benefit from reading your book which she also just purchased, so I extend my heartfelt and deep thanks.

    Sincerely,
    Carla M Payne, PsyD
    San Diego Center for the Blind

    Reply
    • Dr. Davis says:
      September 25, 2011 at 1:18 pm

      Hi, Dr. Carla–

      Sorry for the delayed response, but these comments on these specific pages don’t trigger any alerts.

      I find that telling stories of people with similar conditions helps people get their arms around the issue, as opposed to recitation of facts and figures. In other words, someone with bipolar illness having trouble with the manic phase: Tell a story of someone who tried wheat elimination and had much improved control–sufficient to reduce medications, for instance.

      Please come back and let us know how your sister does. More often than not, these complex collections of unexplained conditions yield at least partially, if not entirely, to wheat elimination.

      Reply
  4. Dr. Deborah Penner DC says:
    September 15, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Dear Dr. Davis: Thank-you for writing this book! I have been in the trenches of private practice; orthopedic with nutritional emphasis for 25 years and have slowly come to the same conclusions you have. I started taking chronic patients off wheat about 10 years ago. They ALL improved! Then I continued to ponder the ramifications of sugar and insulin and question whether the biggest problem was wheat, gluten or sugar. I have come to the conclusion it is BOTH! I recently returned from a 3 week vacation during which I read Gary Taubes book, “Good Calories, Bad Calories”…fabulous research and great writing (the more recent, more readable version is “Why We Get Fat”) Between your book and his books, the facts are clear. I don’t see how anyone can even argue unless they are brain-dead or bought-off! (or both)
    In my clinical experience, taking people off wheat virtually ALWAYS improves their health and promotes weight loss. However, for many people, especially those with compromised sugar handling mechanisms, eliminating wheat is not enough. The results I am seeing with people suffering from all manner of maladies by eliminating wheat and converting their diet to a low-carb or very-low-carb whole food diet is astonishing!! I have people in my practice who were sent home to DIE by the medical establishment and are back to active living and improving their health every day! Happy Day!
    Very Sincerely, Dr. Deborah Penner, Chico Creek Wellness, Chico, CA

    Reply
    • Dr. Davis says:
      September 16, 2011 at 2:00 am

      Dr. Penner–

      Spectacular!

      I agree: Wheat elimination is step one; limiting carbohydrate exposure is step two. You see the benefits of this, as do I. Most of our colleagues have no interest whatsoever in nutrition, preferring their prescription pads and hospital procedures . . . and, sadly, some have been paid off. (Just take a look at the “experts” who serve on the Boards of the wheat lobby–most paid by the drug industry. Even I was incredulous when I learned this fact.)

      Keep up your excellent work!

      Reply
      • Pattye says:
        September 23, 2011 at 10:12 pm

        Dr. Davis,

        I am so impressed with you and your book. I am thankful that there are brave ones out there to forge the path of honesty and regained health, flying in the face of dishonest, and yes criminal, government “authorities”. I was never one to stand by authorities as I always need to prove it for myself, and it has been a frustrating few decades with all the new evidence in healthy eating, yet the standard Food Pyramid remains staunchly unchanged. How many more diabetics and heart patients will die following their doctors eating advice while yearly swallowing more medications for their diseases.

        Again, thank you and I anxiously await your next book.

        Reply
        • Dr. Davis says:
          September 24, 2011 at 1:37 pm

          Thank you, Pattye.

          Yes, many battles ahead, many people to persuade . . . many lives to transform!

          Next book? Hmmm. So I guess Wheat Belly: Livestock Edition won’t be snappy enough.

          Reply
          • Patty says:
            October 1, 2011 at 3:01 pm

            LOL, excellent title. I think people of the world need to know why meat cattle are given antibiotics while they are being grain fed to fatten for slaughter – it is because grains make cattle very sick, they are not supposed to eat; therefore they have to give them big doses of antibiotics in those grains to keep them alive while they get them fat to slaughter for the meat that we eat.

  5. Jaylynn Krause says:
    September 17, 2011 at 2:42 am

    Just received my copy of Wheat Belly yesterday, and I must say, I am extremely intrigued! Finally, someone has realized how whacked our system is of promoting so called healthy eating by literally making us eat foods that are intended to harm us, and by having someone like Dr. Davis, come forth and shove it right back to the “Big Guys” in the industry. Kudos to you, and to all the people who wake up out of this “induced” fog and take the necessary steps to claim back their righteous lives to live as intended, not by individuals who only want to prosper out of our ill health. Good luck, and I look forward to following this lifestyle approach for all that it’s worth, my life!!!

    Reply
  6. cate shanahan says:
    September 17, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    Dr Davis
    Request: Please, when you talk with Dr. Kaskell (especially if you go on his ReachMD show) will you be honest and say to the listening physicians that our system of financially penalizing doctors for NOT driving down LDL to ridiculous levels using statins (the pay-for performance game) is rewarding doctors for making patients sicker?

    And this sadistic relationship is going to get WORSE with the new medicare/Obamacare program, see article on medscape here: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/749625?sssdmh=dm1.718293&src=nldne

    If you can do that for me, not only will you make me less likely to quit my job (I’m a family practice doc) out of sheer frustration, but you will also strick a first, damaging blow in the foundation of the wrongheadedness our medical system has been building itself on. That wrongheadedness is driving our patients away from us and towards anything that seems natural, even if it truly is quackery.

    Reply
    • Dr. Davis says:
      September 18, 2011 at 2:50 pm

      Will do, Dr. Cate.

      I agree: This nonsense about the entire world needing statin drugs and penalizing the practitioners who do not agree is driven by the drug industry, pure and simple.

      Even worse, it’s starting to look to me that the “eat more healthy whole grains” is also somehow tied to drug industry influence. This is getting dirtier and smellier every day. There is blood on the hands of our colleagues who continue to advocate this wrongheaded idea, as well as indiscriminate statin use.

      Reply
      • Pattye says:
        September 23, 2011 at 10:18 pm

        Oh my gosh, I am so glad you brought this up. I was furious with my dear husband’s cardiologist who insisted that my husband take Lipitor when he was diagnosed with CHF, particularly when I found out that it is standardly given as standard procedure for that ailment regardless of the patient’s lipid profile. After 5 years of taking Lipitor I wanted him off of it, my husband’s triglyceride level was 45 and he weighed 160 (non-smoker) and the doctor still said that he thought he should take it!!!! Thankfully my husband stopped it.

        Reply
        • trishb says:
          September 26, 2011 at 6:59 pm

          Amen to that. I’m on a diet right now, and have severely limited my intake of breads, pasta and the like without knowing anything about Wheat Belly. I’m a type II diabetic, with high blood pressure and cholesterol.
          When I was 24 I developed psoriasis, an immune deficiency problem. I was always thin and ate what ever I liked, especially sweets. Then menopause struck and I put on over 100 pounds.
          It is my full intention to get off all the meds and get my weight down to 127. I have lost 24 pounds in 3 months and have lots more to loose. This new discovery of the effects of wheat has given me a new look at my past eating habits. I say “Good Bye, wheat.”

          Reply
  7. Ann Zach, Ph.D. says:
    September 27, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    Hello Dr.Davis.
    I’ve been a fan of your Track your Plaque blog site for some time and now have read your book. I would like to offer to translate it into two European languages that are as ‘native’ to me as English. I will be loosely doing so anyway for my parents and overseas friends. As a scientist I appreciate the research cited, while as a general reader I love your writing style and humor!
    I believe that in exposing and describing so persuasively the issues surrounding modern wheat, you are providing a service beyond some of the best recent nutritional advice on carbohydrates and added sugars, because while most informed people can manage to “limit carbs and sweets”, it seems to be emotionally more difficult for anyone to consistently turn away from wheat due to the traditional reverence in which it has been held for millennia. We were in dire need of a well-presented, strongly substantiated book on the subject of the modified modern wheat, thank you! Please consider spreading the message further abroad, I’d be delighted and honored to assist!
    Ann

    Reply
  8. Pharmagirl says:
    September 29, 2011 at 6:51 pm

    Hi Dr Davis
    Sorry for this long entry – I’m a big fan of your work.

    I read your article in Maclean’s magazine and was delighted to discover that you have a blog to boot! It really resonated with me as I’ve finally convinced my husband to give up wheat to discover that he no longer has brain fog, depression, tiredness or feeling spaced out. Based on the improvements he saw, we realized that our youngest daughter was likely gluten intolerant as well. She’s suffered from crippling tummy aches throughout her life, migraines and always aches and pains. She’s also got a tendency towards melancholia that we worried about possibly turning into depression. Specialists and tests (she’s not Celiac) could find nothing but serious constipation, remedied with mineral oil. Since eliminating wheat the migraines have all but disappeared as have the crippling tummy aches. She’s also turned into a happy little girl – hooray!

    The funny thing is that I always thought my husband had a delicate British constitution and that I could handle anything. Well turns out not to be the case. About two months ago, I went on the faddy Dukan diet to lose weight that’s been hanging around for far too long. I was able to lose about 15 pounds, by following it very strictly. I’m sure you’re familiar with the diet (alternating days of protein and protein with vegetables) and it wasn’t as difficult to follow as it sounds. I consumed no alcohol, no sugar and no grains/legumes during this time period. What I discovered surprised me – loss of persistent shoulder aches and pains that have plagued me for the past 6 or 7 years, disappearance of knee pain that started 20 years ago (my doctor diagnosed it as patellar femoral syndrome), and an amazing reduction in premenstrual symptoms (irritability, sadness, bloating, etc). I’m likely gluten intolerant too!

    My question for you relates to my genetic type 2 hypercholesterolemia. I have been on a statin for the past 7 years to control my high LDL levels. Knowing the side effects related to statins, I absolutely hate this but despite having researched as much as I possibly can (I’m a pharmacist), I can find no alternative to taking a statin and we have a family history of strokes, heart disease so am loathe to stop taking my meds. An interesting observation – while on the Dukan diet, my triglycerides and LDL levels increased, which surprised both me and my specialist. Based on this, my statin dose was increased. What I was surprised to see was the increase in both these levels when I’d expected them to decrease based on my diet. Dukan suggests that during a weight loss that these levels can increase as weight loss promotes an increased level of circulating triglycerides and fats although I have never come across any research to substantiate this. Any explanation as to why this may have occured? As you are likely aware, I cannot discuss this with my cardiologist. When I told him I’d given up grains and was eating just meat and vegetables, well you can imagine the look I got. I’m not a nutbar, just in case you’re wondering.

    Thanks Dr Davis for all your work. I have pointed so many people towards your blog because most of them think I’m crazy when I suggest giving up wheat and minimizing grain consumption. You make it easier – don’t stop!

    Reply
    • Dr. Davis says:
      September 30, 2011 at 1:34 am

      Thanks, Pharma!

      Your experience of triglyceride and LDL distortions is common when you’ve recently lost weight. If the blood sample was obtained during or just after weight loss occurred, it will show fairly predictable distortions that improve over time–just by waiting.

      You might find the posts I recently made in my Heart Scan Blog about this issue helpful. Your doctor is, in effect, trying to treat the transient effects of weight loss.

      Reply
  9. Sue Peters says:
    September 30, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    Dear Dr. Davis,

    I’m on the last chapter of your book, but could not wait to contact you. I am a first year graduate student in Neuroscience, and I’m exploring completing my thesis on the neurological affects of wheat, and possibly more specifically as it relates to cognition and/or sleep and affective disorders. I may also include genetic analysis and fMRI n my studies. I would like to discuss this with you, or at the very least have an email discussion about the current state of research that you may be aware of, and any thoughts you might have about this as a research topic. Almost three years ago, I removed wheat and gluten from my diet due to a 15 year struggle with “Fibromyalgia” which included a vast array of symptoms including asthma, IBS, muscle pain, low back pain, sleep problems, kidney stones, weakened immune system, and digestive pain. I am now in, what I believe to be, perfect health, and feel that my brain is working better than ever at age 36. Just in time for my most serious studies! My partner is an anesthesiologist specializing in chronic pain, and has begun suggesting a wheat free diet to all patients, and already starting to see some success.

    Thank you so much for writing this extremely important, and fun, book.

    Sue Peters

    Reply
  10. Lisa Banks says:
    October 3, 2011 at 2:20 am

    Dr. Davis, I saw your piece on Fox and I just ordered your book for myself so I obviously a haven’t begun the eating plan yet. i was just curious to know if this is something that is safe for my 12 year old? He is about 5′ 5″ and weighs about 200lbs – needless to say, he is very overweight and it is carried mostly in his belly. We tried to go completely gluten free for a time with some success but it has proven to be difficult as he does not appreciate the taste of some of the gluten free choices. I feel that maybe this might prove to be a ‘hard sell’ for me to get him to change. Any suggestions if, in fact, it is appropriate for a child of his age?

    Incidently, I recently had a Lap-Band removed due to a chronic infection. The band actually didn’t allow me to eat bread or other wheat products as they would get stuck in the opening to my stomach. I had the band for 2 years and lost 100lbs all the while struggling with the infection. I believe that a good portion of that weight loss was due to the lack of wheat in my diet. I also felt better, less foggy with better concentration and less aches and pains. My triglycerides and total cholesterol were great but, since the band was removed in July of this year, i have gained 40 lbs and my trigycerides and cholesterol have crept back up – partially due to my larger portions but,I also believe, partially due to the fact that I have incorporated wheat products back into my diet and I am now experiencing joint pain and the brain fog is back.

    Thanks for the book. I’m looking forward to getting started. I know it will help me…and hopefully my son!
    Lisa

    Reply
  11. Hunter Copeland says:
    October 3, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Dr. Davis-

    I am a registered dietitian in Alabama. I just finished Wheatbelly and loved the information. I was hoping I could talk you in to a 30-45 minute interview on my podcast. I would love to help spread your message.

    Thanks,
    Hunter Copeland, RD, LD

    Reply
  12. Pam says:
    October 5, 2011 at 2:48 am

    Dr. Davis, will you be attending the A4M conference in Las Vegas this year? Everything you cover in your book is so right up the anti-aging alley. I will be there as part of the Ultimate Living Medical Clinic’s staff. It would be great to meet you in person and say “thanks”.

    Reply
    • Dr. Davis says:
      October 5, 2011 at 12:06 pm

      Hi, Pam–

      No, sorry, didn’t even think about it until you brought it up! Tempting, however.

      I attended one of the A4M meetings years ago and really got a kick out of it. Maybe time for another dose of antiaging talk!

      Reply
  13. Len Ochs, Ph.D. says:
    October 9, 2011 at 3:59 am

    The connection between cognitive or other CNS-mediated dysfunction is clear to me. The brain, as a protection against hypoglycemia, dumps inhibitory neurotransmitters into its tissues and synaptic clefts. Deliberate hypoglycemia has been practiced for decades in the use of insulin coma therapy, designed to provoke seizures to re-set the brain in response to chronic mental illness. The purpose of the inhibitory neurotransmitters is to set up neurochemical firewalls to prevent the spread of anticipated seizures. Unfortunately, these firewalls also cut the connectivity needed to promote higher functioning — energy, cognition, movement, and mood. Over the lifespan, years of chronic insulin swings brings about a gradual accretion of inhibitory neurotransmitters. Unfortunately too few individuals can refresh their own neurochemistry, and begin to have what is euphemistically called “age-related decline.”

    While we have developed reasonably rapid ways to refresh the neurochemistry, unless this happens in the context of both eliminating gluten and high-glycemic foods, the results of our procedures will be temporary. Congratulations on Wheat Belly. What a wonderful contribution.
    Len Ochs, Ph.D.
    Clinical Neuropsychophysiology and Behavioral Biophysics

    Reply
    • Dr. Davis says:
      October 9, 2011 at 12:59 pm

      Thank you, Dr. Ochs!

      The wheat-free movement will be an interesting and broad experience in preserving brain health. I predict that wheat-eliminators will be far more likely to maintain vigorous and healthy brains into later life, while wheat-consumers will be the ones in walkers, wheelchairs, and extended care facilities because of progressive CNS debilitation.

      Reply
    • Thomas Snyder says:
      December 13, 2011 at 11:17 am

      Dear Len,

      I pray you and I might converse by email on our studies of YLTG Essential Oils to increase brain cognitive functioning, in a small group study 12 of 12 had significant increases in abilities to think and reason more clearly! I am a former traumatic brain injury survivor and find it HARD to keep quit about the incredible results I have been getting to actually be productive as an educator, researcher and potential naturopath doctoral candidate! I hope this sheds some light on a much needed addition to any integrative medical plan, the works go back 1000′s of years and the cutting edge science is a delight to be on the forefront of…

      thomas

      Reply
  14. Tiffany Cote says:
    October 31, 2011 at 4:36 am

    Dr. Davis,

    I have been studying/interested in/practicing healthy living for roughly 25 years. Not everything I did was right, but my desire to know fuels my continued passion. Having children only makes this more important to me. A couple of years ago I began a fitness program called CrossFit (you may or may not be familiar). The CrossFit community is very big on the Paleo lifestyle. Obviously, this is wheat-free. We tried this as a family for roughly a month and the changes that I noticed in my children, particularly the one who presents ADD/ADHD was remarkable. He also noticed the changes. However, he soon went back to old habits. Unfortunately I am the lone wolf in the family and often swim upstream. Any ideas about doing this successfully with children/teens?

    Thank you,

    Tiffany

    Reply
    • Dr. Davis says:
      October 31, 2011 at 11:52 am

      I think it’s always a struggle with kids and teens.

      I think the only thing you can do is to educate them. My 13-year old still rebels and will eat pancakes, for instance, while laughing. He actually knows that he won’t feel right and will grow his “wheat belly,” but doesn’t yet grasp that this has long-term health implications. So I gently remind him and hope that it registers sometime soon.

      Reply
  15. Sam Johnson says:
    November 29, 2011 at 6:53 am

    Please check this site in regard to the appropriate type of wheat and review.

    Thank you in advance Dr. Davis

    truegrain.ca

    Reply
  16. Suncee says:
    December 7, 2011 at 6:10 am

    Dr.Davis,
    After reading several reviews and a couple articles, i’m crossing my fingers as tight as possible to receive this book for chirstmas. I’m a 25 year old female dealing with acne, keratosis pilaris, thinning hair and excess (and rapid) weight gain. Those are only a few of the problems i’m dealing with. I wholeheartedly believe in what your writting. I can’t wait to write back and have a positive review to praise you for! Thanks Dr. Davis for believing that taking pills daily won’t solve problems.

    Reply
  17. Thomas Snyder says:
    December 13, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Dear Suncee,

    @ 51 and having forever “kicked the wheat habit” even Wholesome breads from the Whole Foods don’t appeal as much as educating the younger generation as yourself that you can eat less, grow smaller and be a great example for many others your age of what IS possible. Often for much < $ than kids are spending now in a 2-3 year stretch, you can get on a RAW food and structured water/ re-hydration plan that will have you feeling like a million$ and smiling from ear to ear. Hope this gives you some encouragement to just DO IT!

    Reply
  18. Amy Bluhm says:
    January 20, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Dr. Davis, I would like to know if you would consider speaking to a group of women(mostly middle aged moms with young kids) at my home (North lakeside suburb of Chicago) on adopting a wheat free diet and how to go about weaning our children off the evil substance. I have been wheat free since November 1 and since then, I have bought 10 copies of your book for friends and relatives to read since everyone seems to want to know what is involved and why it’s so life-changing. We’d happily pay your fees and travel expenses. Sometime this winter or spring would be ideal. Thanks so much for considering it. Best- Amy B

    Reply

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