Joey Graziadei finally put an end to the mystery that left many fans baffled as to why his eyes are yellow.
The star of season 28 of “The Bachelor” revealed that he has Gilbert syndrome, a harmless liver condition that can affect eye color. In an Instagram video uploaded on Thursday, he explained that he was diagnosed in high school after being sick for more than a week. Blood tests, several doctor visits and an ultrasound of his liver led to his diagnosis.
“At the end of the day they tell me I'm healthy. It's something that affects the whites of my eyes. It makes me have those levels of jaundice, that's why they look a little more yellow,” Graziadei said. “It's something I want to pay more attention to this year. I want to improve my health.
The 28-year-old tennis instructor said he is healthy and that his condition simply requires him to pay more attention to his fluid intake.
“It's worse when I'm stressed or sleep deprived, which happens on a TV show,” he said. “I appreciate everyone looking out for me and wondering if I'm okay. As far as I know, I'm as good as I can be.”
What is Gilbert syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome is a common genetic condition that prevents the liver from properly processing bilirubin, which is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this harmless inherited condition is often discovered by accident when blood tests reveal an increase in bilirubin levels. Gilbert syndrome does not require treatment.
About 3% to 7% of Americans suffer from Gilbert syndrome, and the condition is more common in men than women, according to the report. Cleveland Clinic reported. Only one in three people with this condition experience any symptoms.
How does Gilbert syndrome affect eye color?
Gilbert syndrome can cause occasional yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the blood, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This side effect is not harmful.
Symptoms of Gilbert syndrome
Symptoms of Gilbert syndrome include “occasional yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
For people with Gilbert syndrome, other common reasons for increased bilirubin levels include:
- Dehydration
- Illness, such as a cold or flu.
- Fasting or low calorie diet
- Menstruation
- Stress
- Exhausting exercise
Who is Joey Graziadei?
Graziadei is a professional tennis teacher from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, according to his Biography from ABC.
She made her reality TV debut on season 20 of “The Bachelorette” with Charity Lawson, where she came in second place and lost to Dotun Olubeko. In August, he was announced as the next lead on “The Bachelor” during the season.
Who does Joey Graziadei end up with? (Spoilers)
Graziadei is engaged to account executive Daisy Kent, 25, of Becker, Minnesota, according to well-known Bachelor Reality blogger Steve.
Kent, Kelsey Anderson and Rachel Nance are Graziadei's bottom three, and Kent and Anderson advanced to the finals, says Reality Steve. According to the blogger, Graziadei and Kent got engaged in Tulum, Mexico, at the end of the season.
Contributing: Emily DeLetter and Victoria Moorwood