Dr. Barbara Cordell, a Panola College professor, recently published her first non-fiction book to great success. Her book, My Gut Makes Alcohol! The Science and Stories of Auto-Brewery Syndrome, will be featured on the Dr. Oz Show on December 20th. Cordell’s husband, Joe Bartnik, suffered from a rare disease where an overgrowth of yeast in his intestines turned carbohydrates he ate into alcohol, but no doctors in the area had ever heard of such a syndrome.  “Most doctors thought he was a closet alcoholic and turned us away, until we went to Dr. McCarthy in Nacogdoches”, said Cordell.

 

 

Oz and Cordell discuss Auto-brewery Syndrome.

 

Dr. McCarthy not only diagnosed and treated Joe with anti-fungal medications and diet, but also encouraged Dr. Cordell to co-publish an article with him about the case. That led to Barbara being contacted by patients and doctors around the world wanting to know more about Auto-brewery Syndrome. “Suddenly, I was in contact with hundreds of patients and dozens of doctors and thought the subject would make for an interesting book,” she said. Joe has been symptom-free for over nine years and Barbara’s articles, support group, website, and book are helping people find resources and the help they need.

 

Dr. Cordell started a non-profit organization called Auto-brewery Syndrome Information and Research to accept donations and help find out more about this strange disease. Proceeds from the book will go to the research efforts as well. You can find out more information on the auto-brewery syndrome website: www.autobrewery.info and see Barbara on the Dr. Oz show on December 20th.