.jpg)
Causes or Cures
"For the Nerds and the Nerd Nots"
Causes or Cures is a health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks—an independent, grassroots show driven by curiosity and a passion for breaking down complex health topics into bite-sized, easy-to-understand insights. Dr. Eeks (ErinKate Stair, MD, MPH) works as a senior public health consultant in the realm of public health, epidemiology, and health communication. She's all about making science relatable and often uses a blue-collar sense of humor to drive the message home.
On this podcast, Dr. Eeks talks with experts from around the world (doctors, researchers, public health pros, and more) to dive into the latest hot topics in health and research, all in a down-to-earth kind of way. She also includes people with compelling stories of healing and "characters" because life is too boring and short to leave out characters. ;)
DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not health advice. Dr. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. If an episode is sponsored by a company she likes, she will say so in the show notes.
Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does. (At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-walls & on the NYC sidewalks.) The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded, and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted.
*The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for.
You can contact Dr. Eeks through her website, bloomingwellness.com.
If you are interested in sponsoring an episode, write erin@bloomingwellness.com.
SIGN UP for her Newsletter HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/xnqmy06
Causes or Cures
Can Probiotics Protect Us From Microplastics? With Dr. Christian Pacher-Deutsch
Microplastics are everywhere—but what are they doing inside the human body?
In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks speaks with Dr. Christian Pacher-Deutsch about his lastest study and the growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may affect the digestive system, the gut microbiome, and long-term health. He explains why this problem has reached crisis level.
Rather than focusing on dramatic claims or quick fixes, this conversation explores what the science actually shows, including how probiotics may help mitigate some of the harmful effects of microplastics...not by breaking them down, but by supporting gut integrity and immune balance.
We discuss:
- What microplastics and nanoplastics are, how they’re formed, and where human exposure comes from
- Why nanoplastics may be especially concerning due to their size and biological interactions
- The range of health effects microplastics have been linked to, including immune, neurological, reproductive, and carcinogenic effects
- How microplastics may disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, including digestion, inflammation, barrier function, and gut permeability
- What the microbiome is and why it plays a central role in health
- Why probiotics were considered as a potential solution, and what the research found
- Why probiotic bacteria are unlikely to directly degrade plastics
- How probiotics may still help reduce inflammation and support the gut’s protective barriers
- Whether certain bacteria appear more protective than others
- The role of industry collaboration and whether probiotic formulations are being explored
- Whether probiotics can realistically help us get ahead of the microplastic crisis, or if they are only part of a larger solution
- Practical ways people can reduce exposure, and where reduction may be unrealistic
- How diet, including probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods, might help mitigate risk
- What this research changed about Dr. Pacher-Deutsch’s own habits
- What’s next in microplastics and health research
This episode offers a clear, evidence-based look at microplastics inside the human body—without panic, hype, or false promises.
GUEST BIO: Dr. Pacher-Deutsch is a scientist and researcher in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria.
Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.
You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com.
Follow Eeks on Instagram here.
Follow Public Health is Weird
Or Facebook here.
Or X.
On Youtube.
Or TikTok.
SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here!