Podcasts about mcas

Do you get random itching, your heart races after you eat, or you get hives out of nowhere and have no idea why? Have you been told it's just stress or anxiety, but deep down you know something else is going on? We cover: What histamine actually is and why so many midlife women are dealing with it without even knowing it How perimenopause and menopause can slowly ramp up your histamine response and what the early signs look like The surprising connection between cortisol, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and why you can't seem to calm down Which common "healthy" foods might be making things worse, and what actually helped Natalie get her body back The supplement and lifestyle protocol Natalie used to go from covered in hives to back in control   Natalie Jill is a high-performance coach, licensed master sports nutritionist, and fitness expert who helps women redefine aging through mindset and metabolic health. After decades of working in fitness, she faced her own series of medical challenges that forced her to completely rebuild her body and mindset from the ground up.  PAST EPISODE What 14 surgeries taught me: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-14-surgeries-taught-me-about-healing-disc-replacements/id1531105768?i=1000735039020 Total Body Thrive Online Program: https://totalbodythrive.com/ $400 off with code ZORA Contact Natalie Jill Website: https://www.nataliejillfitness.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliejillfit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nataliejillfit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieJillFitness Podcast: Midlife Conversations with Nathalie Jill Give thanks to our sponsors: Try Vitali skincare. 20% off with code ZORA here - https://vitaliskincare.com Get Primeadine spermidine by Oxford Healthspan. 15% discount with code ZORA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.oxfordhealthspan.com/ZORA Get Mitopure Urolithin A by Timeline. 20% discount with code ZORA at https://timeline.com/zora Try MitoQ for optimal mitochondrial health. Code ZORA for 20% off https://mitoq.com/zora   Join the Hack My Age community on: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hackmyage Facebook Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Hack My Age⁠     Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠   Biohacking Menopause Private Women's Only Support Group: https://hackmyage.com/biohacking-menopause-membership/ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠HackMyAge⁠    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HackMyAge.com⁠    For partnership inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Some episodes of Hack My Age are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.

What a Ride and an Override 7/20/26, Co-Host Megan Zinn. Lexi Walters Wright, owner of High Five Books & 2026 Commonwealth Heroine Award recipient, on supporting the LGBTQ youth, community & readers. Local author Morgan Thomas on their claimed and innovative debut novel “Mad Eden”- about “late-diagnosed autism, gender-affirming care, queer family, & dragon.” Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby on how to win an Override, the World Cup Watch Parties, and a fight with City Council. Educator Doug Selwyn on Gov Healy's proposal for MCAS 2.0 & what you can do.

What a Ride and an Override 7/20/26, Co-Host Megan Zinn. Lexi Walters Wright, owner of High Five Books & 2026 Commonwealth Heroine Award recipient, on supporting the LGBTQ youth, community & readers. Local author Morgan Thomas on their claimed and innovative debut novel “Mad Eden”- about “late-diagnosed autism, gender-affirming care, queer family, & dragon.” Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby on how to win an Override, the World Cup Watch Parties, and a fight with City Council. Educator Doug Selwyn on Gov Healy's proposal for MCAS 2.0 & what you can do.

What a Ride and an Override 7/20/26, Co-Host Megan Zinn. Lexi Walters Wright, owner of High Five Books & 2026 Commonwealth Heroine Award recipient, on supporting the LGBTQ youth, community & readers. Local author Morgan Thomas on their claimed and innovative debut novel “Mad Eden”- about “late-diagnosed autism, gender-affirming care, queer family, & dragon.” Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby on how to win an Override, the World Cup Watch Parties, and a fight with City Council. Educator Doug Selwyn on Gov Healy's proposal for MCAS 2.0 & what you can do.

What a Ride and an Override 7/20/26, Co-Host Megan Zinn. Lexi Walters Wright, owner of High Five Books & 2026 Commonwealth Heroine Award recipient, on supporting the LGBTQ youth, community & readers. Local author Morgan Thomas on their claimed and innovative debut novel “Mad Eden”- about “late-diagnosed autism, gender-affirming care, queer family, & dragon.” Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby on how to win an Override, the World Cup Watch Parties, and a fight with City Council. Educator Doug Selwyn on Gov Healy's proposal for MCAS 2.0 & what you can do.

SPONSORED BY NURP Nurp is algorithmic trading designed specifically for busy professionals who don't have time to watch markets. Check out start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more. --- Why are so many patients still struggling with debilitating symptoms years after COVID—and why does conventional medicine seem to have so few answers? In this encore presentation, Drs. Tim and May Hindmarsh sit down with internist and cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough for an in-depth discussion about long COVID, persistent spike protein, chronic inflammation, and the growing number of patients experiencing symptoms that don't fit neatly into traditional medical models. The conversation explores why some individuals develop lingering neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune-related symptoms long after infection, the emerging theories surrounding persistent spike protein, and the ongoing debate over diagnostics and treatment approaches. Whether you're a clinician, patient, or simply trying to understand why long COVID remains such a challenging condition, this episode dives into one of the most controversial and widely discussed topics in post-pandemic medicine. Note: This episode is being re-released due to continued listener interest. The discussion reflects the guests' perspectives and the evidence available at the time of recording. Research into COVID-19, long COVID, and related therapies continues to evolve. In This Episode Why long COVID continues to puzzle physicians Symptoms that extend far beyond the respiratory system The connection between inflammation, clotting, and neurological symptoms Current theories surrounding persistent spike protein Why some patients experience dramatically different recoveries Autoimmune responses and chronic immune dysregulation Mast cell activation and histamine intolerance The role of the gut microbiome in recovery Challenges surrounding laboratory testing and diagnosis Why individualized treatment approaches remain essential Emerging therapies being explored for long COVID The importance of continuing research into post-viral illness About Our Guest Dr. Peter McCullough is a board-certified internist, cardiologist, and epidemiologist. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic he became one of the most recognizable physicians discussing early treatment strategies, vaccine safety, and long COVID. His work has generated both significant attention and controversy within the medical community. Key Takeaway Long COVID is not a one-size-fits-all condition. While researchers continue investigating its underlying mechanisms, patients and clinicians alike are searching for better ways to diagnose, understand, and treat persistent post-viral symptoms. This episode explores one physician's perspective on those ongoing challenges and why continued research remains critical. Resources Mentioned LabCorp COVID antibody testing Research on long COVID and post-viral illness Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) Gut microbiome research Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) Spike protein detoxification protocols discussed by Dr. McCullough Connect with BS Free MD

Can a single infection permanently change your health, or does it simply reveal something that was already there? In this episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, welcomes back Dr. Ina Stephens, Associate Director of the UVA Health EDS & Hypermobility Disorders Center, for an in-depth discussion about Long COVID, post-infectious syndromes, and their connection to Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and immune dysfunction. Dr. Stephens explains why post-infectious illnesses are real and have been recognized for more than a century, tracing the pattern from the 1917 influenza pandemic and encephalitis lethargica to modern conditions including Long COVID, reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Lyme disease, Babesia and other tick-borne infections, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). She shares the detective work behind her Diagnostic Dilemma Clinic, how a comprehensive history and targeted evaluation uncover hidden diagnoses, and why so many patients with complex chronic illness also have hypermobility. The conversation explores emerging research showing that people with hypermobility are approximately four times more likely to develop Long COVID, with an even greater risk in those with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Stephens and Dr. Bluestein discuss the underlying biology, including immune dysregulation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, vagus nerve dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the ways connective tissue disorders may influence recovery after infection. They also review evidence-informed treatment strategies, including supporting mitochondrial health with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC); the role of low-dose naltrexone (LDN); optimizing iron and vitamin C status; when antiviral medications may be appropriate; intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Finally, they explain why gradually increasing muscle mass and strength may have a greater long-term impact than any single supplement and share practical strategies for supporting recovery and strengthening your regimen at the first sign of illness. Whether you're living with EDS, HSD, Long COVID, POTS, MCAS, ME/CFS, Lyme disease, or another post-infectious condition, this episode offers practical, science-based insights into why these conditions overlap and what you can do to support healing. Takeaways: • Can a virus, Lyme disease, or another infection permanently change your health? Learn why post-infectious syndromes have been documented for more than a century and how infections can trigger chronic illness through immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. • Why are people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) so much more likely to develop Long COVID? Discover the research linking hypermobility, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and prolonged recovery after infection. • What do Long COVID, Lyme disease, ME/CFS, POTS, and other post-infectious conditions have in common? Explore the shared biology of immune dysfunction, autonomic and vagus nerve dysfunction, and mitochondrial dysfunction that may explain multisystem symptoms. • Which treatments actually help? Hear the evidence behind coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), low-dose naltrexone (LDN), iron and vitamin C, antiviral medications, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. • Could building muscle be one of the most powerful treatments for chronic illness? Learn why increasing muscle mass and strength may have a greater long-term impact than any single supplement, plus Dr. Stephens' practical strategy for boosting your regimen at the first sign of infection. Go http://www.AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can a single infection permanently change your health, or does it simply reveal something that was already there? In this episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, welcomes back Dr. Ina Stephens, Associate Director of the UVA Health EDS & Hypermobility Disorders Center, for an in-depth discussion about Long COVID, post-infectious syndromes, and their connection to Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and immune dysfunction. Dr. Stephens explains why post-infectious illnesses are real and have been recognized for more than a century, tracing the pattern from the 1917 influenza pandemic and encephalitis lethargica to modern conditions including Long COVID, reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Lyme disease, Babesia and other tick-borne infections, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). She shares the detective work behind her Diagnostic Dilemma Clinic, how a comprehensive history and targeted evaluation uncover hidden diagnoses, and why so many patients with complex chronic illness also have hypermobility. The conversation explores emerging research showing that people with hypermobility are approximately four times more likely to develop Long COVID, with an even greater risk in those with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Stephens and Dr. Bluestein discuss the underlying biology, including immune dysregulation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, vagus nerve dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the ways connective tissue disorders may influence recovery after infection. They also review evidence-informed treatment strategies, including supporting mitochondrial health with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC); the role of low-dose naltrexone (LDN); optimizing iron and vitamin C status; when antiviral medications may be appropriate; intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Finally, they explain why gradually increasing muscle mass and strength may have a greater long-term impact than any single supplement and share practical strategies for supporting recovery and strengthening your regimen at the first sign of illness. Whether you're living with EDS, HSD, Long COVID, POTS, MCAS, ME/CFS, Lyme disease, or another post-infectious condition, this episode offers practical, science-based insights into why these conditions overlap and what you can do to support healing. Takeaways: • Can a virus, Lyme disease, or another infection permanently change your health? Learn why post-infectious syndromes have been documented for more than a century and how infections can trigger chronic illness through immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. • Why are people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) so much more likely to develop Long COVID? Discover the research linking hypermobility, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and prolonged recovery after infection. • What do Long COVID, Lyme disease, ME/CFS, POTS, and other post-infectious conditions have in common? Explore the shared biology of immune dysfunction, autonomic and vagus nerve dysfunction, and mitochondrial dysfunction that may explain multisystem symptoms. • Which treatments actually help? Hear the evidence behind coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), low-dose naltrexone (LDN), iron and vitamin C, antiviral medications, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. • Could building muscle be one of the most powerful treatments for chronic illness? Learn why increasing muscle mass and strength may have a greater long-term impact than any single supplement, plus Dr. Stephens' practical strategy for boosting your regimen at the first sign of infection. Go http://www.AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Okay guys, get comfy because we have a lot to catch up on

Join Dr. Melanie Carminati as she welcomes integrative gastroenterologist Dr. Elena Ivanina, MD for an in-depth conversation on the fascinating connection between gut health, pelvic health, and overall wellness.In this episode, they break down the gut microbiome, explaining how the digestive system functions as a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and immune cells working together to support health. Dr. Ivanina also discusses mast cell activation syndrome #MCAS why it's receiving increased attention, how it affects the gastrointestinal system, and its relationship with symptoms such as bloating, food sensitivities, reflux, constipation, and IBS.The conversation explores:Gut microbiome 101 and how each section of the digestive tract functionsMCAS, histamine, and their impact on digestive and systemic symptomsThe connection between gut health, pelvic floor dysfunction, and bowel habitsDyssynergic defecation and new advances in diagnosing bowel dysfunctionChronic constipation, dysbiosis, and long-term digestive healthNatural approaches to supporting digestion, including magnesium, fennel, and evidence-based supplementsPractical daily habits to improve bowel function and overall gut healthWhether you're dealing with digestive symptoms, pelvic floor dysfunction, unexplained bloating, or simply want to better understand your gut, this episode provides practical insights backed by clinical experience and the latest research.Follow Dr. Elena Ivanina at @gutlove and learn more at GutLove.com.Subscribe to Know & Do Better for expert conversations on medicine, wellness, pelvic health, and the science behind living healthier.

If you could listen to just one conversation about Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), what would you need to know? In this listener Q&A episode, producer Aron Korney puts host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, in the hot seat to answer the questions patients ask most about hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, genetic testing, medications, and managing complex chronic illness. Dr. Bluestein explains why EDS, HSD, POTS, and MCAS are whole-body conditions rather than isolated joint disorders, and how connective tissue affects nearly every organ system. She shares why "less is more," why small, consistent improvements create meaningful long-term progress, and how the placebo and nocebo effects can influence healing. The conversation also covers the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning for fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin, explaining why people with connective tissue disorders should discuss safer alternatives with their healthcare providers when appropriate. Dr. Bluestein then tackles one of the most confusing topics in EDS: genetic testing. She explains why a negative genetic test does not rule out every rare subtype of EDS, how variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and direct-to-consumer genetic reports can be misleading, and why clinical evaluation remains essential, especially when vascular EDS is suspected. Finally, she discusses how mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) can amplify pain, migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms, dysautonomia, and other multisystem symptoms, how to obtain accurate laboratory testing, and why she casts a wider diagnostic net when evaluating complex patients. The episode concludes with a simple hypermobility hack that uses vagus nerve activation to help calm a constant fight-or-flight response. Whether you're newly diagnosed with EDS or HSD, wondering if you have POTS or MCAS, trying to understand genetic testing, or looking for practical strategies to improve your health, this episode delivers the essential concepts every patient should know. Takeaways: • Think EDS only affects your joints? Discover why Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), POTS, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) are whole-body conditions that can affect nearly every organ system. • Could doing less actually help you feel better? Learn why "less is more," how stacking small wins leads to meaningful progress, and how the placebo and nocebo effects can influence your symptoms and recovery. • Are antibiotics like ciprofloxacin safe if you have EDS or another connective tissue disorder? Understand the FDA black box warning on fluoroquinolones, the risks of tendon rupture, nerve injury, and aortic complications, and when it's worth asking about alternatives. • Can a negative genetic test still mean you have a rare type of EDS? Learn why clinical features, family history, and red flags often matter as much as laboratory results, especially when vascular EDS is a possibility. • Could mast cell activation syndrome be making your symptoms worse? Discover how MCAS can amplify pain, migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dysautonomia, why testing is often misunderstood, and the biggest mistakes patients should avoid. Go http://www.AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Head to http://www.cozyearth.com and use my code BENDY for an exclusive 20% off. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you could listen to just one conversation about Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), what would you need to know? In this listener Q&A episode, producer Aron Korney puts host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, in the hot seat to answer the questions patients ask most about hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, genetic testing, medications, and managing complex chronic illness. Dr. Bluestein explains why EDS, HSD, POTS, and MCAS are whole-body conditions rather than isolated joint disorders, and how connective tissue affects nearly every organ system. She shares why "less is more," why small, consistent improvements create meaningful long-term progress, and how the placebo and nocebo effects can influence healing. The conversation also covers the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning for fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin, explaining why people with connective tissue disorders should discuss safer alternatives with their healthcare providers when appropriate. Dr. Bluestein then tackles one of the most confusing topics in EDS: genetic testing. She explains why a negative genetic test does not rule out every rare subtype of EDS, how variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and direct-to-consumer genetic reports can be misleading, and why clinical evaluation remains essential, especially when vascular EDS is suspected. Finally, she discusses how mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) can amplify pain, migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms, dysautonomia, and other multisystem symptoms, how to obtain accurate laboratory testing, and why she casts a wider diagnostic net when evaluating complex patients. The episode concludes with a simple hypermobility hack that uses vagus nerve activation to help calm a constant fight-or-flight response. Whether you're newly diagnosed with EDS or HSD, wondering if you have POTS or MCAS, trying to understand genetic testing, or looking for practical strategies to improve your health, this episode delivers the essential concepts every patient should know. Takeaways: • Think EDS only affects your joints? Discover why Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), POTS, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) are whole-body conditions that can affect nearly every organ system. • Could doing less actually help you feel better? Learn why "less is more," how stacking small wins leads to meaningful progress, and how the placebo and nocebo effects can influence your symptoms and recovery. • Are antibiotics like ciprofloxacin safe if you have EDS or another connective tissue disorder? Understand the FDA black box warning on fluoroquinolones, the risks of tendon rupture, nerve injury, and aortic complications, and when it's worth asking about alternatives. • Can a negative genetic test still mean you have a rare type of EDS? Learn why clinical features, family history, and red flags often matter as much as laboratory results, especially when vascular EDS is a possibility. • Could mast cell activation syndrome be making your symptoms worse? Discover how MCAS can amplify pain, migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dysautonomia, why testing is often misunderstood, and the biggest mistakes patients should avoid. Go http://www.AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Head to http://www.cozyearth.com and use my code BENDY for an exclusive 20% off. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWhy does one person become severely ill from mold exposure while everyone else in the house seems fine?In this episode of Never Been Sicker, Michael Rubino sits down with holistic physician Dr. Michael Biamonte to explore the often-overlooked connection between mold illness, Candida overgrowth, gut health, toxic metals, parasites, and chronic inflammation.Dr. Biamonte explains why mold recovery isn't just about remediating your home. He discusses how gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, biofilms, and weakened immune function can make certain people far more susceptible to environmental toxins. The conversation also dives into long COVID, spike protein, heavy metals, personalized nutrition, pharmaceutical side effects, and why treating symptoms alone often isn't enough.Whether you're struggling to recover from mold exposure or searching for the root cause of chronic illness, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how your environment and your body work together.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:02 Meet Dr. Michael Biamonte02:10 Why Some People Get Sick From Mold05:20 Candida, Gut Health & Mold Illness08:00 How Mold Hides in the Body11:15 Leaky Gut, MCAS & Chronic Inflammation14:05 Why Mold Recovery Starts at Home17:10 Can Mold Mutate?20:00 Long COVID, Spike Protein & Mold24:00 Root Cause vs. Symptom-Based Medicine28:10 Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxicity31:20 Parasites and Gut Dysbiosis34:30 Are We Oversupplementing?38:15 Pharmaceuticals & Nutrient Deficiencies42:10 Why Healing Requires Fixing the Environment45:20 Have We Never Been Sicker?47:45 The Cholesterol Controversy50:10 The Biggest Lie in Modern Medicine52:30 Where to Find Dr. Michael Biamonte-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. John Kim was 33 years old, a practicing functional pharmacist who thought he was living a healthy life, when he walked into the ER with chest pain and was told he was probably fine. He wasn't. An 85% blockage in his LAD, a stent, three days in cardiac ICU, and a month later — a positive test for Bartonella, sky-high aspergillus antibodies, mycoplasma pneumonia, Epstein-Barr, parasites, and severe mercury toxicity traced back to childhood. Two years to clear the Bartonella. Six months for the mold. And a complete reinvention of how he practices medicine. In this conversation with Freddie, Dr. Kim breaks down what functional medicine is getting dangerously wrong right now — the supplement stacking, the endless detox protocols, the practitioners who skip the nervous system entirely — and lays out what actually has to happen first. Heart coherence before supplements. Nervous system regulation before binders. EMDR before mold remediation. And a lipid panel that actually includes lipoprotein A and APO B instead of just chasing LDL numbers. The second half of this episode goes deep on biotoxins and cellular damage in a way you won't hear in most wellness spaces. Dr. Kim explains the cell danger response — why the mitochondria shifts from making energy to playing defense, and why so many people with MCAS, long COVID, Lyme, and autoimmune conditions are completely stuck in that state — and what it actually takes to get out. He breaks down how toxins like heavy metals, mold, and BPA bind directly to DNA in what's called a DNA adduct, why plasma therapies and standard detox protocols don't reach that level of damage, and what does — butyric acid, TUDCA, and a sequenced approach that rebuilds the cell membrane before asking the body to clear anything. He also covers the IGL epigenetic blood test from Germany, protein misfolding, and why the goal of any good practitioner should eventually be to never see their patient again. Find Dr. John Kim at drjohnkim.com and on Instagram at john.pharmd.   Episode Highlights - [00:00] – Dr. John Kim shares the heart attack that changed his life at just 33 years old. - [07:30] – Why clean cholesterol and normal labs didn't prevent a life-threatening cardiac event. - [08:36] – The heart markers beyond cholesterol that deserve more attention. - [10:36] – Heart coherence, gratitude, and how nervous system regulation supports cardiovascular health. - [15:07] – Understanding the Cell Danger Response and why chronic illness gets stuck. - [20:22] – A practical healing hierarchy for mold illness, MCAS, and chronic inflammatory conditions. - [24:59] – Why circadian rhythm may be the most overlooked free intervention in health. - [37:46] – The problem with treating lab results instead of treating the person. - [44:24] – Should people order their own functional lab testing? The benefits and limitations. - [53:57] – A real-world story showing how heart coherence transformed chronic anxiety in six weeks. - [55:59] – The truth about plasmapheresis, detox culture, and expensive biohacking trends. - [01:01:58] – Why lasting healing requires resilience—not lifelong detox protocols.  Connect with Dr. John Kim: Website: https://drjohnkim.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.pharmd My Circadian App: https://mycircadianapp.com Upgrade Your Health LightPathLED: https://lightpathled.pxf.io/c/3438432/2059835/25794 Code: beautifullybroken Silver Biotics Wound Healing Gel: https://bit.ly/3JnxyDD 30% off with Code: BEAUTIFULLYBROKEN MaxGen Labs: https://maxgenlabs.com/BEAUTIFULLYBROKEN StemRegen: https://www.stemregen.co/products/stemregen?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=52 Code: beautifullybroken CONNECT WITH FREDDIEWork with Me: https://www.beautifullybroken.world/biological-blueprintWebsite and Store: (http://www.beautifullybroken.world) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/freddie.kimmelYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautifullybrokenworld Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Deb Muth 0:05What if your immune system isn’t broken, it’s just confused? What if chronic Lyme, the autoimmune condition, the food sensitivities, the exhaustion that never lifts what if those aren’t separate problems but one problem? A misfiring immune system that nobody taught how to stand down. Today’s guest has spent over 15 years doing exactly that, retraining the immune system from the inside out with a therapy so precise, so safe, and so effective that it has changed the lives of thousands of people who’d been written off by conventional medicine. Stay with me. This one changes everything.Welcome back to Let’s Talk Wellness Now, the show where we pull back the curtain on chronic illness, challenge outdated medical thinking, and hand you the real tools to heal from the inside out. I’m Dr. Deb, integrative and functional medicine practitioner, medical detective, and your straight-talking guide through the world of root cause medicine. Today, we’re going to dive deep into the immune system, specifically something called low-dose immunotherapy or LDI, and also into some hormones, chronic fatigue, and what it actually looks like to treat the cause instead of suppressing the symptoms. If you or someone you love has been told there’s nothing more we can do, this episode was made for you. Grab your cup of coffee, Settle in and let’s get to work. Now, before we bring in today’s guest, a quick word from our sponsor, and then we are diving straight in. I promise. Did you know sweating can literally heal your cells? Infrared saunas don’t just relax you, they detox your body, balance hormones, and boost mitochondrial energy. I’m obsessed with my HealthTech Sauna, and right now you can save $500 with my code at healthtechhealth.com/dr-muth-req-25.I want to start you with a story because this is one I’ve heard hundreds of times in my own practice, and I’m guessing you’ve either lived it or know someone who has. She’s 42. She’s been sick for years. Fatigue that doesn’t lift with sleep, joint pain that migrates, brain fog so thick she can’t finish a sentence, and a gut that seems to react to everything she eats. She’s been to her GP, rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, maybe even an immunologist, and every single lab comes back within quote unquote normal limits. She’s handed a prescription for something to manage the symptoms and sent home. Maybe she’s been told it’s anxiety. Maybe she’s been told it’s aging, or maybe and this one always breaks my heart she’s told it’s all in her head. That woman is not imagining it. She is not anxious and she’s not aging poorly. Her immune system has lost its ability to tolerate things it’s supposed to tolerate, and no one has offered her the therapy that could actually fix that. And what we’re talking about today with my guest has been practicing integrative medicine for over 15 years. Ty Vincent holds a medical degree from the University of Washington. He completed his family medicine residency in Anchorage, Alaska, and since has built one of the most impressive clinical repertoires I’ve seen anywhere in this field: acupuncture, Chinese medicine, environmental medicine, bioidentical hormones, hyperbaric medicine, chelation, regenerative peptide therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and nutritional medicine.He lives and practices on the Big Island of Hawaii. He is married has 9 children. Oh my gosh, 9! And he has personally navigated type 1 diabetes, which, as you’ll hear, is not separate from his mission. It actually is his mission. And most importantly, he is a world authority on low-dose immunotherapy, a therapy he pioneered in 2008 and since has trained over 200 providers globally and changed the course of chronic illness care as we know it. I have had the pleasure of learning from Dr. Ty Vincent. I have had pleasure of taking his low-dose immunotherapy course when he first started back in like 2008 or 2009. I remember doing it back then and learning more about it in 2011. And this is going to be a great conversation for us. So one quick ask that I have for you guys, if this sounds like something that you want to learn more about and you’ve listened to some of our shows, please share like, subscribe. It means a lot. It helps us grow our channel. It helps us continue to provide for you different topics, different speakers, and really give you what it is that you’re looking for.So without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ty Vincent. All right, so Dr. Ty Vincent, this is gonna be a great conversation. We were just chatting before we went live of my training with you guys way back in like 2015, and I’m excited to hear all the new things that you’ve got going on. But introduce yourself to the audience. Tell us a little bit about you, how you got involved in this, uh, where you’re at, all that good stuff. Tyvincent 5:29Okay. I, uh, it’s a long story, but some of the highlights, I guess I was born in Alaska in the early ’70s and grew up there kind of wandering around in the woods with my dogs with no one around all day long. It was amazing. You don’t get kids don’t get that experience anymore. So you kind of learn to be an independent thinker, I think, you know, because latchkey kid, parents weren’t home till 6 and you’re on your own from early. Dr. Deb Muth 5:49That was a great time, wasn’t it? Yeah. Tyvincent 5:51I mean, I have, I have 9 children now and none of them grew up like me. And despite my effort, I mean, I’d have to basically like helicopter them out in the woods and drop them off for a few hours for them to understand what independent kids today are so dependent and parents are so helicopter that, uh, it’s changed. Anyway, I, I grew up just really liking science and really loving science, a huge nerd. And, um, and, uh, when I went into college, when I wanted to be a marine biologist and I thought that that was my passion of the ocean wildlife and all that, and then halfway through college, personal Couple things made me change my mind. It was a girl, you know, the usual. And I decided to go to school in Anchorage instead of going I was, I was transferring to Hawaii and I was going to study marine biology. And then, uh, my girlfriend moved back to Alaska where we were from. And I decided to do that instead. And then they didn’t have a marine science program.So I decided I’ll just get a biology degree and go to medical school. I’m a smart guy. I can do that, but I had no awareness of medicine. I really didn’t have any, you know, the passion some people have to be a healer and to go help people wasn’t part of the calculus at all for me. I was kind of an Asperger’s kid, so that really wasn’t the way I thought, honestly. And then I went into medicine and I was really interested in the science, the biology, the biochemistry, all the stuff, the physiology. And before I started medical school, I was reading some Andrew Weil’s books and I was, I decided to get a book on nutritional biochemistry because I naively thought that’s what they were going to teach me, right? This is how you make people healthy. You figure out how it works and you give them the things that make their body work right. Yeah. And we all know that that’s. Not been true for over 100 years now since the Flexner Report. And, you know, the rich people steered the government towards pharmaceuticals. Dr. Deb Muth 7:26Yeah. Tyvincent 7:26But that was my interest. And when I went through the first 2 years of medical school, I just really devoured all of the basic science stuff. And that was what I thought was the most important. And I honestly mastered all that. I scored in the top 1% in the country on all the exams and everything. And it was the top, in the top of my class at the University of Washington. And then you start doing clinical medical training and you discover that they don’t use any of that knowledge anymore, really, unless it pertains directly to pharmaceuticals, and that pharmaceutical research is extremely narrow and reductionist, and they only want to try to prove one little effect, and it doesn’t translate to real health. So as I got into clinical work and started residency, you know, by the third year of residency, I was like, they didn’t really teach me how to help people with chronic illness. You know, I was, I went to family medicine residency, so I was delivering babies.I was assisting with surgeries. I was in the ER. I was doing colonoscopies. I actually did colonoscopies in practice after residency, which family Doctors almost never get to do, but I’m a small town in Alaska. So I managed my own ICU patients and did everything, literally circumcisions in the office. And you’re dealing with like hospice and end of life care, just both ends, right? Pregnancy to death. And so I’d realized that if I really wanted to do the job well, which was my goal, I needed to learn other things. And in my, in my third year of residency, I actually did the extra, like, like additional training in medical acupuncture that was put on by the Helms Medical Institute then with Joseph Helms.And that was great. And I had to learn Chinese medical theory and I learned, I did the extra module on Chinese herbal medicine. And it was wonderful because I had to open my mind to a completely different way to evaluate people and illness. And I thought, okay, well then there’s got to be more. And as I went, I just became this voracious consumer of broad medical knowledge, not conventional medicine. You notice how a lot of the conventional people call it traditional medicine? Dr. Deb Muth 9:07Yes. Tyvincent 9:07Which annoys the crap out of me because there’s nothing traditional about something that’s been around for 100 years. I mean, you need time, you need like an epoch to say something’s traditional. But they’re like, no, I’m like, and then we were considered alternative medicine minded and everything like, oh, well, Well, it’s an alternative to real medicine. The vernacular in our culture really dictates thinking, unfortunately. I went on to learn functional medicine. So like 2005, I did the acupuncture training. 2006, I found the IFM and I read their entire textbook in a few months. And I went to the trainings. I was like, okay, now I know what you guys have to teach me. And then I found a bioidentical hormone therapy training course that was like Jonathan Wright and Terry Hertog. Dr. Deb Muth 9:46Terry Hertog, yes. My favorite guys. Tyvincent 9:49They were great. Dr. Deb Muth 9:50Pioneers, right? Tyvincent 9:51Yeah, exactly. And, you know, I learned what their opinions were and all that. And then you don’t really learn how to use a tool or you don’t get really get facile with something until you are using it and you’re applying it to your patients. And I went beyond that. I learned all kinds of IV nutrition. I learned chelation therapy. I joined the Environmental Medicine Academy and I learned how to do various forms of immunotherapy, eventually leading to learning LDA, low dose allergy therapy, through them in 2008. And for those of you listeners who don’t know about low-dose allergy therapy, when you learn about it, basically it’s like homeopathic dilutions of antigens.But instead of single antigens, like if you go to that regular allergist, they’ll just prick test you, blood test you, whatever, and say, oh, you react to mold, you react to chicken, you react to your husband’s whatever. They don’t test for that. I sometimes do. And they’re very narrow-minded about it. And it’s like you just give the antigens that the person tested for and you’re always missing something. With LDA, you get these huge broad mixtures of antigens, like for foods, it’s just hundreds of foods compiled into one for environmental allergens. And the reason you can get away with it is that the dilution factor is so far out. There’s no physical interaction with the body and you can’t, there’s no risk of inducing allergy, right? Whereas conventional shots might be 1,000 to 1, 100 to 1 dilution. We’re out at like a billion to 1 or further in most of these. And it sounded like nonsense to me, right? Despite all of my training I’d already had and all these things and being open-minded, it still sounded ridiculous. Pointless, right?But at least I was willing to give it a try because I had patients in my clinic, my family medicine clinic in Alaska, that had horrific allergies. Just like kids with eczema from head to toe. They look like they’ve been set on fire. Half their hair wouldn’t grow out of their head. They’re just miserable. They won’t grow. They’re on steroids. And I just thought, if there’s if this has any chance of working for these kids, I’m going to give it a try. Plus, two of my kids at the time had eczema, like persistent eczema that was really annoying. And I kids with eczema is a near and dear thing to me now. I like, I get emotional treating these kids, but, but that’s because it’s miserable for the families. Right. So I took it hard and I started treating my kids and, and, uh, kids in my clinic with LDA and it worked like magic because magic is just science we haven’t figured out yet. Right. We just, you know, some, but it was undeniable that it was working incredibly well. And then I was like, well, what is going on here? How does this work? And you learn the whole history of it. It goes back to the 1950s. I’m like, but, but it’s still so limited. There’s so much more as you start to treat patients with every tool in your toolbox, you run into these walls occasionally where you’re like, okay, everything I’m doing now isn’t working. And this patient has some kind of chronic inflammation, which is a very general term.People go, I have inflammation. Yeah, yeah. What we all do every day, all the time. But they would have these chronic inflammatory disorders that really seem to be immune driven. And then I thought, well, in terms of understanding low-dose allergy therapy, if I can identify what the target antigen really is that’s underlying this patient’s condition, and I can restore tolerance to that, which is basically how LDA works, then you could resolve it. And so I set about experimenting with all kinds of autoimmune disorders. I mean, at the time, LDA and the predecessor therapy called EPD, they had a few bacterial antigens, and we knew that there were connections between like rheumatoid arthritis and the bacterium Proteus. So that was in one. Klebsiella was the target antigen for ankylosing spondylitis. I’m thinking, well then, what about all these other autoimmune disorders? So I started just treating people creatively and trying all kinds of different things. Luckily, I had a contact in Orange County who had a warehouse, like a biomedical sample warehouse, and he was willing to give me antigen mixtures almost anything you could imagine in the biomedical world.The first thing I had him put together was Candida. I found those of us in the medicine space realize that some people have this huge problem with Candida. The conventional medical world thinks, well, yeah, everybody’s got Candida. That’s not a thing unless it’s an infection, blah, blah, blah. But you see these patients that are super ill, persistently ill, and you give them antifungals because you think, okay, well, you have these red rashes and itching and constipation and fatigue and muscle pain, blah, blah, whatever. It sounds like a yeast problem. Some of them, interestingly, if you do stool analysis, they show no yeast on their stool, which is a clue to me with a different thinking process that the reason the yeast isn’t growing in their stool is their immune system must be attacking it and killing it off in the gut, right? Because who doesn’t carry Candida? So the, the tests that run those are the stool company the test the companies that run the stool test, they don’t flag that result as abnormal because, yay, good, you have no yeast. But it’s horribly abnormal, right? Like if you saw somebody with no, no ears, you’re like, that’s not right. And so I thought, well, maybe they’re immunologically hypersensitive Candida. And so I, I was able to purchase a mixture of Candida species. And it occurred to me that I should include Saccharomyces cerevisiae in there because baker’s yeast and brewer’s yeast, people become sensitive to that too.So I made this and some of the patients that I was seeing where I would put them on Diflucan and Nystatin and all their symptoms would just evaporate, right? But you try to stop the medications after a month or whatever, and within 48 to 72 hours, their symptoms are right back. And that was one of the things, another clue to me, like, well, then that’s not an infection. I mean, they’re not taking antibiotics. They’re not eating a ton of sugar. Why would this regrow? And one of my criticisms of our integrative medicine world is we have just as many fairy tales and dogmatic beliefs as the conventional medical world. They’re just more colorful. Dr. Deb Muth 14:59That is true. That is very true. Yeah. Tyvincent 15:01And people were saying, oh, well, it’s because Candida lurks and hides in these nooks and crannies and corners in your body. And I’m like, I’ve done colonoscopies for years. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Like, it’s sparkling clean in there after some Go Lightly or whatever you torture your patient with the day before a colonoscopy. I was like, well, that doesn’t make sense. And they’re like, well, it’s because Candida uses mercury as a weapon to fight off your immune system. I’m like, you’re anthropomorphizing this organism as if it had agency to make tools, right? It doesn’t make sense. So then I came up with this idea to desensitize people to Candida. And it was incredibly effective.These patients, when you find the right dilution, you know, and for those who don’t know, it’s just a couple of drops of water put under your tongue, taken out of a syringe from multiple different dilution steps of the mixture, whether they’re using, right? So these people would respond. Most things I’ve developed, people respond. Somewhere near a trillion to one mathematically. And it was incredible. And I was like, okay, this is something that I’m sure relates to other chronic illness problems. And I started experimenting with I had a couple of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, both of them early on. That was 2009. And I was like, well, they didn’t respond to the yeast mixture. They didn’t respond to the food mixture. And I was like, well, they’re reacting to something.And presumably that something is living in their gut. Right? I now know people react to different bacteria. There’s a ton of different bacteria and other organisms in your stool. So I came up with the crazy idea after seeing Dr. Bill Ray at an environmental medicine meeting talk about what he called autologous vaccines. Dr. Deb Muth 16:29Right? Tyvincent 16:30And I want to be clear, the way a vaccine works is probably the total opposite of how LDA works. It’s not the same thing. You’re restoring tolerance with LDA, LDI, and you’re promoting a robust immune reaction to a target antigen with a vaccine. At least that’s the theory. And now I’m not. It’s true. But Dr. Ray was talking about that and I thought, well, that’s a cool idea. And I went up and I asked him like, how do you do this?How do you make these things? And he kind of gave me like a very brief, you know, brush off. He didn’t know me very well. He’s like, oh, you get these Millipore filters, these little things you put on a syringe and you can dilute something and pass it through into a vial and it’ll be a sterile solution and you can dilute it. I was like, oh, great. So I collected one of my ulcerative colitis patients’ stool who was having at the time like 12 bloody bowel movements per day, every day. He’d seen all the conventional gastroenterologists. He tried the different drugs. They weren’t working. He went to some really special integrative greater clinic in California that primarily dealt with gastrointestinal disorders, and he did everything they wanted him to do, and it also didn’t help.I did discover that he was sensitive to gluten, and when he went off gluten, his, his gut still didn’t improve. So I made this autologous stool, um, LDA I called it then, which now I change it to LDI because LDA is a proprietary term and it’s also very narrow in scope. And I gave him doses and looked like the second dilution maybe that I went through hit. Literally his, his diarrhea and bleeding stopped overnight. And by 3 days he was having completely normal stools and no pain, nothing. And that taught me a couple of things. One, this theory works, right? And two, you know, we talk about the concept of leaky gut in the alternative medicine world, like integrative medicine world, sorry, a lot.And I’m like, yeah, but that’s not a diagnosis. That’s a symptom. You know, you still figure out what’s causing inflammation. And people are like, I just have leaky gut. It’s chronic. And you know, what do you do? And what I found was if you just put the fire out, the house rebuilds itself. Health very quickly. You know, we know that the lining of the gut turns over extremely fast. That’s why it is one of the first things to go when you do chemotherapy. And these people were basically healed to normal within less than a week. Same thing with kids with eczema that had these horrible oozing, weeping skin patches. Dr. Deb Muth 18:25I would. Tyvincent 18:25Or psoriasis even. When I developed some things that would treat psoriasis later on, you, you give this person with just, you know, deforming sort of rashes the right antigen, within 3 to 5 days they have normal looking skin except for maybe residual depigmentation or scarring if but it just blew me away. Dr. Deb Muth 18:42That’s crazy. 3 Days. Tyvincent 18:44The key to solving these problems was to restore immunological tolerance for the thing that it had lost tolerance for. Dr. Deb Muth 18:50Right. Tyvincent 18:50And it just really made me think about everything we were taught about chronic illness and everything we’re taught about the immune system in a very different way. And so since 2009, I’ve developed I’ve continued to develop new mixtures for new things because I run into patients. I can treat so many more things now highly successfully than I could before, but there’s still always the failures. People would ask me over the years, you know, why did you pick up all these skill sets?Like I learned acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I learned bio I became a Reiki master even, because I’m like, well, energy is a thing too. And so I get into the energy medicine world and that also works. And especially if you add it to acupuncture, it’s a great combination. All this stuff. And I would still fail. And I, it occurred to me when people ask me the question, like, I’m driven by failure. I really don’t like it. And I said, uh, and I thought that was how everybody believed, you know what everybody thought, right? But then you when you study our conventional medical colleagues and a lot of our people in the integrative medicine world too, that are doing the same things, the same protocols.And I hate the word protocol because it’s a poor substitute for thinking, right? It’s so that you don’t have to think here, follow this list, but everybody’s so different. So I never developed a protocol for anything to this day. I don’t, that’s not what I do. I was like, despite all of this, their patients aren’t getting better either. And it’s like, well then, you know, just philosophically, which I was a big philosophy student in college too. I thought if, if what you’re doing doesn’t work, do something different, you know, make new mistakes, figure things out. And I just got really creative. And by now I have, my gosh, I have 100 different kinds of antigen mixtures. And to be very honest, half of them have never worked for anything because that’s how it works, right? You got to. Dr. Deb Muth 20:17You’re trying it. Geez. Yeah. Tyvincent 20:19You’ve got to be willing to be wrong if you ever want to be right. One of the things I’ve noticed about humans in general is they’re very unwilling to see when they’re wrong because it’s emotionally painful to let go of something that has maybe been a part of your self-identity or especially like when you get experts in a field and they’re famous for some theory or treatment or whatever they developed, even if evidence shows up later, which it inevitably does, to show that what they’re doing isn’t complete, maybe not wrong, but not complete, there’s huge resistance, right, to the change. Dr. Deb Muth 20:49No one will admit that there’s something that didn’t work initially when they thought it did. Tyvincent 20:54Right. And nobody wants to admit I’ve been doing something wrong or ineffective or less than it could be for 20 years. You know, that’s unsettling. But to me, I’m like, well, isn’t it worse to keep doing it wrong? Right? Dr. Deb Muth 21:06That’s the whole idea. Like, right? We’re supposed to be bettering ourselves. Medicine’s supposed to be adapting and changing, and we don’t. Like, there’s a lot of things that we still do the same way we did in the 1950s and ’60s. Cancer treatment is one of them, right? We don’t really do anything different than we did back then. And when you look at precision medicine, we have all these new tools, but people stay stuck in their way of doing things just because maybe it’s easier, they’re comfortable or whatever. It doesn’t always make it the best interest for the client. Tyvincent 21:36No. And that is the goal we all need to keep in mind. Dr. Deb Muth 21:38Yeah. Tyvincent 21:39What I thought was like the job is to fix the problem the person has. And if the tools you currently have don’t do that, you need to learn something else. Dr. Deb Muth 21:48Yeah. Tyvincent 21:48And eventually I got a little saturated with learning new things. Dr. Deb Muth 21:51I’ve been there. Tyvincent 21:54Turns out there’s a limit. You know, we use the term drinking from the fire hose for everybody who like comes, like conventionally trained doctors who first get into the integrative medicine world. You’re just like, what are you talking about? It’s all so foreign and new. And then you have to use it and realize, okay, there’s, there’s a lot of truth here. But I got to a point where it’s like, I just don’t have the time in my day to use every tool. Like I bought an Indigo machine. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it. So the old EAV technology from Germany long ago, electrodiagnostic things and Then they developed computer programs and software that could analyze 11,000 different frequencies. It’s all energy frequency based. And I bought one of these for like $25,000. I still have it in the case collecting dust because I just didn’t have time to learn how to use the tool. And I was like, all right, I got to just get really, really good at some things and then let my colleagues who are good at other things help people with the things I can’t treat and I’ll tell them where to go. You know, it’s a collective, it’s a team effort. Dr. Deb Muth 22:47Right. It’s got to be a team effort. I’m curious what you’re finding these days with the newfound for mass cell, right? MCAS, everybody’s problem child, and nobody has a good answer. And it’s, it’s an immune reaction, right? It’s not just that I’m allergic to everything situation. Back in the day, 20 years ago, you and I would have called these the chemically sensitive people, and now we at least understand what’s going on. It’s an immune reaction. But I’m curious what you’re finding with LDI and that population of people. Tyvincent 23:19It’s a really good question. I know, I know you’ve had other interviews where people have discussed it philosophically to start the conversation. I really have found over the years that a diagnosis is the least helpful thing you can give your patient. Dr. Deb Muth 23:31Agreed. Tyvincent 23:31But we love labels. We love names. And we, and the problem is when you give something a name that does not reflect what’s actually going on, it just leads everybody’s brain in the wrong direction. And so there’s nothing wrong with these people’s mast cells. And that’s why I’m like, I despise the term mast cell activation disorder, but It is okay that they may be the end of the line releasing histamine and whatever, but a lot of these people have tons of inflammatory symptoms that have nothing to do with histamine, right? There are lots of mechanisms in the immune system that can give you cell-mediated inflammation or humoral, like antibody-mediated inflammation, different things. And mast cells are kind of an IgE thing, but it’s way more complicated than that.And when you work with these people, because a lot of them have found me because they have a very difficult time finding answers and solutions. I’ve been at most of us in this field have been at the bottom of a funnel where the options decrease because you try more and more therapies and they don’t work and the desperation increases kind of inversely proportionally. And then they’re trying weirder and weirder things that like people think are bizarre, you know, like you can eventually sting yourself with 20 bees a day, do apitherapy or something. Dr. Deb Muth 24:36I remember that therapy. And you know, as a practitioner too, it becomes more and more frustrating because it’s like, I’m trying all these things and nothing is working. What am I missing? And you keep trying different things until they just give up on you or you give up on them or whatever ends up happening, you know. Tyvincent 24:52Right. But again, like philosophically, every failure should lead you a step closer to success. Dr. Deb Muth 24:58Yeah. Tyvincent 24:58If you can look at it and you can learn from it what is possible from it and go, okay, I got to do this different or change this, or perhaps my entire theory about this problem is just dead wrong. Yeah. So if what I think is happening isn’t what’s happening, what else could be happening? And then you, you know, you come up with a theory and then you have to devise a way to test test it. And so like a lot of people probably tossed around theories about things being immune related or whatever over the years because it becomes a little obvious at a certain point, but they didn’t have a tool to test the theory.So that was the, the unique position I found myself in from 2009 onward was I’ve got a way to test this if I can figure out what antigen to try. And so I got a lot of mast cell people with that diagnosis. And, you know, my assessment of the problem is that when they come into my office, because like you and like most of people that are kind made it a little further in the integrative medicine world. The patients that find you have already seen 20 of your colleagues at the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic and Germany, like Mexico, whatever. They’ve had exosomes infused up their nose or whatever. Like, all right, so what has not been explored yet? And you got to realize, okay, these, these people are there’s something going on. It’s very inflammatory. It’s probably immune related, but where is it coming from? Again, you mentioned root cause. You’ve got to trace the steps backward and try to figure out where is the point of intervention that will actually work and that’s feasible. And so what I found in these people, most of them have a pretty common early story of having had one or a few immune reactions that first began the process. And they might’ve been fairly benign and not that big of a deal.And then they go through some kind of immunological stress, whether it’s, well, some kind of stress, whether it’s a direct immune stress, like a vaccination or an infection or something like that. Like with COVID I’ve had an equal number of people who developed chronic immunological disorders after having the virus infection or having the vaccine. And the things that develop are virtually identical. So people are like, I should be gotten the vaccine. I’m like, it really doesn’t make any difference. Dr. Deb Muth 26:53Right. And I’ve seen the same thing with the HPV vaccine too. Like a lot of young people, they get that and all of a sudden their whole system is torn off after that. It’s very common. Tyvincent 27:03Except in that example, just getting HPV doesn’t do it. It’s the vaccine that does it. Dr. Deb Muth 27:07Vaccine that does it. Yes, exactly. Tyvincent 27:10Because everybody’s got HPV, you know, some other, and that is not in and of itself enough of an inflammatory trigger to lead to these chronic illness, right? You can lead to cancer, sure. Which is focal and it’s not a hypersensitivity problem. It’s a failure of immune defense problem. It’s a little different. So I would get these people and I’m like, okay, what happened first? What’s the beginning of the story? Because if you talk to them about how they’re feeling today, and a lot of your listeners, this will resonate with them. If I ask you how you’re doing today, the real cause of your problem is buried under a snowstorm of constant inflammation and your life experience is utter hell. And you have no clue what’s really triggering anything anymore. It’s like at a certain point, the immune system has developed PTSD, right? It’s just, it’s hypervigilant. Anything you give these people to take, even like vitamin C or whatever, then they go, ah, it made me worse.Ah, it made me worse. Because their immune system is now seeing anything foreign as an invader, as an enemy. So if you ask people just about how they’re doing today, you get absolutely nowhere. With these people. The one theory I had though was, well, maybe they’re reacting to histamine itself. Okay. I think is a beautiful theory. Makes total sense. Didn’t work at all. Spoiler alert. It’s not that it doesn’t work. It’s easy to get a sample of histamine, you know, and I also, I also got histidine, the amino acid from which it’s derived. I’ll say I’ll just put them together. So at least I want to say 12 years ago, I made like a histamine histidine LDI and everyone who had kind of the mast cell picture portfolio of illnesses, I would try it on. It has to this day, it’s never worked for anybody that I’ve tried it on. And I haven’t had another LDI practitioner tell me that it did. But again, that failure made me think about it in a different way. And so the success I’ve had with that population is not monolithic. It’s not one part. From an LDI perspective, figuring out what it is that they began to react to first, like, did you still have, do you have food problems originally?Oh yeah, I was kind of sensitive to gluten, but I just ate it anyway because I would just get some diarrhea and some, okay, it it was, it was livable, right? But they just keep exposing themselves to this trigger. And eventually something snaps in their immune system. Like they live in a moldy dorm room for 6 months and that all of that immune activation will kick off whole new immune response problems. And the world of mold is another area where I think people don’t, do not really understand what’s going on. And a lot of our treatment approaches don’t work for a large portion of these people. And it has to be kind of thought of in a broader sense. They could go through a divorce. They could have a car accident. They could have a surgery. A woman could have a baby, which is one of the biggest immunological triggers, unfortunately, is having a baby or early pregnancy miscarriage even is enough to do. Emotionally stressful. It’s physically stressful. It’s immunologically stressful.And then it swings your estrogen back up and you get this hypersensitive profile. But so all of these, what I call catalytic events were common in these people. And it’s not just one, it’s any one of them. And what I found was if I could identify what their initial triggers were categorically, right? Environmental things, chemical things, food. And if I could desensitize them to those, everything would settle down. And, and that was, that’s been the key to working with those people. But they want to tell you how horrible their life is today. Dr. Deb Muth 30:17Yeah. Tyvincent 30:17And you got to listen to that because you need the connection. You need to understand what they’re dealing with. You need to understand what their baseline is so that you can compare going forward. But the answers, the solutions aren’t in that story. And the solutions are in the history. And like, what’s the first thing you remember? And all this, like, okay, well, let’s go with foods. Let’s go with chemicals, whatever. And if somebody has distinctly worst triggers, right? Because right now they react kind of to everything. Any foods that you absolutely don’t eat because they give you the absolute worst reaction pattern, right? Oh yeah, I can’t eat these things. They’re the worst. Okay, well, maybe we’ll start with those and you can use those foods as your test exposures to determine if the dose works each time. So that’s one of the things I’ve developed stylistically over the years is the use of a test exposure if we’re using an allergen extract so that you can confirm or deny whether the therapy worked, right? Because people will tell you, oh, I feel better.Turns out that’s not worth much. You really need like, I mean, And belief is a huge part of that. Placebo effect is a huge part of that. You want to find something relatively objective, you know, so will you still vomit when you have chicken? You know, cause that’s like, that’s pretty obvious. And then go with that, you know, or do you still get a rash when you put on a bandaid? I love it when people get rashes from contact cause they can show me pictures and it’s not subjective, turns out. But even those reactions can go away 100% with placebo doses. It’s fascinating how people respond to placebos. So anyway, I try to find like the root beginning allergens. And then a lot of these people also accumulate other target antigens as they go through their process of being ill. Their immune system is so upset and it’s, it’s also just blurry vision, right? It attacks anything. Angry dog on a chain. If you get close enough, it’ll bite you. It doesn’t care who you are. And that’s how their immune systems get.So finding the antigens that are root cause is key. But a lot of these people have developed over time total adrenal burnout. Out, right? Because they’re in state of chronic inflammation, everything. So I also found that I had to lean on my skill in bioidentical hormone therapy, which over all the years I’ve been in integrative medicine, the two major skill areas that gave me the best results in general were hormonal management and immunological modulation. I got so many of the prior failures I was able to solve with those two things. And so if I would support these people’s adrenal, like hormones, you know, DHEA, cortisol, to optimal levels, a lot of them, their symptoms would cut by half, number one. And you would have a little more clarity as to what their actual triggers were.So in a lot of these cases, I learned to start with that before I even decided what antigens to pick. You can kind of get the snowstorm to calm down. You can start to find the snowmen in the blizzard that you couldn’t see before with all the chaos. I was like, okay, now that you’re feeling better most of the time, you can tell that these chemicals bother you, that mold exposure bothers you, that whatever, and then you can target things But the other third kind of leg of the tripod that I found are the keys to success with our most complex patients is to address like the hormonal issue, the immunological issue, but the subconscious fear response, the subconscious stress response in them. Dr. Deb Muth 33:14Trauma. Tyvincent 33:15And I saw that you’ve also people, yeah, trauma and people have medical trauma, not just trauma from their illness itself, but trauma from seeing 12 doctors that treated them like they were a head case and ignored what’s going on. Dr. Deb Muth 33:25Of the medical community, right? Tyvincent 33:27Oh God, you know, like people— yeah, the more doctors you see, the more your trust in doctors goes down. Dr. Deb Muth 33:34Yes, exactly. Tyvincent 33:35They see one of us and some of them just automatically are like, whatever, here’s another failure coming my way, kind of thing, you know, realistic. Partly because it becomes too risky to have hope, right? Like after a while you’ve had hope, hope, and it’s been dashed, and you just can only handle that so many times. It’s like you fall in love and then they dump W. And after a while you’re like, I’m celibate. I don’t care anymore. Um, so you get these people and what we have found, my wife and I started doing psychedelic-assisted therapy with patients a few years back. In fact, this little cottage on my property we built specifically for that purpose. People can come and stay here for a couple of days.There’s a bedroom on the other side of this wall. And we do therapy with them. We have a very good process of getting their hormones tested before they come, trying to correct any deficiencies or imbalances, especially cortisol and DHEA. We try to make sure that if they have immune problems that seem manageable, we maybe try to control those first. But in a lot of these people, we have to get their subconscious fire alarm to go off first because anything new that enters into their sphere of existence is seen as this, you know, scary thing. Dr. Deb Muth 34:36Yeah. Tyvincent 34:36And so what we found is getting their subconscious to settle down, getting them to integrate past whatever trauma they’ve had so that it’s no longer causing harm today from an experience 20 years ago, right? Because that’s not fair. A lot of these people, all of their immune stuff stops and I don’t even have to do LDI. And that’s fascinating. And some of them, we put them on hormone replacement, everything calms down enough. It’s like one of these things sometimes works. And in other people, they need all three. And the trick in those people is to figure out what thread you have to pull on first. You know, it’s like, well, okay. And we spend a lot of time, my wife and I both work with patients together. She’s amazing. She’s not a trained clinical clinician. You know, she had a business degree, but she’s like, she tells people I attended the school of Dr. Ty Vincent for 10 years. Dr. Deb Muth 35:20Yes. Tyvincent 35:21Heard him say all this a million times. And when we first started seeing patients from home together, she read all of my patient notes and just great. So she. Dr. Deb Muth 35:28Yeah, that’s how you learn. Tyvincent 35:30Yeah. And people like, well, I didn’t go she’s like, I didn’t go to medical school. I’m like, that’s an asset, trust me. Dr. Deb Muth (35:34-35:40)Exactly. Oh my God, you haven’t been brainwashed. Exactly. Tyvincent 35:40And you know, it’s not even so much washing as it is like throwing mud all over the walls. All of these false beliefs you’re given, and, you know, not just the beliefs, but the disbeliefs, both of those hold people back. And I was like, it’s your disbeliefs that are the bigger problem because you don’t even realize they’re there. Like when I learned about LDA, I’m like, that’s nonsense. No, it’s not. Dr. Deb Muth 36:02I’m curious, when you treat some of these complex people with LDI, are you using multiple modalities at one time, or are you being really cautious with them and using one at a time? Time, because some of them won’t let you do more than one thing at a time with them. Tyvincent 36:16And so by modalities, you mean like, are we also doing hormone therapy? Are they also doing like IV, like other things? Or you mean multiple antigens within? Dr. Deb Muth 36:24Multiple antigens, yeah. Tyvincent 36:25Um, it really depends. And early on, so I everything I know about LDI, I learned through experience, paying attention, putting connecting dots over you. And it’s been been a very long process, right? Early on, like a kid in a candy store, you see a patient and you find out, oh, they’re allergic to some foods, they’re allergic to some chemicals, they’re allergic to cats and birch tree pollen, and they also have psoriasis or whatever. And you’re like, ooh, I’m going to give you all 4 of these antigen mixtures because you have all 4 of these issues. And by 6 months in, if you’re paying attention, you are completely confused and lost. Dr. Deb Muth 37:03Yeah. Tyvincent 37:04I did that for a number of years and I thought, well, this will be the fastest way to figure things out. It turns out it’s not, unfortunately. Um, what I’ve found is more successful is if I can figure out either what the most important underlying immune reaction is for them that might be cascading into other problems, or you figure out what’s the easiest one to solve first. So if somebody has like the whole mast cell picture and they got all this stuff going on, but they say the biggest thing is I have horrible chemical reactions. I’m a tr I’m trapped in my home. I created an oasis of safety here, but I can’t go anywhere. Anyone who comes to my house has to go into the entryway and take all their clothes off and put on a jumpsuit, right? There are those people. I work with them. Dr. Deb Muth 37:40Oh yeah, I have those clients. Tyvincent 37:42They’re like, oh my God. Well, if we can fix that first, your world will open up a ton. Your fear will come down. Your immune response will come down. And so sometimes it’s a matter of which one seems the most important or which one seems easiest. Like, okay, the test exposures that they have are the most obvious and distinct. For foods and not chemicals or whatever. And the reactions people have to these different antigens can overlap tremendously or even look exactly the same, which is why you kind of need to use one at a time. Because if you’re trying to ride a bike and a motorcycle at the same time, it doesn’t go so well. Dr. Deb Muth 38:16Yeah. Tyvincent 38:16Like, let’s find where you do with where you respond to this one, and then we will have less stuff to deal with. We might have a little bit more clarity as to what you’re reacting to in other categories. And then you kind of go through them sequentially. But if I have somebody who’s not like just in a real state of immunological distress like that, and they go, yeah, I’m allergic to cats and I have a cat because I’ll never get rid of my cat. I don’t understand those people, but, but there are a lot of them. They love their cats. Dr. Deb Muth 38:43A lot of them. Yes. Tyvincent 38:44I’m like, okay, or dog, you know, I’ve had people that are horribly allergic to dogs and the dog still sleeps in bed with them every night. Dr. Deb Muth 38:50Okay. Tyvincent 38:51Um, they’ve got that, that’s very clear, very distinct. And it’s, and it’s like a rash or a runny nose. And then they also have have celiac disease, let’s say. Like, well, we can treat both of those at the same time because the symptoms are totally different. You have test exposures in both categories and you’re not so sick that you’re in a constant state of like trauma response where you can’t even pay attention to anything. Right. And so it’s kind of case by case. And my style is very, very individualized. Like I said, there’s never a protocol. It’s like, I got to talk to people for about I usually talk to people for about an hour. Yeah. More than isn’t really helpful. You know, like, in an hour of time, you’re, you’re kind of saturated with how much you can invest your bandwidth into this particular issue. Now, like, okay, I know where we’re going to start. I don’t know where we’re going to end up, but I know where we’re going to start. And so we encapsulate that and then go, let’s do this. And then everything you do teaches you more about what else you need to do.And it’s a process. I my ego used to be more tied to guessing correctly at the beginning about what was going to work work and to fixing things quickly. And over time I realized like your ego really has no place in the exam room. Like that is a very, very challenging thing for practitioners to try to figure out is how to get your ego out of this because it biases you intellectually, emotionally, and it’s a problem. And our medical colleagues probably have bigger egos than the average human in the population. Let’s be honest. Um, there’s something that comes with the years of study and the investment and the status you have, and it’s a challenge. But if you be like, I just need to be clear about what’s happening, what’s not happening, and you figure things out. And so I was able to have a much better success rate approaching things that way.And every time you put out one little fire for people, one kind of immune response, it, you, you get a better picture about what else is going on. And then eventually all their problems have stopped and you’re okay, cool. I guess we’re done. But it’s, it’s hard. And you do learn that there are still major gaps in your knowledge. And, and you asked earlier about new developments in LDI. And whatnot. And I could literally talk all day about the things that I’ve developed over the years, but I still keep making new antigens. So just last year in the area of food allergy, so like your Mast Cell people, a lot of them have food allergies that are a big part of the underlying problem, and this will be relevant to them. But what I found is a lot of the people who seem to clearly react to food, and I put food in quotes because most of what Americans eat isn’t food, right? It’s it’s at least it’s not just food, or it used to be food and now it’s not. It’s like Frankenfood, and it’s got chemicals in it. It has molecules that don’t exist in nature, so you can react to them.So I found some of these people that would say, oh, I react to processed food items horribly, but if I eat the whole foods, organic whole foods at home, I don’t react. And, um, some of those people will resolve those problems with the chemical LD mixture. So they’re reacting to chem with that. A lot of them will tell you, oh, I also react to perfume. Or gasoline or whatever. Dr. Deb Muth 41:46Yeah. Tyvincent 41:46Okay. And so you can use that and some of those cases will resolve, but a lot of them don’t. And I had increasing failures. Like I’ve been doing this long enough to see and observe that early on I had much better success with these antigen mixtures than over time. People are the pattern and the causes and the manifestations of illness today are evolving right before our eyes because of what we’ve done to our environment and our food and ourselves. So what I came to to sort of theorize about was that maybe some of these people are reacting to processed cooking oils, like seed oils, plant oils that are put into processed foods, right? Because they would tell me a couple of key cases gave me that insight. They would say, well, I still react to all these processed foods.I can’t eat at restaurants, and I’m still reacting horribly to sesame seeds, or I’m still reacting horribly to flax, or I’m still reacting horribly to, like, one of these other things we make processed seed oils from. Well, maybe they’re reacting to the oils. And when we made the food mixture, you use whole food samples, right? So you use like a, a ses like sesame seeds, or I use tahini paste because it’s easier to mix in water. But maybe the antigen, the target antigen, is something inside that that is not properly like, what’s the word I’m looking for properly given to the immune system, or, or like exposed, shown to the immune system, right, in the way that their immune system is reacting to it. Maybe it’s a molecule in there that when you use a whole food antigen is not adequately represented. It’s like, so an oil would do that.And I had actually already years ago realized that some people react to essential oils, like flower extracts or tea tree oil or lavender or whatever. Right. And so I made an essential oils mixture from plant oils from the doTERRA and the Young Living products. I had a couple of patients that were like distributors for these things. And I said, just take an empty vial and put one drop of every single product you have in it and just mail it to me. And they both did that. So I have this huge compendium of essential oils, and I would get people that would still react to oranges and lemons and citrus fruits despite the food mixture. And then the essential oils mixture would totally stop that reaction. So I’d already kind of proven that this was the case with some of those more aromatic oils, right? Now I was like, well, people are reacting to the processed cooking oils because when you take oils out of the plant, if you ever do this at home, they’re opaque and gooey and viscous. And then somehow it’s this really pretty homogeneous, clear liquid that doesn’t separate at all. It has no nothing you see in there.And then you got to wonder, how the hell did they do that? What did they do to make that? And there are all these chemical processes and heat and everything. I’m like, well, it just makes new molecules that your immune system has never seen before. So in May of 2025, I bought 18 different kinds of plant oils, and some of them are really pure, like carrot seed oil, cottonseed oil. But there’s peanut oil and avocado oil and olive oil and, you know, all the seeds and things we use in there. And I even have a video on our Facebook page and probably Instagram of me making this mixture in my kitchen.I was like, people are kind of interested how this works. And I just made it right there on camera because it’s really simple. I started using it in some of my failure cases that had really seemed like they had food allergy responses, but the food mixture didn’t work. And the first one was actually one of our employees who does our social media management. She had a 3-year-old son, I think, probably 2 years old when we started working with him, with really bad body-wide eczema, right? And he never really responded to the food mixture, essential oils, skin bacteria, skin fungi, yeast. I tried all the things that usually work. I’m like, it’s something. And so he made the oil mixture. He was they were the first one. I just sent the doses like, hey, let’s check it out. And I think he got for I started 6C for most things, which is a truly and then it’s like 5.5C, 5C. We got to 3.5C, I think, is where he is, which is a dilution of of 10 million to 1, I believe. And 95% of his eczema just completely went away. Dr. Deb Muth 45:38Wow. Tyvincent 45:39The only thing left was a couple of those patches on his feet. And one of the things I learned about people with eczema is they will have localized, like geographically local consistent reactions to different things. This is crazy, right? Dr. Deb Muth 45:53Yeah. Tyvincent 45:53Your immune system has kind of a, you know, like an overall regulatory system, but it also has regionalized systems, just like the government federal government, state government, county government, city government. It’s, it’s divided like that. So the people will eventually learn, oh, if I eat gluten, I get these itchy bumps on the side of my hand, and if I eat carrots, I get a rash on top of my head, you know. And it’s very, very clear once you identify it. So there’s still something that kid’s reacting to that I haven’t quite solved on his feet. But, um, yeah, that worked amazingly, and it actually made me cry when I got the pictures She’s like, oh, finally, after probably a year and a half of flailing, you know, we got it right. And so now I’ve been using the cooking oils mixture more and more and more. Just yesterday I got an email. I have a teenager, he’s 8, he’s maybe 18, 17, 18, with just really horrible cystic acne, painful, erupting. And the before pictures are just hard to look. I mean, he’s got horrible involvement of both sides of the face, the chest, all over his back, and you can just see the scarring and the redness and the inflammation.And we went through the food mixture with him and whatnot, and it really didn’t touch it. So yesterday I got the report. He got up to the cooking oil mixture at 2.5C, which is 10,000, 100,000 to 1, and, and his cystic acne stopped. Like, he’s getting zero new lesions. All the redness, pain, inflammation is gone, but he still has all this just scarring from it because that’s permanent, right? You have to get that repurposed. And all he has left is little tiny whitehead pimples, like maybe one new one per day here and there. You can see them now in the midst of all this. So acne is diversified. There are different kinds of acne and people can have more than one type and they can react to hormones. They can react like I’ve had guys with bad acne respond to desensitization with testosterone, for example, or women desensitizing them to estrogen or progesterone and the acne will go away sometimes. Some people respond to yeast, some people respond to skin bacteria, skin fungi. And so this is another thing. And my wife actually is one of the more complicated immunological cases I’ve ever had to work with. Working together for 10 years, um, you know, like the first time I saw her, she had Lyme disease and the Lyme LDI just totally stopped those symptoms like magic, which is great.That’s one of my favorite things to treat. Um, because the beliefs we have about Lyme disease, I have found completely untrue because using a different tool. I’m like, oh, it’s an immune problem, not an infection. So anyway, so that, that worked for her. Some of her food reactions went away, but she still continued to get like deep painful cysts if she would have nuts or dairy. And so the cooking oil mixture now, after 10 years of being together, totally stopped those reactions. Peanuts, nuts, dairy. And the dairy one is interesting to me because it’s not a plant oil, right? It’s an animal oil and it’s not represented. And we have dairy products in our other mixture. But I think what’s happening is when cows are fed grain, sometimes what an animal is eating carries through some essence or nature of that substance into the milk. Um, and the thing I’ve seen this the most clearly with is corn. Corn allergy is a very unique situation. The way people deal with it, the way it manifests, the way you have to treat it is different from every other energy. And I don’t have an hour to talk about that specifically, but I observed primarily with corn that anywhere along the food chain, you’ll still react to that food if the animal at the beginning was ever fed corn. Multiple I’ll have babies that get an eczema reaction or a GI reaction if mom eats corn-fed beef. But if mom eats grass-fed beef and then nurses the baby, they’re fine. Dr. Deb Muth 49:33Yeah, I’ve seen that too. Tyvincent 49:34It’s bizarre. Dr. Deb Muth 49:35Yeah. Tied. This has been really so amazing. Um, tell us how people can find you if, if this is resonating with them and they’re like, I need him to figure out the puzzle for me. How do they find you? Tyvincent 49:49So the best thing to do is to go to our website. Our, our business name is Global Immunotherapy, and the website is just http://www.globalimmunotherapy.com. We have, we have a much better website than we did years ago. People schedule directly through the website. Right? There’s all kinds of information. I’ve been making YouTube videos and informational videos for people for more than a decade now because nobody has any idea what I’m talking about. The more they understand it beforehand, one, they get to decide if they just think I’m crazy, right? And they don’t want to waste their time. And there are plenty of those people, but a lot end up talking to me 3 years later because after they’ve tried everybody else and there’s nothing left to try, right? Yeah, yeah, like being at the bottom of the desperation funnel. Yeah, people like, well, I heard about you 5 years ago and didn’t make sense. I’m like, yeah, cool. But then I had 3 or 4 other people over the years tell me I should talk to you. So here I am. That’s, that’s right. And people can watch all these educational instructional videos about how LDI works, what it can be used for. So the more you learn and understand what you’re getting into ahead of time, the less time we have to spend during our hour trying to explain to you the therapy., which to take up half the time and better results you’re going to get because you’re educated and it’s a partnership.Like all of us in the world of integrative medicine, one of the big differences between us and conventional medicine is we understand that it’s a partnership. You have to listen to the patient, you have to educate the patient, you have to engage them in their own health. You can’t just say, here, take this pill and come back in 3 months and I’ll check your labs again to see that you still have the same illness. It’s just and people have a lot of our population has been led to believe that just swallowing a pill is going to fix your problems. But That doesn’t work. And we have to develop a relationship and an understanding and shared knowledge and beliefs. And so people now, they have this opportunity to watch all the videos. And I really want people to do that before they ever schedule, because one, you’ll, you’ll feel like it’s the right therapy for you. And that helps a lot. Having optimism going in is super helpful. And then two, you already know a lot. So you’ll know more about what questions I might ask you and how to answer them. You’ll know more about about how the therapy works, and I won’t have to explain it to you, and we’ll get a better use of our time. And then people can schedule right through the website with either myself or my wife Jeanette. And anybody who Jeanette talks to, she reviews every case with me, and we work together with stuff. And, but in terms of like using LDI, she’s probably the second or third best practitioner in the world. I

What does it look like to build a Direct Primary Care practice that protects your health as fiercely as it protects your patients? In this episode of My DPC Story, Dr. April Soto of Love and Light Integrative Medicine in South Pasadena, California shares how she systematically exited corporate medicine over three years and built an integrative DPC practice rooted in authenticity, boundaries, and healing.After more than a decade in fee-for-service family medicine and infectious disease, including HIV care, Dr. Soto completed an integrative medicine fellowship, trained in ketamine-assisted therapy, and opened a micropractice designed around her own capacity as a physician living with chronic illness and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Today she receives MCAS referrals from specialists across the country and offers ketamine journeys, transgender care for patients from age three to eighty, and deeply unhurried visits that can run four hours.In this conversation, Dr. Soto and host Dr. Maryal Concepcion discuss:Why she left corporate medicine and how she planned her three-year exitFacing fears around money, homelessness, and financial security before opening a DPCPricing as a quality-based practice instead of competing on discountsWhat she learned from giving too many discounts in year oneHow her assistant Natalie supports meet and greets, workflows, and boundariesBuilding an inclusive practice for LGBTQIA+ patients, immigrant communities, and neurodivergent patientsCaring for patients afraid to seek care because of ICE enforcementMCAS diagnosis, testing pitfalls, and why these patients need a different kind of visitKetamine-assisted therapy pricing, informed consent, and managing patient expectationsBurnout, trauma as a superpower, and why inclusivity has to include the physicianHer five-year vision: wellness contracts, motivational speaking, and growing her teamWhether you are planning your DPC launch or working to make your existing practice more sustainable, this episode is a masterclass in valuing yourself, honoring your capacity, and practicing medicine on your own terms.Learn more about Dr. April Soto at Love and Light Integrative Medicine in South Pasadena, CA.Visit mydpcstory.com for the free 90-Day Startup Checklist, the Physician Owner's Planner, and DPC tools for every stage. Leave a voicemail at mydpcstory.com/contact and you might hear it on a future episode. Support the show on Patreon for commercial-free and extended episodes.Meet the My DPC Story team at DPC Summit NOLA! Summit bundles are live: HERE the Physician Owner's PlannerThe "insurance is not healthcare" teeA digital tool bundle for your practice A website reviewA 50% off our $350 Patient Explainer VideoPlus a chance to win an hour with Dr. Concepcion.  Cooperative of American Physicians or CAP. Learn more about the medical malpractice company used by Dr. Maryal Concepcion since 2021 at capphysicians.com or by calling 800-356-5672.Guava Health. A premium patient experience, pulling data from EHRs and wearables, helping  see the full picture and uncover root causes to deliver personalized care. ZION HealthShare. Get peace of mind for major medical events without going back into the insurance maze.  Hint AI helps you move faster through every stage of the patient visit. Hint AI Chat lets you ask questions about a patient's chart and instantly surface relevant notes, labs, and clinical history. Learn more at hint.com/ai.Support the showGET your FREE MONTHLY BUSINESS TOOL DOWNLOADBecome A My DPC Story PATREON MEMBER! SPONSOR THE PODMy DPC Story VOICEMAIL! DPC SWAG!FACEBOOK * INSTAGRAM * LinkedIn * TWITTER * TIKTOK * YouTube

Histamine isn't your real problem - here's why estrogen and your gut may be driving MCAS.

Looking for the run down on mast cells? We've got you covered. This week, we're joined by Dr. Sonal Choudhary as she walks us through Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Listen in as she discusses the difficulty of diagnosis, what makes it controversial, and the latest science of MCAS. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Sonal Choudhary, MD is a Board certified Dermatologist and fellowship trained Dermatopathologist, who joined the Department of Dermatology in 2016 upon completion of her Dermatopathology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Choudhary received her undergraduate degree and medical degree from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College in New Delhi India. She completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Miami, where she remained to complete her Preliminary Internship in Internal Medicine, as well as her Residency Program in Dermatology. Dr. Choudhary is also undergoing a fellowship in Integrative Dermatology which will conclude in February of 2024.   While she offers care for all dermatologic conditions, Her areas of clinical interest and research are atopic dermatitis, gut and skin microbiome, integrative dermatology, alternative therapies and approaches (herbs, supplements, functional medicine testing) to inflammatory skin diseases (Hidradenitis suppurativa, Acne, Psoriasis, hair loss), nutrition in cutaneous disease and dermatopathology. She is the director of the adult atopic dermatitis clinic, expert team member on hEDS/HSD group and member of the PCOS collaboration group at UPMC Magee. Given her areas of training, Dr. Choudhary offers a holistic and integrative approach for various skin conditions. She has extended collaborations with departments and specialties outside of Pitt Dermatology, such as Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Engineering department.   Dr. Choudhary is very well published and has authored articles published in high impact journal on a wide spectrum of dermatological disease states and management approaches. Her publications can be reviewed on pubmed. She is constantly involved in training the next generation of physicians from medical students, residents (dermatology and medicine), fellows and Physician assistants under her supervision. Professional memberships Member of Integrative Dermatology with Integrative Dermatology Certification Program/LearnSkin Fellow of Pittsburgh Academy of Dermatology Fellow of Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology Fellow of American Academy of Dermatopathology Education & Training MBBS, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India Clinical Internship, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India Post Doctoral Fellowship, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Internship, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital Residency, Dermatology, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital Fellowship, Dermatopathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Fellowship, Integrative Dermatology

If you've been struggling with chronic illness, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), mold illness, chronic fatigue, unexplained symptoms, or nervous system dysregulation, this episode is for you.In this episode of Under Contract, we sit down with Alekha Akkapeddi, MS creator of The Ali Protocol, to discuss why so many people stay stuck in chronic illness despite trying every diet, supplement, medication, and treatment available. We explore the connection between mitochondrial health, circadian rhythms, nervous system regulation, trauma, gut health, hormones, and root-cause healing.You'll learn:• What POTS and MCAS actually are• Why chronic illness often begins long before symptoms appear• How your nervous system influences healing• The role of mitochondria in energy and recovery• Why mold exposure and chronic inflammation can keep you sick• The connection between trauma, stress, and autoimmune conditions• Why gut health and hormone health are inseparable• The biggest mistakes people make when trying to heal• How to create an environment where your body can begin healing itselfWhether you're dealing with autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, long COVID, mold toxicity, gut issues, hormone imbalances, or unexplained health symptoms, this conversation offers a different perspective on what healing can look like.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Under Contract for more conversations with leading experts in health, wellness, longevity, and personal growth.CONNECT: @thealiprotocol#Chronicillness #POTS #MCAS #Mitochondrialhealth #Nervoussystem #Circadianrhythm #Guthealth #Hormonehealth #Trauma #chronicillness #Functionalmedicine #holistichealing 

To have Dr. Morse answer a question, visit: https://drmorses.tv/ask/ All of Dr. Morse's and his son's websites under one roof: https://handcrafted.health/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/handcrafted.health 00:00:00 - Intro - Spirituality - 4th July SALE  00:10:37 - Fungus Question - pH of Digestive System 00:39:31 - Long Covid -Dysautonomia - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) - Pain 00:51:56 - Itching - Moles - Epididymal Cyst 01:10:15 - Depression - Anxiety (Over 37 Years) 01:23:28 - Chronic Digestive Issues - Teeth Issues - Mental Health  00:10:37 - Fungus Question - pH of Digestive System Have you heard people say that fungus - usually in reference to candida - loves an alkaline PH?  00:39:31 - Long Covid - Dysautonomia - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) - Pain I also suffer with shortness of breath due to micro-clots deep within my tissue as delivery of oxygen is poor. 00:51:56 - Itching - Moles - Epididymal Cyst I got a urinary tract infection which eventually led to Epididymitis. 01:10:15 - Depression - Anxiety (Over 37 Years) I have spent the majority of my life in fight and flight, very depressed and nearly ended my life at the end of 2024. 01:23:28 - Chronic Digestive Issues - Teeth Issues - Mental Health  I also have a history of depression and anxiety.

As a holistic and functional psychiatrist, I see many people who are highly sensitive. Most are deep divers into information and able to connect a lot of dots. Many are gifted. Many struggle with overwhelm and low stress tolerance. Some struggled with anxiety, inner tension, or feeling “too much” for as long as they can remember. Some feel different - that they don't fit in.As a holistic and functional psychiatrist with over twenty years in practice, I've worked with thousands of highly sensitive adults and children. Most are deep divers into information, able to connect a lot of dots — many are gifted. And yet many struggle with overwhelm, low stress tolerance, anxiety, or inner tension that has been there for as long as they can remember. Many feel different, like they don't quite fit in. What I've found is that sensitivity itself is rarely the problem — it's the seeming vulnerability to brain-related or physical conditions. Over the years I've found three different models to be especially useful in explaining some of the vulnerabilities and the strengths of those of us who are highly sensitive: Dr. Elaine Aron's work on the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), the nutritional medicine concept of Pyrrole Disorder, and Dr. Sharon Meglathery's RCCX Theory. Each looks at a similar group of traits through a different lens — psychological, biochemical, and genetic, respectively.Before I start, I want to emphasize that sensitivity is not a pathology or a diagnosis. It is actually a trait that has existed across human history for a reason. My goal is not to pathologize it, but to understand it — and to offer tools to those who have these traits but who are struggling with a condition more prevalent in those with these traits. As I go through these three frameworks, the overlap will be obvious and I'll highlight what each of these has to offer that the others don't.What You'll Learn* The HSP model provides validation and a language for sensitive individuals.* Pyrrole Disorder involves an overproduction of pyrroles, leading to nutrient depletion of nutrients critical for neurotransmitter functioning.* Pyrrole Disorder is common in brain-related conditions.* RCCX Theory connects genetic vulnerabilities to sensitivity and chronic illness.* Stress amplifies the experiences of highly sensitive individuals.* Understanding these models can lead to effective treatment options.* There are meaningful paths forward for those who are highly sensitive.Chapters* 00:00 Understanding High Sensitivity* 02:26 The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Model* 10:23 Exploring Pyrrole Disorder* 18:18 RCCX Theory Explained* 30:11 Intersecting Models: HSP, Pyrrole Disorder & RCCX Theory* 34:40 Conclusion and Path ForwardI. THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSONIn the early 1990s, psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron identified a personality trait she called Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) — and the people who score high in it she called Highly Sensitive Persons, or HSPs.This is not a diagnosis. It is a trait, present in roughly 15–20% of the population. It has been found across more than 100 species — from fruit flies to primates. This tells us it is evolutionarily conserved — it confers survival advantages. In any social group, having members who are wired to notice subtle cues, process information deeply, and detect threats before others do is extremely valuable. Fitting with this, many of these individuals, who also struggle with complex chronic health issues are considered the “canaries in the coal mine” since their bodies react to environmental triggers (environmental toxins, chemicals, or stressors) long before the rest of the population.Dr. Aron captured the core features of this trait in an acronym she called DOES:D — Depth of processing: HSPs think deeply, reflect before acting, and notice subtleties that others miss.O — Overstimulation: Because they process so thoroughly, HSPs reach their threshold more quickly in high-stimulation environments.E — Emotional reactivity and Empathy: HSPs feel emotions intensely and are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them.S — Sensitivity to subtle stimuli: They pick up on things — in their environment, in social dynamics, in the body — that others simply don't register.As you can see, traits that are super powers, can become liabilities. The deep diver who loses sight of the big picture. The empath who absorbs everyone else's energy as their own energy becomes depleted. The person who withdraws from the world because the stimulation has simply become too much.HSP ResearchBeyond the clinical observations, there is now a growing body of neuroscience and genetic research supporting this trait. There is evidence that the brains of sensitive people are doing more, processing more and feeling more.fMRI studies (Acevedo, Aron et al., 2014) have shown that when HSPs view emotional images — particularly photos of loved ones expressing happiness or sadness — their brains show significantly greater activation in regions associated with awareness, empathy, and sensory integration.Twin studies show that Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) as defined by Dr. Aron is approximately 47% heritable. Small studies as opposed to large genome wide studies have focused on genetic variants involving dopamine and serotonin systems, such as a serotonin transport gene, a dopamine receptor gene, and COMT, which codes for the enzyme that metabolizes dopamine and norepinephrine.While this hints at a biochemical dimension, the HSP framework doesn't address this as directly as the other two models I'll discuss, nor does it explain the higher prevalence of physical health conditions in those who are highly sensitive.Research published in 2026 (Matsuzawa et al.) found that individuals high in SPS had substantially higher rates of depression (13.8%), anxiety disorder (10.5%), and developmental disorders, such as ADHD and ASD, compared to the general population.Despite this overlap with developmental disorders: unlike, ADHD, HSPs typically have excellent concentration in quiet environments. And unlike the social deficits described in ASD, HSPs tend to have heightened social attunement. They often feel too much of what's happening in social situations, not too little, even if they respond awkwardly at times.Research shows that high sensory processing sensitivity is associated with more frequent physical symptoms — back pain, fatigue, digestive issues, frequent illness.What This Framework OffersThe HSP model has given millions of people validation and a language for these traits that has allowed them to shift from “what is wrong with me” to “this is how I am wired.”It also offers an evolutionary reframe. High sensitivity is not a mistake and is not pathologic. It is a feature of the human population that has served us.What it doesn't offer is a biological explanation for why some sensitive people suffer so acutely — or a path toward biochemical intervention. II. PYRROLE DISORDERPyrrole disorder is a biochemical imbalance that has been recognized for decades, though it remains largely unknown in mainstream psychiatry. It involves an overproduction of pyrroles — metabolic byproducts that, on their own, are not a problem. When they are high, however, they can result in a depletion of zinc, B6 and a few other nutrients.First identified in the 1950s and first treated with zinc and B6 in the 1980s, pyrrole disorder is one of the most common nutrient imbalances found in brain-related conditions — and one of the most treatable. Yet most people who have it have never heard of it. I learned about pyrroles in 2014 when I first trained with the Walsh Research Institute.The Importance of Zinc, B6 & MagnesiumVitamin B6 is required to synthesize dopamine, serotonin, and GABA — three of the most critical neurotransmitters for mood regulation, anxiety, and stress response. Zinc plays a profound role in the central nervous system, the immune system, gastrointestinal tract (which we now know has its own significant influence on brain health) and connective tissue (joints and skin).Pyrrole Disorder Traits & SymptomsThe most consistent feature is low stress tolerance. People with elevated pyrroles are often described as those for whom life seems harder than it should be, every transition can be destabilizing and every large group or new environment feels like too much.The overlap with the HSP profile is striking, but here, we start to see not only traits, but symptoms.- Socially anxious, shy, or fearful since childhood, with severe inner tension- Sensitive to bright light, loud noises, textures, and odors- Avoids crowds, strangers, and new situations- History of reading difficulty- Poor short-term memory- Underachievement- Irritability, mood swings, bouts of depression- Tends to stay up late; little or no dream recall; morning nausea- White spots on fingernails; very dry skin; stretch marks; poor wound healing- Joint pain- Frequent infections or autoimmune tendenciesMost people with pyrrole disorder don't have all of these symptoms — but the inner tension, the high sensitivity, and low stress intolerance are very common.What the Data ShowsThe Walsh Research Institute has collected data on over 30,000 patients. Elevated pyrroles were found in:* 18% of those with ADHD* 24% of those with depression* 28% of those with behavioral disorders* 35% of those with autism* 35% of those with bipolar disorder* 30% of those with schizophrenia* 12% of those with PTSDAnd in only 8% of healthy controls — meaning those with no psychiatric diagnosis.What Causes Pyrrole Disorder?For many, there appears to be a genetic component, but for others, pyrroles appear to have increased due to high physiologic or emotional stress. Examples include candida overgrowth or other forms of gut microbial imbalances, mold toxicity, heavy metals, chemical exposures, illness, emotional trauma, major life transitions or even growth spurts in children.What This Framework Brings UsRelative to the HSP framework, an understanding of pyrroles gives a specific, treatable biological mechanism. When zinc, B6, Magnesium and other nutrients are depleted, we know how the brain's neurotransmitter functioning is affected — and we know what to do about it.Treatment from a Walsh Research Institute trained practitioner typically involves a nutrient protocol of zinc (based on zinc and copper testing), B6 or its active form P5P, and other nutrients for pyrrole disorder and other nutrient imbalances identified. For many patients, a lifetime of chronic inner tension and fearfulness begins to shift within days to a couple of weeks of starting the nutrients.Treatment doesn't change one's personality, but it can improve social discomfort, overwhelm, the anxiety, the depression that has been layered on top of that sensitivity.Where zinc deficiency can impact a lot of the physical conditions that appear to be more common in those who are hypersensitive, it doesn't fully explain the significant hormonal, inflammatory, connective tissue symptoms and autoimmunity we see in many who are hypersensitive.III. RCCX THEORYRCCX theory has been proposed by Dr. Sharon Meglathery, MD — a psychiatrist and internist whose own complex health history (which is very similar to my own) led her to one of the most compelling explanations I've encountered for why hypersensitivity, neurodivergence, psychiatric conditions, MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and/or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and autoimmunity tend to cluster together in certain individuals and families.RCCX refers to a module of four genes on chromosome 6. Three of them appear to be particularly important to our health, and two of those have very high rates of mutation.The Three Key Genes(1) TNXB codes for a protein involved in connective tissue. Variants range from subtle joint hypermobility to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. But connective tissue isn't just about joints — it's also about the permeability of the gut-blood barrier, the blood-brain barrier, and vulnerability to upper cervical (neck) instability, which can put tension on the vagus nerve and affect the entire autonomic nervous system.(2) CYP21A2 is the most important gene in the module when it comes to psychiatric conditions. It codes for 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme needed to convert 17-hydroxyprogesterone into cortisol. When there is a mutation — and there can be many, of varying degrees — the body may struggle to meet the demand for cortisol under stress. A weakness on this gene could have two primary effects:First — The theory holds that many people with CYP21A2 mutations, even without hypermobility, may develop what Dr. Meglathery calls a “brain wired for danger” — essentially, a nervous system calibrated toward threat detection from early in life, with minimal trauma required. A mutation on CYP21A2 may essentially result in relatively higher androgens impacting the amygdala — the brain's fear and emotional center. Studies have found that hypermobile individuals (who often carry TNXB mutations) have a larger-than-normal amygdala.Second — because of this mutation, the body may not be able to keep up with the body's need for cortisol (especially when under stress). This deficit causes the brain to release corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to signal the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. CRH binds to mast cells and activates the immune system — leading to secondary brain inflammation. This is the inflammatory pathway that can result in a number of secondary health issues including MCAS, CIRS, POTS, CFS and more.(3) C4 is involved in immune response and autoimmunity, and has been linked to schizophrenia. This gene variant is not as common as the first two referenced, though I do see a number of families who also have autoimmunity impacting multiple family members.The CAPS Psychological ProfileDr. Meglathery uses the term CAPS — CYP21A2 Mutation Associated Neuropsychiatric Spectrum — to describe the psychological profile she has observed in people with this genetic vulnerability. These traits can exist long before any formal psychiatric diagnosis, and they are not inherently pathological. - Anxiety and over-arousal during times of stress — high adrenaline, insomnia, sometimes manic-like characteristics- Under-arousal during low-stress periods — leading to ADD presentations, compulsive behaviors, or thrill-seeking to raise arousal- High emotionality, sensitivity, and reactivity to environmental stimuli- Sensory processing difficulties — typically over-stimulation in loud or chaotic environments- A strong ability to read emotions in others, paired with social awkwardness in response- Easily affected by events others would consider minor — an offhand comment, a disturbing movie- A tendency toward nonconformity- Special abilities: gifted musicians, scientists, creatives, systems thinkers- Hyper-focus and obsession with areas of deep interest, often leading to remarkable accomplishments- High tenacity and determination, when not derailed by overstimulation or past trauma- Strong emotions — positive or negative — that can manifest as obsessional worrying, harm avoidance, OCD tendencies, or very high standards for self and othersDr. Meglathery also notes — and I have observed this clinically — that people with this profile tend to find each other through friendships, partnerships and marriage. They are drawn together by shared sensitivities, emotional depth, and intellectual gifts. This means children are likely to receive a tendency towards CAPS from both sides.Women who are appear to have CYP21A2 mutations often have a male-pattern finger length ratio — the ring finger longer than the index finger — a possible marker of androgen exposure during development.What RCCX OffersRCCX theory offers the broadest biological framework we have for understanding why sensitivity, psychiatric vulnerability, and complex chronic illness so often travel together in the same people and families. It connects the nervous system, the immune system, the hormonal system, and connective tissue under one genetic umbrella.It also points toward specific interventions: nervous system regulation (limbic retraining, vagal work), mast cell management, and addressing the downstream biochemical consequences of cortisol dysregulation.The limitation is that genetic testing for variants on the gene for 21-hydroxylase is not yet widely available, which is why this isn't a gene that you'll see referenced when it comes to HSP, though I would argue it is likely the most prevalent. RCCX remains a clinical theory — but one that explains the constellation of traits and symptoms of most of the people that I in my practiceIV. WHERE THESE MODELS INTERSECTWhere Might Pyrrole Disorder and RCCX Theory Meet?The symptom overlap is almost complete: poor stress tolerance, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, inner tension, connective tissue symptoms, frequent infections, autoimmune tendencies. Relatively low zinc would impact most of these shared symptoms, but there may be a potentially deeper connection.21-hydroxylase contains a pyrrole-like structure — heme — within it. Could a mutation resulting in abnormal 21-hydroxylase lead to a buildup of abnormal heme-like compounds, contributing directly to pyrrole disorder? This is not proven, but in an exchange about this with Dr. Meglathery, she indicated that she also believes there is a strong association, and the biochemical logic is compelling.This matters, because we know what helps pyrrole disorder. We have a treatment — treatment that can complement what RCCX theory makes evident — that the stress response has to be addressed.Stress (again from any cause - physiologic or emotional) is the great amplifier across all three models. Stress worsens the HSP experience, and tips the CYP21A2 mutation from manageable to destabilizing (through the hormonal consequences and the inflammatory cascade) and yes, it even causes pyrroles to increase.BRINGING IT TOGETHERFor someone who is highly sensitive, and struggling with brain related or physical symptoms or conditions, pyrrole disorder and even RCCX theory are worth considering because they offer tools and start to answer, “What Can We Do About It?”The three frameworks work together:The HSP model offers validation and language. It shifts the frame from deficit to difference. It reminds us that sensitivity is not pathology — it is a trait with evolutionary value, and it comes with great strengths.The Pyrrole model offers a treatable nutrient imbalance. It explains, at the neurotransmitter level, why stress hits harder for these individuals. Treatment doesn't take away the sensitivity; it lifts the weight that has accumulated on top of it.The RCCX model offers the broadest systems view. It connects the dots between what the body is doing — the immune activation, the hormonal dysregulation, the connective tissue involvement — and the psychiatric and psychological profile that tends to accompany it. It also provides additional tools: nervous system regulation, mast cell support, hormonal awareness.If any of this resonates — the sensitivity, the inner tension, the feeling of always being at the edge of overwhelm — please know that there are roots to explore and meaningful paths forward.If you are looking for someone trained by the Walsh Research Institute knowledgeable in assessing for and treating pyrrole disorder (and other common nutrient imbalances impacting brain health), or learning more about Dr. Aron's work on HSP and Dr. Meglathery's RCCX theory, I am providing those links below.And as always, I welcome your thoughts, experience and questions.Until next time,CourtneyAbout the AuthorDr. Courtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.ResourcesWalsh Research Institute: walshinstitute.orgRCCX Theory — Dr. Sharon Meglathery: rccxandillness.comDr. Elaine Aron — The Highly Sensitive Person: hsperson.comOther Sources: Acevedo et al. 2014, “The Highly Sensitive Brain,” Brain & Behavior | Matsuzawa et al. 2026, Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences ReportsMedical Disclaimer:This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode the guys break down the seven best muscle building exercises you have probably never done — the bent press, circus press, Zottman curls, weighted windmills, heavy overhead carries, heavy trap bar farm walks, and tibialis raises. They also get into AI being used to expose congressional stock trading corruption (56% of congressional stock purchases are on companies directly impacted by bills they later voted on), the whey protein shortage and a new manufacturing technique that makes it taste even better, the history of sketchy old school supplements like Hot Stuff and what was actually in them, old school protein shakes from the Weider era, and LMNT's new lemonade iced tea flavor. Then they coach live callers submitted through mplivecaller.com. No BS 6-Pack Formula:  https://nobs6pack.com Code: 6PACK for 50% off. Updated two phase ab building system with new videos and demos . Mind Pump Fitness Coaching:  https://mindpumpfitnesscoaching.com 1.9 NASM CEUsSPONSORS Legion (protein bars and supplements):  https://buylegion.com/mindpump Code: MPB2G1 for buy 2 get 1 free. Kion Aminos:  https://getkion.com/mindpump 20% off automatically applied at checkout, no code needed. LMNT (lemonade iced tea):  https://drinklmnt.com/MindPump Free 8-count sample pack with any purchase, no code needed. New lemonade iced tea flavor discussed on air — 50mg caffeine, no sugar. Dose for Your Liver:  https://dosedaily.co/MINDPUMP Code: MINDPUMP for 25% off first month subscription. Clinically backed liquid liver supplement, zero sugar, zero calories. LINKS Submit a live caller question:  https://mplivecaller.com Mind Pump Store:  https://mindpumpstore.com Maps Fitness Products:  https://mapsfitnessproducts.com Instagram: @mindpumpmedia   3:08 - 7 best muscle building exercises you have never done 7:34 - The bent press — how Arthur Saxon pressed 370 pounds overhead with one arm 10:30 - The circus press — the one arm push press that builds shoulders fast 12:19 - Zottman curls — the forgotten arm builder that bulletproofs your elbows 13:44 - Weighted windmills — the best exercise Sal had never done that fixed his SI joint 15:40 - Heavy overhead carries — how walking with weight overhead changed the guys' pressing strength 19:11 - Heavy trap bar farm walk — why carrying 500 pounds makes everyday life feel easy 21:24 - Tibialis raises — the dumbest simplest fix for shin splints that actually works instantly 24:04 - Legion chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispie bars and GLP users who struggle to hit protein 25:10 - AI exposes congressional stock trading — 56% of purchases tied to bills they voted on 35:09 - Retail investors now make up 20% of market trading volume and its impact 37:18 - Leucine is the trigger — why your EAA supplement is probably underdosed where it matters 40:05 - Whey protein shortage and a new manufacturing technique that makes it taste better 44:54 - Old school supplements — Hot Stuff, pro hormones and what was actually in them 51:10 - 1988 study — frail 88-year-olds gained 174% average strength in 8 weeks with no injuries 58:05 - Caller: Bobby (New Jersey) — truck driver, GLP off-ramp, normalized bloodwork at 55, needs a build phase 1:08:44 - Caller: Casey (North Carolina) — Hashimoto's, weekend gluten cheats, overtraining, gets Maps 15 1:23:29 - Caller: Sharon (Connecticut) — hypermobility, POTS, MCAS, gets Maps Starter with isometric modifications 1:36:43 - Caller: Renee (Hawaii) — DV survivor, hysterectomy next week, bikini competitor goals, gets free coaching and certification course

Dr Dean Mitchell dives into a powerful integrative approach to healing

Could histamine intolerance be the missing piece behind your anxiety, insomnia, PMS, or gut symptoms? How do you know whether you're dealing with histamine intolerance, MCAS, or a deeper root cause that needs a different approach?In this episode, I sat down with histamine and MCAS expert Heather Oricchio to talk about one of the most misunderstood topics in women's health. We unpacked the differences between histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), how these conditions show up in the body, and why so many women are struggling with symptoms that seem completely unrelated on the surface. We discussed the many root causes that can contribute to histamine and MCAS symptoms, including mold exposure, gut dysfunction, chronic stress, hormone imbalances, environmental toxins, and nervous system dysregulation. Heather explained why some people respond well to a low-histamine diet while others continue reacting to foods, supplements, chemicals, and even everyday stressors. We also discussed the testing she uses to uncover hidden contributors and how she approaches putting all of the pieces together.One of my favorite parts of this conversation was our discussion around stabilization. We talked about why some people cannot tolerate detox protocols, supplements, or even basic interventions until their nervous system and mast cells are more supported. Heather shared how she helps clients build those foundations for healing, what signs indicate someone is ready to move forward, and why addressing root causes requires patience and the right sequence of steps.We also spent time talking about the powerful connection between the nervous system and chronic illness. Regulating the nervous system before going on an intensive healing journey is one of the most important steps to getting back to normalcy, so I'm so glad we got to talk about that in depth in this episode. Heather shared practical strategies for nervous system regulation, how chronic stress can keep symptoms stuck in place, and why healing often requires more than just supplements and protocols. If you've been struggling with histamine intolerance, MCAS, mold illness, unexplained symptoms, or feel like you've tried everything without answers, this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful perspective on what might be missing from the healing process.Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. If you are under the care of a healthcare professional or currently use prescription medications, you should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplement use with your doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.In This Episode: [00:00] Why histamine intolerance and MCAS are more common than ever[02:30] Heather's journey from mystery symptoms to histamine recovery[07:30] Histamine intolerance vs. MCAS: understanding the difference[13:00] The surprising symptoms linked to histamine dysfunction[17:00] Finding the root causes behind histamine and MCAS symptoms[18:00] The most valuable lab tests for histamine, mold, and toxic burden[20:15] Why SIBO is often a symptom rather than the root cause[24:30] Why stabilization must come before detoxification[28:00] When medication can help support MCAS recovery[33:15] Practical ways to reduce EMF exposure and support healing[35:45] The critical role of the nervous system in histamine recovery[40:30] Brain retraining, healing mindset, and final takeawaysFind more from Heather online:Website: https://revivewithheather.com/Instagram: @revive_with_heatherConnect with Sophie: Instagram: @shetalkshealthWebsite: shetalkshealth.comThyroid Breakthrough Call: https://thyroidhealthaudit.shetalkshealth.com/thyroid-health-auditApply to work with us: www.shetalkshealth.com/callThe Mineral Reset (HTMA): https://shethrives.shetalkshealth.com/htma-packageMineral Mocktail (get your energy back now!: https://shetalkshealth.com/mineral-mocktail-guide/Stop guessing with your thyroid & Get Answers Now: https://ace.shetalkshealth.com/home-front

Why do so many women with pelvic pain struggle for years without answers?In this episode of the Know and Do Better Podcast, Dr. Melanie Carminati sits down with world-renowned vulvovaginal specialist Dr. Andrew Goldstein to discuss the evolving understanding of chronic pelvic pain, vulvodynia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), hypermobility, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), POTS, pelvic floor dysfunction, and the importance of individualized treatment.Learn how pelvic pain is diagnosed, why overlapping conditions matter, the role of pelvic floor physical therapy, and what the latest research is revealing about chronic pain conditions affecting women. Dr. Goldstein also shares exciting updates on clinical trials and emerging treatments that may help patients find lasting relief.Topics discussed:✔️ Vulvodynia and vulvar pain disorders✔️ EDS and hypermobility syndrome✔️ MCAS and chronic inflammation✔️ POTS and autonomic dysfunction✔️ Pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic pain✔️ Pudendal neuralgia and nerve-related pain✔️ Endometriosis and chronic pain conditions✔️ New research and treatment options✔️ Why patients deserve to be believed and treated

Why do so many women with MCAS feel unsafe in their own bodies, and struggle to find answers?

Too many diagnoses. Too many opinions. Too many tabs open. Not enough clarity. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, or other complex health issues, you're not alone. In this episode of Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by physician assistant Rebecca Gluck, PA-C, who brings specialized genetics experience from working alongside Dr. Clair Francomano and serves on the Ehlers-Danlos Society's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board and Road to 2026 Research Committee. Together, they discuss how patients and families can move from information overload to a clearer, more practical plan. They explore how to evaluate online communities, AI tools, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and conflicting medical opinions without becoming even more overwhelmed. Rebecca and Dr. Bluestein explain why diagnosis is often the beginning, not the end, of the journey, and why there is no single "EDS expert" who can solve every problem in one visit. They also walk through how to prioritize symptoms, identify the most functionally limiting issues, avoid unnecessary "whack-a-mole" interventions, and build a collaborative care team. This conversation is for anyone who has too many diagnoses, too many opinions, too many tabs open, and no clear next step. If you are trying to make sense of EDS, HSD, hypermobility, mast cell activation, POTS, chronic pain, genetic testing, AI-generated health information, or proposed procedures, this episode offers practical guidance to help you pause, sort through the noise, and move forward with more clarity. Takeaways: • Information overload is real, especially for people with EDS, HSD, POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, and complex multisystem symptoms. • More information does not always mean more clarity. The key is learning what applies to you, right now. • AI tools and direct-to-consumer genetic testing can help organize questions, but they are not diagnostic and can make uncertain findings sound more certain than they are. • A diagnosis can provide validation and shared language, but it is usually the start of building a plan, not the finish line. • Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) and HSD currently do not have a confirmatory genetic test. • No single clinician can be the expert in everything. Progress often comes from a collaborative care team and a clinician willing to listen, learn, and help prioritize. • When multiple diagnoses and procedures are on the table, focusing on the most functionally limiting symptoms can help prevent unnecessary or poorly timed interventions. • Addressing underlying contributors such as mast cell activation, dysautonomia, sleep, nutrition, pain, and deconditioning may sometimes reduce the need for more invasive steps. • The goal is not to chase every possible diagnosis at once. The goal is to identify the next best step. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Too many diagnoses. Too many opinions. Too many tabs open. Not enough clarity. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, or other complex health issues, you're not alone. In this episode of Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by physician assistant Rebecca Gluck, PA-C, who brings specialized genetics experience from working alongside Dr. Clair Francomano and serves on the Ehlers-Danlos Society's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board and Road to 2026 Research Committee. Together, they discuss how patients and families can move from information overload to a clearer, more practical plan. They explore how to evaluate online communities, AI tools, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and conflicting medical opinions without becoming even more overwhelmed. Rebecca and Dr. Bluestein explain why diagnosis is often the beginning, not the end, of the journey, and why there is no single "EDS expert" who can solve every problem in one visit. They also walk through how to prioritize symptoms, identify the most functionally limiting issues, avoid unnecessary "whack-a-mole" interventions, and build a collaborative care team. This conversation is for anyone who has too many diagnoses, too many opinions, too many tabs open, and no clear next step. If you are trying to make sense of EDS, HSD, hypermobility, mast cell activation, POTS, chronic pain, genetic testing, AI-generated health information, or proposed procedures, this episode offers practical guidance to help you pause, sort through the noise, and move forward with more clarity. Takeaways: • Information overload is real, especially for people with EDS, HSD, POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, and complex multisystem symptoms. • More information does not always mean more clarity. The key is learning what applies to you, right now. • AI tools and direct-to-consumer genetic testing can help organize questions, but they are not diagnostic and can make uncertain findings sound more certain than they are. • A diagnosis can provide validation and shared language, but it is usually the start of building a plan, not the finish line. • Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) and HSD currently do not have a confirmatory genetic test. • No single clinician can be the expert in everything. Progress often comes from a collaborative care team and a clinician willing to listen, learn, and help prioritize. • When multiple diagnoses and procedures are on the table, focusing on the most functionally limiting symptoms can help prevent unnecessary or poorly timed interventions. • Addressing underlying contributors such as mast cell activation, dysautonomia, sleep, nutrition, pain, and deconditioning may sometimes reduce the need for more invasive steps. • The goal is not to chase every possible diagnosis at once. The goal is to identify the next best step. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alyssa Lynch is a content creator, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate known for her candid conversations around personal growth, relationships, mental health, and living authentically.In this episode, Alyssa opens up about one of the biggest lessons of her life: leaving a relationship she knew wasn't right and finding the courage to trust herself. She shares what being lied to and cheated on taught her, the fear of starting over, and why finding a healthy relationship can sometimes shine a light on the parts of ourselves that still need healing.We also discuss my marriage and divorce, healing in love versus healing alone, Alyssa recovering her period after years of stress and the wrong relationships, navigating histamine intolerance and MCAS, living with chronic health challenges without letting them define you, and the connection between emotional health and physical symptoms.Plus, Alyssa shares the wellness trends she's over, the habits she had to quit when wellness became unhealthy, the beauty treatments she actually thinks are worth it, her favorite skincare products, and the practices that have made the biggest difference for her nervous system.You can find Alyssa at @alyssalynch on Instagram, TikTok, and Substack.This episode is brought to you by:Get 15% off at BON CHARGE by using code BLONDE at www.boncharge.com.Head to Nutrafol.com and use code BLONDE for $10 off your first subscription and free shipping.Head to paleovalley.com/well, or use code well at checkout for 15% off your first purchase.Head to ladder.fit/WELL for a 7-day free trial and $10 off your first month.Get 15% off your sitewide purchase and use code well at drinkspindrift.com. Go to qualialife.com/WELL for 50% off, and use code WELL for an additional 15% off your order.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mold illness changed the course of my life. It led to MCAS, severe eczema, Topical Steroid Withdrawal, nervous system dysregulation, and years of trying to figure out what was actually happening in my body.In this solo episode, I share what I've learned from my own recovery, studying the mold literature for years, and working with thousands of people affected by mold exposure. I discuss why so many people remain stuck long after leaving the moldy environment and why healing often requires addressing both the physiology and the trauma that mold can create.I break down the concept of "Mold PTSD"—the hypervigilance, fear of environments, symptom monitoring, loss of trust in your body, and chronic nervous system activation that can persist even when exposure has ended. I also discuss the different approaches to mold recovery, including the work of Ritchie Shoemaker, CellCore-style drainage and detoxification strategies, circadian and quantum biology principles, melatonin research, nervous system regulation, mast cell stabilization, mitochondrial health, and the work of Andrew W. Campbell and serum mycotoxin testing. Rather than following a single mold protocol, I explain why successful recovery often requires integrating multiple frameworks based on the individual person and where they are in the healing process.If you've tried "all the mold protocols" and still feel stuck, this episode will help you better understand why.For an even deeper dive, read my companion Substack article, "How to Heal from Mold PTSD," where I discuss the physiological, emotional, and nervous system aspects of recovery in much greater detail.Subscribe to the podcast and Substack for more conversations on mold illness, MCAS, histamine intolerance, nervous system healing, mitochondria, circadian biology, and complex chronic illness.Read the Substack here:https://amandapanacea.substack.com/p/how-to-heal-from-mold-ptsd?r=myw6j✨ Working with Amanda

Dr. Deb Muth 00:03What if your diagnosis isn’t actually your diagnosis? What if the fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and inflammation you’ve been told are normal are actually signals your body is reacting to something in your environment? Something no one ever tested.What if the reason you’re not getting better is because no one is asking the right questions?Today, we’re exposing one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic illness, and why so many people are being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and left without answers.You guys can insert, one of our ads in here, that’d be great.Welcome back to Let’s Talk Wellness Now, the show where we uncover the root causes of chronic illness, explore cutting-edge regenerative medicine, and empower you with the tools to heal. I’m Dr. Deb, your medical detective. And today, we’re diving into the hidden drivers of chronic illness through the lens of functional and environmental medicine.If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a chronic condition or is struggling with unexplained neurological symptoms, like fatigue, brain fog, numbness, or chronic pain. This episode is for you. So, grab your cup of coffee, tea, or whatever helps you unwind.Settle in, and let’s get started on your journey to deeper healing.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Kelly McCann. A board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics, with advanced training in functional, integrative, and environmental medicine. She’s known for her work in mold illness, chronic infections, MCAS, and complex chronic conditions And for helping patients who have been told everything looks normal. She helps them finally get real answers. Dr. Kelly, welcome to the show. I’m so excited to have you here. Share a little bit about what you’re doing these days, and who you are, and who you’re serving with us. Kelly McCann 02:42Thank you. So, my favorite patient population is patients who deal with complex chronic illness, and I didn’t set out to deal with these kinds of patients, but I kept… needing to be able to solve the puzzles, right? So they would come in, and there would be so many things that just didn’t add up and didn’t make sense, and it started with,it started with just doing functional and integrative medicine, and GI issues, and hormone issues, and autoimmune issues, and then it was mold as a driver, and then it was Lyme disease and the other tick-borne infections, and then all of those patients, many of those patients developed mast cell activation syndrome.Which I’ve now gone on and become an expert in, because they all have it.And all the related conditions with MCAS, the Ehlers-Danlos, hypermobility syndrome, POTS, postural orthostatic tachycardic syndrome, and… The one thing that really stuck out to me over the years of treating these patients is the ones who were willing to take a deep look inside. And see how their… their belief patterns, how their thoughts how they perceived themselves, different traumas that they experienced. If they were able to reframe some of the ways that they were thinking about their illness, about themselves, their relationship to themselves, they were the ones who really healed.And not only did they heal physically, they healed emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. I have some patients who started out disabled, and now are running their own companies. One who, again, same thing, terribly disabled, lots of emotional issues, lots of ups and downs, food sensitivities, oxalate issues, and now she’s a medical intuitive. And she’s just doing fabulously, and has blossomed, right? So, this is a missing piece that we’re not really talking about. Dr. Deb Muth 05:04Yeah, I so agree with you. I see the same thing in my practice, and I treat a lot of the same people you do, and you are so right. Like, if we can get down to a deeper level with them, and address the trauma that happened.And it may be a trauma they never even remembered, right? It could be something that’s just seated in their cells and they don’t remember it. And you don’t directly think it’s causing the illness, but it is getting in the way of them healing. If you can address those things, those are the people that tend to do so much better, I think, versus the people who are getting some mileage out of their illness. That there’s a reason they stay stuck, there’s a reason they stay sick, they’re getting something from it, even though they don’t realize it in the moment.So let’s talk a little bit, before we hopped on the recording, you and I were talking about body, emotion, spirit. A little different than what we’re used to hearing with mind, body, spirit. Talk about your philosophy on this. Kelly McCann 06:01So what I’ve really come to realize is that the mind is getting in the way. And we have this perception that our mind is who we are. Right? We really think that who I am are the thoughts that I have every day. That’s me. And when I’m not getting better, it’s because my body is not… Falling in line with what my mind and my will want to do. So we set up this adversarial relationship. And this has been the philosophy in Western culture since Descartes said, I think therefore I am. Where the mind is supreme, and it is the all-knowing, and the body is just a vehicle for the mind. And every… Therapeutic intervention, from trauma-informed therapy, from, you know, wonderful people who have committed a lot of help and given great information. Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score, Gabor Mate, you know, all of these folks who have done such great work in us understanding trauma I think… The next phase is really recognizing that the body is actually not against us. It is not our enemy. In fact, it is… The body that is speaking to us as the voice piece of our souls and our spirits, that is saying to us, hey. you’re not listening. The path that you are walking down and the way that you are being in the world is not really working for you. It’s not who you are. It’s not who you’re supposed to be on the planet. And we’re trying to get your attention, right? Dr. Deb Muth 07:59Yeah. Kelly McCann 07:59I mean… Dr. Deb Muth 08:00this thing, so I’m gonna talk louder. Kelly McCann 08:02Exactly, exactly! It’s like a little toddler who only can speak in so many words, right? There’s only so many ways that a younger version of ourselves, or our bodies, like, how do our bodies communicate to us? Symptoms and sensations. That’s it. Those are the ways that our bodies communicate. And if we don’t listen to sensations, well, it’s gotta turn it up, it’s gotta turn up the volume, and then we have more symptoms. And then if we’re still like, no, it’s gonna do it my way, it turns up the symptoms some more. And when… We are in this adversarial relationship, we can’t bridge that gap. Can’t bridge that gap, so… What… what happens is thatUnderneath the symptoms and the sensations are emotions. Emotions that have not been processed. Because we’ve been stuffing them down, we believe that they shouldn’t exist, we don’t want to face them, we’re afraid of them, they’re not acceptable, we’re ashamed of them, whatever the reason may be, and they’re stuck in the body. And so the way through is to actually just feel our feelings. Dr. Deb Muth 09:26That’s kind of scary for some people. Kelly McCann 09:28It’s… it’s scary for the… it’s scary for the whole planet! Dr. Deb Muth 09:32For all of this, right? Kelly McCann 09:33For all of us. When we start to feel our feelings, we don’t like it. We’ve been taught it’s not okay. Boys, it’s not okay to cry. Girls, don’t be loud, don’t be angry. You’re a B-I-T-C-H if you do that, right? So there’s so many taboos about feeling our feelings. I have patients who say, I can’t be mad at my father or my mother because I was taught to honor thy father and thy mother. Like, yes, but you’re angry, and guess what?] That ain’t going nowhere until you express it, so… you have a choice. Express it, or hold onto it, and then you just kind of stay here in this space where it’s never expressed. Dr. Deb Muth 10:19Yeah, except in your body, in your physical being, right? Kelly McCann 10:22Except in your physical being. And here’s the magic. Emotions are meant to move through us, right? Emotion. They don’t last for that long!60 to 90 seconds, really? Maybe a couple minutes? Yeah. You really, really feel them. Right? Dr. Deb Muth 10:44Yeah. Kelly McCann 10:46And we’re terrified of that 60 to 90 seconds. Dr. Deb Muth 10:50What might we do to ourselves or to someone in that 60 to 90 seconds, right? I may scream, I may cry, I may not be this person that everybody thinks I’m supposed to be. That person that holds it all together is there for everybody, holds everybody else’s space. So well put together, right? If you’re not that person, then who are you? Are you human? Kelly McCann 11:16Oh, you’re more than human. Yeah, I mean, the way that I would look at it is, I would say, well, you don’t have to put on a show, right? This is really for you. Close the door, lock the… close the windows, get out your pillow. Whatever you need to do. I mean, I have some patients who will write it out. There’s a way to just, like, freeform write, where you don’t actually read it, you just write it out, scribble it out, get it all out on paper, and then burn it, or shred it, or something like that. you can pound a pillow, you can, you know, scream, whatever it is, you can cry. I mean, I think crying is, at least for… for me. Crying is the easiest way to think about it. So, you start crying, you’ve got a few little tears, you know, it’s not too bad, and then it’s a full-on sob, and then at some point, you’re like, okay, I think I need a tissue, right? But it doesn’t last forever Dr. Deb Muth 12:22No, it really doesn’t. I had a physical therapy friend who, when I started my practice, and you know, you start your business, and everything’s just chaotic, because you don’t know what you’re doing, and you have all kinds of people that don’t know what they’re doing, and there’s always a problem. Computer, the phone, the this, the that, blah blah blah. And she brought me what was called a Dammit doll. And I had never seen one, I didn’t know what it was, and it was this really… sturdy doll that didn’t look like anything, that had two legs that you could grab onto, that you could just beat at the table whenever you needed to. And she’s like, this is how you do it. And I was like. oh my god, that’s amazing! And I would use it every couple of hours sometimes, sometimes every day, and I would just be like. And then it was over.Yeah, sure, but it was over, instead of me walking around all day long, carrying all this frustration and not having anybody to talk to about it, because you’re busy during the day. And then if you keep talking about it, it just gets worse. But I could do that, and then I’d be done, and I’d be like, okay, I got it out, let’s find the solution, now let’s move on. Kelly McCann 13:28Exactly! Dr. Deb Muth 13:29Coolest thing! Kelly McCann 13:31Exactly! That is exactly what I’m talking about, Deb. Exactly, that’s so cool. I love that. Yeah, I mean, anger is really taboo in our society. Very taboo. And, And, you know, I have a couple patients that struggle so much with expressing their anger, but it’s important. It’s important. We’ve all had so, so many instances. You know, and… of being disappointed. Dr. Deb Muth 14:08Yeah. Kelly McCann 14:08from our… from… All sorts of situations in our lives. And, you know, nobody gets out of life without any trauma. you know, little T traumas. Everybody’s got some. Even if you have the most wonderful, well-meaning parents, something’s gonna happen, and it might be the parents, it could be just life, but things happen that we misinterpret. And then we think.We make decisions about ourselves, or about our families, or about what’s okay and what’s not okay, and those things cause us to forget who we really are. Dr. Deb Muth 14:53That’s okay. Kelly McCann 14:55Because when you look at a 1-year-old or an 18-month-old, they are joy and love incarnate, right? Dr. Deb Muth 15:03Yeah, they are. Kelly McCann 15:05That’s who we are. That’s who we really are. But we forget. We forget, because of all the rules, and all the expectations, and all the disappointment, and all the misinterpretations, we forget who we really are. And… I think… A life journey, especially a health journey, is a way back to who we really are. Dr. Deb Muth 15:32It’s interesting, as we’re talking about this, because I think about people who have really traumatic life events, like life and death. They are so lucky that they’re alive. They were in an accident, or, you know, they had this horrible cancer that they survived, and they weren’t supposed to. And they come out very differently, oftentimes. Because they realize how precious life is, and it’s… they look at life now as a gift instead of whatever else we were looking at it before that time, right? But they do truly look at life differently. I… I’m curious always, like, how do they… how do they do that? But yet, if we have a chronic illness.It’s so much harder to do that same thing when there’s a chronic illness versus an acute thing, and you’ve got this second chance. Kelly McCann 16:20Right? I see it as, The chronic illness is this slow decline, right? And because it’s a slow decline, there’s never that. Wake-up call. Which people get in a car accident, in a cancer diagnosis, where all of a sudden, your life changes in front of you, and you have to really reflect. Where I think with chronic illness, it’s like, oh, this isn’t great, I don’t love this. Oh, this is a little worse. But we keep hoping… which is the part that’s connected to who we really are, right? We keep hoping it’s gonna get better. Keep hoping it’s gonna get better, but it’s getting worse, and it’s getting worse. And… And we… as a… again, as a culture, have an expectation that somebody is gonna throw us a bone or a line, and we’re… they’re gonna pull us back out. We’re gonna find the right protocol, we’re gonna find the right practitioner, we’re gonna get… have somebody else help us get out. And… As healthcare practitioners, we can help people get 50% better, 80% better, you know, sometimes 100% better, but not all the time, because it’s an inside job. Dr. Deb Muth 17:42Well, and I like to tell people, too, like, you’re never 100%, 100% of the time. there’s always going to be something that you’re not gonna like. You wake up, you’re a little more tired, you know, you slept wrong, you got a kink in your neck, whatever it is. But I think you’re really on to something here, too, because if you don’t deal with the emotional baggage, the trauma. the person who said something to you in high school. If you don’t deal with that, and you carry that around forever. you kind of keep inviting the same people into your lives to treat you the exact same way. So then you just kind of keep that same pattern going over and over and over again, and you just keep thinking, why am I the doormat? Why does everybody keep kicking me? And when we truly start to deal with what happened, you start to attract those people differently in your lives, and people aren’t walking all over you anymore. Kelly McCann 18:35Right. And… It’s very easy to get caught up in the whys. And that keeps us up here. Right, and what I’ve found with myself and, you know, many of my patients is that We have to stay in the body long enough with the sensations and the emotions to have it, you know, crescendo on the emotion, and then decrescendo. But when we pop out, and we start asking, well, why did this happen, and why am I a doormat, and why am I a victim, and why, why, why, or… or analyzing, or what have you, we… We stop the emotive process. Which halts the resolution, and we don’t actually get to where we want to be. So, you know, I was just talking to a patient today. She’s like, well, I’ve been feeling my feelings, and I’ve been feeling the fear. I’m like, yes, but did you actually stick with it the entire time, or did you start thinking about it? Because we do this, we pop into our thoughts, and we’re like… oh, yeah, I was emoting. You know, like, oh, that made me sad. And then come back up here, and then we realize, oh, we gotta, we gotta… we’re still stuck in it, we’re still stuck in it. And I’m like. Dr. Deb Muth 19:56Like, when we’re… annotate. Kelly McCann 19:59Exactly! Exactly! It’s kind of like that, yeah. And so we stay on this little, hamster wheel. Because we don’t recognize it. The solution is in the emotion. Dr. Deb Muth 20:15So how do people stay in the feeling instead of letting their mind escape to the grocery list, the kid’s to-do list, dot dot dot dot dot? How do we stay in that emotion long enough to kind of work through it? Kelly McCann 20:30It’s a good question. I think… Having the awareness that that’s what you need to do. is the first step, right? Is to really say, okay, I’m gonna, like, put my mind outside of the door, say I’ll be back in 20 minutes, and then really just give yourself the permission to stay with whatever emotion that’s coming up. And it’s practice. It is a lot of practice. This is not… it’s very, very simple. It is not easy for the vast majority of people, and especially if we’re really patterned. So, I actually started an online program to help people learn how to do this. Because it is… not easy. Dr. Deb Muth 21:16If it was easy, we wouldn’t have so many problems, right? We would just move on and keep going, but that’s where we got ourselves into a lot of trouble, is we just recognize, acknowledge, move on, and say, okay, I’m out of it, good, let’s go, next thing, next thing. Kelly McCann 21:32Yeah, which doesn’t work. Like, oh, I dealt with that. I, you know, talked to my parents before they passed, and we came to an understanding. Like, that’s not the same thing as feeling your feelings, because that 10-year-old, that 5-year-old who felt abandoned, or felt… Abused, or whatever it is that you’re feeling, they’re still in there. The adult you made this agreement with your parents that you’re gonna be okay, right? But that kid you still is upset. So…I think the first… the first thing is recognizing that emotions and thoughts are very different, and to learn the difference. So if I say, I feel like blah blah blah blah blah, that’s not a feeling, that’s a thought. Dr. Deb Muth 22:26Hmm. Kelly McCann 22:27Right? I feel like, this. I’m in… I feel embarrassed. No, that’s the thought. Dr. Deb Muth 22:34That’s not… Kelly McCann 22:35the actual feeling. Feelings are really often located in the emotions. They’re very simple. I’m afraid. I’m sad. I feel terror. I’m angry. I’m enraged. Those are feelings. I… I am mad that blah blah blah blah blah. You know, we don’t necessarily have to know why we feel the feelings. Eventually, we will understand where they’re coming from. But it’s actually just feeling the feelings, and then… oh, I love this one, too. It’s like, well, I’ve forgiven them. I’ve forgiven them for, you know, what they did to me. That’s here. Yeah. If you’ve really forgiven them. it comes from here, and it comes after the feelings. So, we still have to feel our feelings if we’re angry or upset about something, if we’re sad about something, we have to feel them first, and then the beauty is in what’s underneath the emotions. It’s quiet, it’s calm, it’s soft, it’s connected to who you really are. And at that point, then you have a much broader worldview and understanding of things, and you can have compassion for yourself. You can have compassion for other people and their choices. And when I… when it’s… when it’s held in that space, it’s… it’s such a different experience. Yeah. Dr. Deb Muth 24:18Do you think people can have compassion for others if they don’t deal with their own things? Kelly McCann 24:24It’s, again, it’s… it’s from the head, right? Dr. Deb Muth 24:28Not from the heart. Kelly McCann 24:29It’s not from the heart. It’s not from the heart. And it’s a good try, but it’s, like, a carbon copy of the real thing. It’s not really the thing. Dr. Deb Muth 24:39Hmm. What happens if people walk around thinking that they have all this, you know, great compassion and love for the world,but it is truly just coming from the head and not the heart? Kelly McCann 24:54Then, you know, they’re kind of circling and circling, and they’ll find that the thoughts and the beliefs and the things that cause them to be upset will still be there. Right? There’s a… I mean, I have to admit, I don’t really watch the news, because it is upsetting, right? Dr. Deb Muth 25:14I am. Kelly McCann 25:15And I have a number of patients who are very, very distraught about the state of the world.That’s… not seeing the bigger picture. It’s coming from here. Rather than here. And this is a really hard thing for people to grasp. But when we are triggered, By something outside of ourselves. That is because that upset exists inside of ourselves. So, for example, if I call you stupid, Deb, and there’s no part of you believes that you are stupid, it will bounce off you. You know, like you’re a rubber ball, right? Because it’s not true. It doesn’t resonate anywhere in you, so you can’t possibly be triggered by that.But if I say to you something that, you find hurtful, it’s not because of what I’ve said. It’s because that hurt, that upset, is still alive in you. And that… Opportunity, then, Is there for you to say, hmm… Clearly, there’s something inside of me that needs some attention about this.we’ve… we don’t really think about life that way. Right. We think… That person made me mad. Nobody makes you mad. It’s you. That inside of you. Right? I was talking on the phone last night with one of my colleagues whose daughter is in the hospital, and she’s been in the hospital in, like, the best Children’s Hospital, in Chicago for 2 months. Two months with gastrointestinal issues. And… They haven’t done a CT scan yet. Dr. Deb Muth 27:24What? Kelly McCann 27:25I know. I was talking with another, physician colleague of… colleague of mine last night, or this morning, at the time. How… that should have been done in the ER! Dr. Deb Muth 27:38Yeah! Kelly McCann 27:39At least… At least, or maybe the first day of the hospitalization, they didn’t do an endoscopy until Last week. 7 weeks in the hospital with an NJ tube. Dr. Deb Muth 27:53Oh my god. Kelly McCann 27:54Tube feeds. like, what is wrong with these people, right? So, I was so mad on her behalf. And of course, what I realized, too, is then, okay, well, there’s stuff inside of me, like, I have really… I have some stuff about… what is expected of other people in the world, what is expected of other physicians in the world. Like, these are the worst physicians on the planet. They clearly don’t care. They should all be fired. But there’s stuff in me that is really being triggered by this, that I have… I have work to do about. And I still think it’s wrong. Dr. Deb Muth 28:36I had that same experience last week. I had a pharmacist tell my patient they didn’t need a prescription that I had ordered, because she… didn’t fill it frequently enough because she was using it differently than what we wrote it, which so many of our patients do. It’s a hormone, it’s not a big deal, right? Kelly McCann 28:53Yeah, right. Dr. Deb Muth 28:54And… and he said to her, well, I don’t think you need this anymore. Yes. Kelly McCann 29:00choice. Dr. Deb Muth 29:01Right, and that’s what I said, I’m like… I said, who the F is he? To tell you that he thinks you need this or not? He doesn’t know you, he doesn’t know your labs, he hasn’t been taking care of you for 20 years. I have, and you’ve clearly been using it. And so I called the pharmacy, and the conversation went a little differently on his side, of course, than what the patient explained to me, but I had to sit back, too, and I looked at that, and I was like, why was I so angry that he said this to her? And I understand, it was, you know, he was undermining my authority, my knowledge base, and I knew that right away, but I was still so triggered by it, and… and she was just kind of like. Yeah, I was really surprised he said that, but I figured he knew more than me, and I’m like, so I was coming to see you, I would just tell you, and you would tell me if it was right or wrong, and I’m like. okay, that was a good way to take it, but boy, that instantly triggered for me. But again, I recognized exactly why I was triggered with that, and had to calm down a little bit and all of that, but… I think there’s a lot of that that happens. And, you know, when you work hard to know what you know, and I work hard, and we see other people doing not even the basics, it’s kind of like, what is wrong with the world? Kelly McCann 30:18Yes, yeah, yeah, yeah, and there’s stuff there, right? So why is it that I worked so hard to become the best doctor that I could? Because I didn’t feel adequate. And so, when somebody else shows up as inadequate, or I perceive them to be inadequate, that triggers that… my own inadequacy, right? Especially since it was a man, so there’s a man under my your authority. Yeah, that would just really get to me. Yeah, so there’s something around that, so I know that, you know, for me, that might be where I explore it, but yeah, it’s, Life is a journey. Dr. Deb Muth 31:00Yeah, it really is. And I think, too, from a practitioner standpoint, like, we take so many of our patients home with us, like, it’s our job to be the medical detective, figure them out.Help them find the answers, make them feel better. And not that we do it from an eco perspective, because I think most practitioners don’t. They truly do it because they care and they want to make people better, and we have this knowledge and this expertise that other people don’t have. But, boy, it gets harder and harder and harder when you get more and more chronically ill people to help them find the answers and help them be well, especially if they don’t deal with their own house, right? We don’t… if they don’t deal with their house, it’s hard for us to come in and say, let me help you deal with your house. Right. So, how does that fit into some of this? Kelly McCann 31:51You know, that’s a really good question. I had to learn that over time to be able to use my own intuition to say, how much is this person willing to do? And really evaluate their… their willingness to change, their willingness to do the hard work. And… And I… and I had to hone my intuition in order to do that, and now I see… I will see there are people that… they’re happy. in their little merry-go-round, in their whack-a-mole game. And I will do my best, and I will kind of, you know, nudge where I think it’s appropriate, but when they push back, I gotta let that go. I gotta let that go, and recognize that it’s their journey, it’s their life, and I can’t be more attached to their healing than they are. Dr. Deb Muth 32:49That’s what I’ve done, too. That’s what I tell my practitioners, my young practitioners that come in by me, too. I say the same thing. Like, I have some that are really young, and we’re all green, right? And we want to just fix the world, and I’ve got so much I can give you, and so much you can do, and then when they don’t do it, you’re like. what did I do wrong that they’re not doing it? And I have to go back and tell them the same thing. This is their journey, not yours. You’re just here to give knowledge and hold space. And they get to pick and choose what they want to do, and if it’s not exactly what we want them to do, that’s okay, it’s their journey. And every time… and I laugh because I always see my younger self in them, too, but why don’t they want to do it? This is gonna make them so much better! We have this tool! And it’s like… they’re not ready yet. It’s okay for them not to be ready yet. We have to be okay with the fact that they’re not ready yet. And I think as a provider and a practitioner, that is one of the hardest things to do, is to sit back and go, okay, you’re just not ready yet. When you’re ready, we’ll be here to hold you and hold space. But right now, you’re not there, it’s okay. Kelly McCann 33:52Yeah, it is okay. Yeah, actually, one of the women that I mentioned earlier, earlier in the podcast, it took her 18 months to get to the point where I felt like she was ready, and it was one of those things, like. You’re ready! I got so excited, and that’s exactly what I said to her. I was like, okay, here, I want you to read this book. Dr. Deb Muth 34:14And he was. Kelly McCann 34:14finally ready, and I gave her the book called How to Heal Yourself When No One Else Can by Amy B. Share, which is just so awesome. And she took that book, and she was like, I am going to do this. And she wrote out journals and journals and journals, and… did lists, and then she would clear them, and then she would clear them. She got so much better, and then it was, like. Biofield tuning, and she did, Gupta, and Amya Piggin’s work, and, you know, so many other things. And then she was doing really well, 80% better, eating all sorts of foods, and there was still this little, like. Mmm, something’s still missing. Something’s still missing. Not quite where I want to be. I still have some mood issues. And then she came and joined my Unforgetting Project program. And that was the missing piece for her. This… whole thing that we’re talking about, like, just feeling the feelings was really her missing piece, because she was clearing, you know, with using EFT, but it wasn’t working anymore, because she actually was bypassing feeling her feelings. Dr. Deb Muth 35:38Hmm. Kelly McCann 35:39So I, you know, these programs, the nervous system programs, the limbic system programs, they are fantastic, and they’re super, super helpful. And then there comes a point in time where we have to shift gears, and we have to go deeper. But it… all of those programs get people, if they’re willing to put in the time and effort, get people to the place where, like, okay, now I gotta go in. Even deeper. Yeah. Dr. Deb Muth 36:07And that can be scary for people. That can be really frightening. I did a 10-day women’s retreat in Spain, with a priestess program, and I had no clue what I was doing. I was going to my first women’s retreat in Spain, no clue, but I had to do. Kelly McCann 36:23It sounds fantastic. Dr. Deb Muth 36:25Fantastic, right? And and when I got there, it was a lot of shamanic work, deep work, and, as we’re all… there’s, like, 30 of us women going through, and all different ages, going through things. And reliving our past as a child, and reliving all these different pieces of us as women that we’ve left behind someplace else. We’ve lost. And, And just sitting in… I still remember it to this day, you know, the crying, the sobbing, the anger, the screaming, the stomping. the silence. Like, everybody had a different way of dealing with those emotions coming out, and we had to be silent from, 10 at night till 10 in the morning. You couldn’t say anything to anybody. And, and that was a little challenging for a lot of us. But it gave you that time that after you went through one of these processes. you could process. You could just sit with those feelings, sit with what came up for you, journal. And it was a really incredible time to watch a lot of women just blossom into a new version of themselves, you know? Their old version, but a new version. A healed version of themselves, in a lot of ways, yeah. Kelly McCann 37:45So what… in the languaging that I’ve come up with, it’s the, unforgetting, right? So it’s actually the remembered self, because we have let go of the things that caused us to forget. So we have unforgotten who we really are, because As you’re right, it’s… it is not new, it’s just remembered, or unforgotten. Dr. Deb Muth 38:12Yeah. Yeah. That’s really awesome. For somebody that’s listening to us have this conversation, and they’re kind of thinking, this all sounds great, but I have no clue where to start with something like this, what kind of recommendations would you give to them? Kelly McCann 38:29Well, I actually have an online program. And… it’s, it’s a 9-week online program, and…What you’re doing in community is learning how to Feel your feelings, and how to understand them, and different access points in to them, and doing it in a community, which is terrifying for some people when they start, but at the same time, it is the most loving container Because these people are also on their complex chronic illness healing journey. And they have chosen themselves, and chosen to show up, and chosen to show up for 9 weeks, which is a long time, but it’s also this beautiful, sacred time. And, half of the class is lecture, sharing, and then half of the class we spend in trios. Which means, my staff divvy up people into groups of three, and then there… each trio goes through a process. They all do the same process.And you do it 3 times, so you have a chance to be, a different role in each iteration that you go through. So one role is the explorer. Those are the people who are actually just feeling the feelings. And exploring what’s going on inside of them. One person is what we call the companion, they’re kind of like the… the, not really the guide or the therapist, but they’re just holding space with them, maybe giving some prompts to help them work through the process. And there’s a handout that works through the process, and then there’s the third person whom is the anchor. And the anchor is holding that loving battery. And it just sets up this…situation where you’re held in such an embrace that you’re able to express your feelings. And one of the things I learned early on was that vulnerability leads to intimacy. And so, when you’re vulnerable with somebody else, they feel… closer to you, and they feel more capable of being vulnerable with you, because you’ve trusted them, right? So, it builds this level of vulnerability, intimacy, and trust in the community, and then each time you do your trio with somebody, with new people, often. Dr. Deb Muth 41:16time. Kelly McCann 41:17And it’s a really, really special program where you’re practicing this, and you’re doing homework, so you take the things that you learned from the class, and then you go home and you practice it with yourself. So that’s what I have come up with to help people start to really learn how to do this. And then it’s gonna grow from there. So I have a foundational class right now. We’re on… we just started our second cohort, And then eventually there will be a second-tier class, and workshops, and the other thing that I’m doing is one-on-one, trainings with… what one-on-one… I call them unforgetting journeys with people. So, you know how you go to a therapist, and you’re in the middle of a story, in the middle of sobbing, and they’re like, oh, well, that’s 50 minutes, it’s Here’s your tissue, we’ll see you next week. Dr. Deb Muth 42:12Yes. Kelly McCann 42:13Yeah, so painful. Dr. Deb Muth 42:16Oh, bad. Kelly McCann 42:16So painful, and I understand, like, we have the same thing, too, as physicians, like, oh, I’m so sorry, your time is up, I gotta go, I have more patients waiting. The unforgetting journey, I don’t have a clock. Dr. Deb Muth 42:29Mmm. Kelly McCann 42:30It’s… we go until you feel complete. And for most people, it’s two and a half, three hours. Dr. Deb Muth 42:37Wow. Kelly McCann 42:37To really process through the emotions that are coming up. Dr. Deb Muth 42:43to get… Kelly McCann 42:43To the point where you’re… they feel… Okay. I feel… I feel complete for today. Dr. Deb Muth 42:52For now. Kelly McCann 42:53For now. Dr. Deb Muth 42:54So the next layer, kind of. shows itself, right? Yeah. Kelly McCann 42:59Yeah, yeah. And for now, the Unforgetting Journeys are for people who have gone through the program, or are in the program, because you really need to… you have to have the skills. Dr. Deb Muth 43:11So, if somebody’s interested in your online program, how do they get in touch with you? Kelly McCann 43:17The website is unforgettingproject.com. And you can sign up right there. The next cohort will start May 20th. It’ll be a Wednesday evening. From 4.30 to 6.30 Pacific time, so I tried to make it so as many people on both sides of the continent could make it. I know it’s a little late for East Coast, but, yeah. And then, you know, every month or two, we’ll start a new cohort, so if you’re interested, and if those… that time doesn’t work for you. You know, I did Fridays initially, I’m doing Mondays, this iteration. We’ll try, other dates and times for people, and try and get a few more dates, on the calendar, so that people have some options. But yeah, that would be my suggestion. You can sign up for our email list, and we’ll be sure to let you know all the happenings at the Unforgetting Project. Dr. Deb Muth 44:17That’s awesome. And for those of you who might be driving or didn’t catch that, we will have it in the show notes as well, so that you can jot it down, check it out, if it sounds like it’s something that really resonates with you. Dr. Kelly, thank you so much for your time tonight. Is there any last words you want to leave with our listeners? Kelly McCann 44:35Of course, of course. There’s always hope. And that hope that burns inside you, that…There is a different life… a different life waiting for you. That is your spirit. That is your soul. Talking to you, and spurring you on. And my encouragement is to really listen to that. Because then you will find your way to people like Dr. Deb, and other practitioners who have heart, who have the tools and the capacity to help you on the physical world journey, and then… You know, my other encouragement would be, really listen to your body. Consider the possibility with curiosity that it is on your side. And if it’s on your side, and it’s talking to you and communicating to you, what might it be saying that it needs from you? Dr. Deb Muth 45:43I love that, that’s awesome. Thank you so much for your time today. Kelly McCann 45:47You’re welcome, my pleasure. I’m so happy to speak with you and to talk with your, audience. I think it’s wonderful. Dr. Deb Muth 45:54Thank you. Boom. Wow, what an episode we just had with Dr. Kelly McCann. This is incredible. It’s a completely different way for us to think about chronic illness, and think about what our body’s actually going through, and how we can repair it from a different aspect. So, thank you for joining me today on Let’s Talk Wellness Now. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s been searching for answers and hasn’t found them yet. And if you’re enjoying our episodes of Let’s Talk Wellness now, we would love to ask the biggest favor you could do for us, which is like and subscribe and share. It goes a long way for us getting our podcasts and our episodes out into the hands of so many people Who need to hear these messages. So, if you’re feeling inclined to do that, we would love that, that affirmation from you guys. So, remember, wellness isn’t just about feeling good, it’s about thriving in every area of your life. If you’re ready to explore the root cause medicine. We can help you. Visit serenityHealthCarecenter.com or Dr. Kelly McCann, and until next time, I’m Dr. Deb, reminding you to take care of your body, mind, and spirit. Be well, and we will see you on the next episode. The post Episode 270 – Chronic Symptoms Are a Hidden Message: How to Listen and Finally Heal | Dr. Kelly McCann first appeared on Let's Talk Wellness Now.

Welcome back to our weekend Cabral HouseCall shows!   This is where we answer our community's wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging questions to help people get back on track!   Check out today's questions:    Lena: Hi Dr. Cabral, I absolutely love your podcast and listen to it every day! Thank you for everything you do to make us all healthy! My question is, how do you feel about taking supplements for 5 days and then not taking them for 2 days? Is this good for the body or is better to take them every day? Thank you so much!      Hilary: Hi Doc, Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with all of us! I recently started going to a biological dentist. He said that my gums are inflamed and gave me an ozone treatment. Is there a root cause or a way to find a root cause for inflamed gums?      Mohamed: Hello Dr.Cabral.. Ive been a daily viewer of your podcast for a few years now.. really struggling. I've watched all your blood pressure videos. Tried everything to lower my dad's Bp. Magnesium, Omega 3, DNS. To no avail. Ive also tried to increase his potassium. It's frustrating.. he takes a combo of Amplodine (CC blocker and Telmisartan ARB) Even that doesn't help.. what do you recommend. He did his minerals and metals lab. Potassium was green, sodium was borderline yellow at 11. Magnesium was a 5 (exactly green). Calcium 66 (green but close to orange). Ca/Mg ratio is high. Ca/K ratio which is elevated. Na/Mg is low. One thing we haven't tried was proteolytic enzymes.. honestly I think it's hardening of Arteries. He's late 60s. Thanks Doc       Karen: Hi, Dr. Cabral I have a lot of health issues: POTS, MCAS, very very low HRV, extreme postprandial heart elevation after eating, extreme fatigue, Ehlers Dahlos/hyper mobility. I saw a functional medicine doctor to try to get on a good health track but it became focused on elimination diet which became too extreme for me because I have a history of an eating disorder. (almost 10 years ago but still, I was losing too much weight for it to be healthy for me) Please advise where to start and if it is possible to get on track without doing elimination diet. Thank you!       Aidan: Hi Dr Cabral, roughly 9 months ago I was sick with mono for about 6 weeks. As my symptoms eased I began to notice a lot of tingling and numbness in my limbs, 90% in the left arm. As I returned to fitness and the feeling went away I found my pressing strength in the left side was very diminished. My tricep, left upper pec, and left lat lost a lot of size and I was unable to load them anywhere close to where I could prior. I went to the a neurologist and it was revealed through EMG I have a pinch in my elbow and neck. It is also suspected that I could have some kind of post viral neuropathy as ever since then I do experience lots of weird tingling in my arms and sometimes legs as well as the strength defect and I am struggling to get back. Looking for any advice, I feel like I'm losing hope       Thank you for tuning into today's Cabral HouseCall and be sure to check back tomorrow where we answer more of our community's questions!    - - - Show Notes and Resources: StephenCabral.com/3788 - - - Get a FREE Copy of Dr. Cabral's Book: The Rain Barrel Effect - - - Join the Community & Get Your Questions Answered: CabralSupportGroup.com - - - Dr. Cabral's Most Popular At-Home Lab Tests: > Complete Minerals & Metals Test (Test for mineral imbalances & heavy metal toxicity) - - - > Complete Candida, Metabolic & Vitamins Test (Test for 75 biomarkers including yeast & bacterial gut overgrowth, as well as vitamin levels) - - - > Complete Stress, Mood & Metabolism Test (Discover your complete thyroid, adrenal, hormone, vitamin D & insulin levels) - - - > Complete Food Sensitivity Test (Find out your hidden food sensitivities) - - - > Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test (Discover your levels of inflammation related to your omega-6 to omega-3 levels) - - - Get Your Question Answered On An Upcoming HouseCall: StephenCabral.com/askcabral - - - Would You Take 30 Seconds To Rate & Review The Cabral Concept? The best way to help me spread our mission of true natural health is to pass on the good word, and I read and appreciate every review!  

In this empowering conversation, Cheryl  and Dr. Kara Wada explore what it means to take charge of your health with conditions like Sjögren's syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Dr Kara shares how her experience as a patient with Sjogren's taught her things she never learned as a allergist-immunologist doctor. They discuss practical strategies for rebuilding trust in your body, the critical role of understanding your core values, and how to find the right support — whether through programs like Rheum to Thrive or events like the Virtual Sjögren's Summit.  Together, they show how education, advocacy, and mindset shifts can help patients move from fear to confidence in managing their immune health. Episode at a glance: Sjogren's and MCAS 101: what is Sjogren's and MCAS? Dr. Kara Wada's personal journey: Sjögren's and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and how it shaped her mission to empower patients. Understanding "Immune Confidence": learning to trust your body again after autoimmune and allergic disease diagnoses. The importance of patient advocacy and education: how Dr. Wada supports patients across multiple states through educational visits. Healthcare system issues: why are complex patients being given the short end of the stick, and what are some creative solutions? Upcoming events and opportunities: the Virtual Sjögren's Summit and Cheryl's evolving focus with Rheum to THRIVE. Finding balance between personal life and professional advocacy while living with chronic illness. Medical disclaimer:  All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode Sponsors Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein, a board-certified anesthesiologist and integrative pain medicine physician specializing in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and related conditions, including POTS, mast cell activation, and chronic pain. In our discussion, we discuss the invisible illness problem and complex medical illnesses, and Dr. Bluestein shares how being diagnosed with EDS in her 40s prompted her to pivot her career to focus on what is missing in medicine regarding those complex illnesses. We explore different types of hypermobility conditions and why women are disproportionately more affected by those conditions than men. We clarify what hypermobility means, the cluster of EDS, POTS, and MCAS, what to do when you have unexplained multi-system symptoms, and how AI can be beneficial. We also examine pain science, hypermobility, sympathetic overdrive, kinesiophobia, anesthesia considerations in connective tissue disorders, and the impact of midlife transitions, HRT, medical gaslighting, nervous system regulation, movement, nutrition, and validation and hope for patients with complex medical illnesses. I am delighted to share this informative conversation with Dr. Linda Bluestein with the Everyday Wellness community, and look forward to having Dr. Bluestein back to explore this topic further. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How patients with complex symptoms often go from specialist to specialist, yet none of them connect the dots. How patients tend to be blamed when treatments fail How POTS diagnosis is often based on heart rate changes, even though it's not primarily a heart rate condition How dysautonomia affects multiple body systems How, apart from joint flexibility, hypermobility can also involve skin, tissues, organs, and multiple body systems. How EDS, POTS, and MCAS can overlap The value of AI tools for helping patients organize complex symptom histories How sympathetic overdrive and kinesiophobia can worsen chronic pain The impact of medical gaslighting Bio:  Dr. Linda Bluestein Dr. Linda Bluestein is a board-certified anesthesiologist and integrative pain medicine physician who specializes in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and related conditions, such as POTS, mast cell activation, and chronic pain. She is the founder of Hypermobility MD and the host of the internationally recognized Bendy Bodies Podcast, where she bridges the gap between patients and clinicians by unpacking complex medicine through a pattern-based, whole-person lens. Dr. Bluestein is also an EDS patient herself, bringing both clinical expertise and lived experience to conversations about diagnostic delays, medical gaslighting, and compassionate, effective care. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein Bendy Bodies Podcast Dysautonomia Support Network

MCAS can affect every part of your body, and it's not well understood. Today I'm joined by dietitian Chloe Hall to talk about the digestive aspects of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. We covered:What is MCAS and how is it diagnosed Approaching your doctor, how to ask about MCASTypical medical treatments for MCASWhat is a low histamine diet and how to follow it The role of the gut microbiome in histamine clearance MCAS and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) About ChloeChloe is a Dietitian with over 15 years of experience, including more than a decade working within the NHS. She now runs her private practice, The Calm Gut Dietitian (www.thecalmgutdietitian.com), where she supports people with complex and often overlapping health conditions.Her specialist areas include Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), gut health, histamine intolerance, Long Covid, and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS). Chloe also has extensive experience supporting individuals with co-existing conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.Chloe is particularly passionate about improving awareness and support for people living with MCAS, Long Covid, and PoTS, inspired by her husband's personal experience of these conditions. As a media spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association (BDA), she regularly helps raise awareness of these often under-recognised conditions.She is a Dietetic Advisor for Mast Cell Action, a UK charity supporting people with MCAS, and is also involved in projects with EDS UK to improve dietary support and resources for people living with EDS.Buy my book - Inside Knowledge for people with IBS & SIBO (find it on Amazon)Get free weekly IBS & SIBO emails - https://mailchi.mp/goodnessme-nutrition.com/h6acndd1bsWork with me3 month Gut Reset - https://www.goodnessme-nutrition.com/consultations/Ready for your gut reset?

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sahra S. Halpern. Interview Purpose The purpose of this interview is to educate small business owners—especially entrepreneurs of color—about equitable access to capital, alternative lending pathways, and how to become “capital ready.” Sahra Halpern, President and CEO of the Business Consortium Fund (BCF), explains how mission‑driven lending fills the gap left by traditional banks and helps small businesses survive, grow, and ultimately graduate into mainstream financing. The conversation also aims to demystify lending, reduce fear around capital, and encourage entrepreneurs to build trusted financial relationships before entering moments of crisis. Core Themes Discussed 1. Why Small Businesses Are Turned Down by Banks Halpern explains that many small businesses are rejected by banks not because they lack potential, but because banks operate under strict underwriting and regulatory requirements. These systems often fail to account for resilience, experience, contracts, and future growth. BCF exists to serve as a bridge—supporting businesses where banks cannot and preparing them to eventually return as qualified borrowers. 2. Capital Curious vs. Capital Ready A key distinction introduced in the interview is the difference between businesses that are “capital curious” and those that are “capital ready.” Many entrepreneurs know they need funding but lack: Financial organization Clear projections Proper documentation A capital strategy BCF provides technical assistance to help businesses prepare for financing instead of setting them up to fail. 3. Mission‑Driven Lending and Community Impact Halpern frames lending as an ecosystem, not a transaction. When small businesses succeed: Business owners gain stability Employees gain jobs Communities grow stronger Large corporations benefit from more diverse and capable supply chains BCF focuses on long‑term economic impact, not short‑term profit. 4. CDFIs vs. SBA Loans The interview draws a clear distinction between Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like BCF and government entities such as the SBA. Key differences highlighted: SBA programs shift based on political administrations SBA underwriting has tightened in recent years CDFIs are nonprofit, mission‑aligned, and relationship‑driven CDFIs look at the whole entrepreneur, not just credit scores 5. The Danger of Merchant Cash Advance Loans Halpern strongly warns against Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans, which are often marketed as fast solutions but carry extremely high interest rates and long‑term consequences. She explains that: MCAs disqualify borrowers from future SBA refinancing They often trap business owners in cycles of expensive debt CDFIs like BCF can help refinance and escape these loans A real‑world case study (The Cut Buddy / Shark Tank entrepreneur) illustrates how BCF helped refinance over $1M in predatory debt and save a growing business. 6. Relationships Matter More Than Transactions Both Halpern and McDonald emphasize the importance of building lender relationships early, not only when cash flow is tight. BCF underwrites the entire business and the entrepreneur, rather than seizing control of a contract or revenue stream, as some factoring companies do. Power comes from having options—and informed decision‑making. Key Takeaways Banking rejection is not the end of the road Small businesses must prepare themselves to be capital ready CDFIs serve as critical bridges between entrepreneurs and traditional banks Fast money often leads to expensive, dangerous debt Merchant cash advances should be avoided whenever possible Mission‑driven lenders look at the whole entrepreneur, not just numbers Strong lender relationships protect businesses during uncertainty Capital should empower growth—not take control of your company Notable Quotes “Just because a bank says no doesn’t mean that’s the end of your road.” “We’re not just looking at your credit score—we’re looking at you as a whole entrepreneur.” “Capital readiness is not about desperation; it’s about preparation.” “If you’re sitting on a merchant cash advance loan right now, you are not stuck.” “Nothing makes me happier than seeing clients realize their dreams and grow into multimillion‑dollar businesses.” “You should talk to multiple lenders—but you should always understand the real cost of the money.” Conclusion Sahra Halpern’s interview serves as a practical roadmap and a cautionary lesson for small business owners navigating today’s uncertain economic landscape. It reinforces that access to capital is about strategy, education, and relationships, not just approval or rejection. The conversation encourages entrepreneurs to reclaim power, avoid predatory financing, and partner with institutions that are committed to their long‑term success and community impact. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sahra S. Halpern. Interview Purpose The purpose of this interview is to educate small business owners—especially entrepreneurs of color—about equitable access to capital, alternative lending pathways, and how to become “capital ready.” Sahra Halpern, President and CEO of the Business Consortium Fund (BCF), explains how mission‑driven lending fills the gap left by traditional banks and helps small businesses survive, grow, and ultimately graduate into mainstream financing. The conversation also aims to demystify lending, reduce fear around capital, and encourage entrepreneurs to build trusted financial relationships before entering moments of crisis. Core Themes Discussed 1. Why Small Businesses Are Turned Down by Banks Halpern explains that many small businesses are rejected by banks not because they lack potential, but because banks operate under strict underwriting and regulatory requirements. These systems often fail to account for resilience, experience, contracts, and future growth. BCF exists to serve as a bridge—supporting businesses where banks cannot and preparing them to eventually return as qualified borrowers. 2. Capital Curious vs. Capital Ready A key distinction introduced in the interview is the difference between businesses that are “capital curious” and those that are “capital ready.” Many entrepreneurs know they need funding but lack: Financial organization Clear projections Proper documentation A capital strategy BCF provides technical assistance to help businesses prepare for financing instead of setting them up to fail. 3. Mission‑Driven Lending and Community Impact Halpern frames lending as an ecosystem, not a transaction. When small businesses succeed: Business owners gain stability Employees gain jobs Communities grow stronger Large corporations benefit from more diverse and capable supply chains BCF focuses on long‑term economic impact, not short‑term profit. 4. CDFIs vs. SBA Loans The interview draws a clear distinction between Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like BCF and government entities such as the SBA. Key differences highlighted: SBA programs shift based on political administrations SBA underwriting has tightened in recent years CDFIs are nonprofit, mission‑aligned, and relationship‑driven CDFIs look at the whole entrepreneur, not just credit scores 5. The Danger of Merchant Cash Advance Loans Halpern strongly warns against Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans, which are often marketed as fast solutions but carry extremely high interest rates and long‑term consequences. She explains that: MCAs disqualify borrowers from future SBA refinancing They often trap business owners in cycles of expensive debt CDFIs like BCF can help refinance and escape these loans A real‑world case study (The Cut Buddy / Shark Tank entrepreneur) illustrates how BCF helped refinance over $1M in predatory debt and save a growing business. 6. Relationships Matter More Than Transactions Both Halpern and McDonald emphasize the importance of building lender relationships early, not only when cash flow is tight. BCF underwrites the entire business and the entrepreneur, rather than seizing control of a contract or revenue stream, as some factoring companies do. Power comes from having options—and informed decision‑making. Key Takeaways Banking rejection is not the end of the road Small businesses must prepare themselves to be capital ready CDFIs serve as critical bridges between entrepreneurs and traditional banks Fast money often leads to expensive, dangerous debt Merchant cash advances should be avoided whenever possible Mission‑driven lenders look at the whole entrepreneur, not just numbers Strong lender relationships protect businesses during uncertainty Capital should empower growth—not take control of your company Notable Quotes “Just because a bank says no doesn’t mean that’s the end of your road.” “We’re not just looking at your credit score—we’re looking at you as a whole entrepreneur.” “Capital readiness is not about desperation; it’s about preparation.” “If you’re sitting on a merchant cash advance loan right now, you are not stuck.” “Nothing makes me happier than seeing clients realize their dreams and grow into multimillion‑dollar businesses.” “You should talk to multiple lenders—but you should always understand the real cost of the money.” Conclusion Sahra Halpern’s interview serves as a practical roadmap and a cautionary lesson for small business owners navigating today’s uncertain economic landscape. It reinforces that access to capital is about strategy, education, and relationships, not just approval or rejection. The conversation encourages entrepreneurs to reclaim power, avoid predatory financing, and partner with institutions that are committed to their long‑term success and community impact. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chronic Pain, Neuroplasticity, and the Brain's Role in Healing with Dr. Aaron ParkerWhat if chronic pain isn't always a sign of ongoing tissue damage, but rather a learned pattern within the brain and nervous system? In this episode of the Neuroveda Podcast for Complex Health, Gillian Ehrlich sits down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Aaron Parker to discuss Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), an evidence-based approach designed to help the brain unlearn chronic pain and persistent symptoms. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind neuroplastic pain, why symptoms can continue long after an injury has healed, and how the brain's interpretation of bodily sensations can influence our experience of pain. The conversation examines the relationship between chronic pain, nervous system regulation, trauma, inflammation, concussion recovery, IBS, migraine, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and long COVID. Dr. Parker explains the concept of somatic tracking, the role of fear and safety in symptom persistence, and how retraining the brain's response to pain can lead to meaningful recovery. Gillian also draws parallels between modern neuroscience and Ayurvedic concepts of intelligence and regulation within the body, creating a fascinating bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary research. Whether you're living with chronic symptoms, supporting a loved one, or working in healthcare, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most promising emerging approaches to chronic pain and symptom recovery.In this episode:• What Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is and how it works• The neuroscience of chronic and neuroplastic pain• Somatic tracking and nervous system regulation• Chronic pain, post-concussion syndrome, IBS, migraine, MCAS, and long COVID• The relationship between emotions, stress, and physical symptoms• How PRT complements other therapeutic approaches• Emerging research on chronic pain recovery and brain plasticity About Our GuestDr. Aaron Parker is a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington State with a background in brain injury rehabilitation and clinical psychology. He has served as an attending psychologist in the University of Washington Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at both Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center, where he continues to maintain a clinical faculty appointment. Dr. Parker has supervised psychology trainees, presented research at national conferences, and provides services to accident victims experiencing post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder through the Washington OSIC Concussion TBI Clinic. In his private practice, he specializes in chronic pain, concussion recovery, and neuroplastic symptom treatment, including Pain Reprocessing Therapy.

If you've been doing everything right and still not getting better, this episode was made for you.Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with her colleague and friend, Dr. Christine Schaffner, a naturopathic doctor, bioregulatory medicine expert, and founder of the Sensitive Stack.  She has spent her career on the cutting edge of what it actually takes to heal the patients who fall through every crack in conventional and even functional medicine.At the center of this conversation is a concept that changes everything: sensitivity is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The rising epidemic of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), histamine intolerance, long COVID, and chronic multisystem illness isn't happening in a vacuum. It's a signal from the terrain, the extracellular matrix, the autonomic nervous system, the fascia,  that the body's innate intelligence has been blocked. Dr. Christine explains the foundational principles of bioregulatory medicine, which emerged from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, and why its approach to regulation, terrain theory, and interference fields offers a roadmap that functional medicine alone often misses.One of the most overlooked and most impactful areas they cover is the dental connection. Root canals, amalgam fillings, cavitations, and hidden jaw infections are among the most common interference fields Dr. Christine sees in chronically ill patients. A dead tooth is a chronic infection, and that infection has direct access to the vagus nerve, the lymphatic system, and the organ meridians mapped on the dental chart. Dr. Stephanie shares her own experience supporting a close family member who went from severe anxiety and heart palpitations to calm and functional — simply by removing one infected root canal. Both doctors discuss how to approach dental interventions safely, why preparation and the right biological dentist matter, and how to mitigate the healing response that can follow.The conversation goes deep on hormones, the menstrual cycle, and chronic illness, territory that rarely gets the clinical attention it deserves. Dr. Christine explains what she calls the "luteal phase flare," the week before a woman's period when progesterone drops, prostaglandins rise, and the immune system wakes up to everything it suppressed during the potential implantation window. For women with Lyme disease, mold illness, parasites, or MCAS, this is often the hardest week of the month and it doesn't have to be. They also cover estrogen dominance, beta-glucuronidase, zearalenone (the mold mycotoxin that mimics estrogen), and the liver's central role in hormone metabolism and detoxification.Dr. Christine also shares her own deeply personal journey, navigating a lawsuit, rebuilding her practice, and facing a diagnosis of a 3.2 centimeter pituitary macroadenoma that required brain surgery. In the two weeks between diagnosis and the operating table, she leaned entirely into energy medicine, coherence healings, meditation, and intention work. Her surgeon later told her he'd be studying her tumor for a long time because for its size, it came out unusually easily. Her story is a testament to what's possible when you apply everything you teach.✦ In this episode:• Bioregulatory medicine explained and why it goes beyond functional medicine• Terrain theory vs. germ theory, and what Louis Pasteur said on his deathbed• The extracellular matrix, lymphatic stagnation, and where disease actually begins• Interference fields: scars, hidden infections, and dental toxicity blocking your healing• Root canals, cavitations, and amalgams as chronic infections connected to your organs• MCAS, histamine intolerance, and why sensitivity is a symptom, not a root cause• The luteal phase flare: why women with chronic illness feel worse before their period• Estrogen dominance, zearalenone mold toxin, and beta-glucuronidase• Long COVID, post-vaccine immune dysregulation, and TH1/TH2 immune imbalance• 5G, EMFs, voltage-gated calcium channels, and cell membrane destabilization• Motherwort, hawthorn, and lemon balm as natural calcium channel stabilizers• Dr. Christine's pituitary tumor diagnosis, brain surgery, and healing journey• The Sensitive Stack: Dr. Christine's new program for sensitive, hard-to-treat patients✦ Find Dr. Christine Schaffner:Website: drchristineschaffner.comThe Sensitive Stack: available at her website and on InstagramInstagram: @drchristineschaffner✦ About Dr. Stephanie Canestraro:Dr. Stephanie is a chiropractor, functional medicine practitioner, and chronic illness survivor. What Happens in Vagus explores root-cause healing through the nervous system, bioregulatory medicine, and the extraordinary intelligence of the human body.Let us know your thoughts on this episode hereFor any further information, feel free to email us at info@vagusclinic.com.  Our team is happy to help.  We offer 20-minute complimentary health calls, and you can sign up for one here.

Get personalized root-cause care with Empower Functional Health.Learn more at empowerfunctionalhealth.com_____MCAS is often treated like a food problem. But if your “safe food” list keeps getting smaller, restriction may no longer be the solution.In this episode, Judy Cho explains why mast cell activation syndrome is not just about histamine, why food reactions can be a sign of a deeper immune threshold problem, and why the goal is not to fear more foods. The goal is to understand why the body is reacting in the first place.What is MCASCauses of MCAS and histamine flaresMast cell symptomsMast cell activation syndrome, root causeMast cells and the nervous system, stress responseHigh histamine foodsHistamine liberator foodsDAO-blocking foods, the DAO enzymeSupplements, medication supports for MCAS, histaminesMCAS, histamine testingHistamine flares because of Carnivore._____EPISODE RESOURCESMCAS ArticleMCAS Article 2Dr. Tania Dempsey InterviewMCAS studies 1, 2, 3 Personalized Health Plan (symptoms)GI Map stool testComplete Wellness Panel_____WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

What happens when the original voices behind Bendy Bodies come back together 200 episodes later? In this special milestone episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein reunites with her original co-host, dance medicine specialist Jennifer Milner, and the very first guest ever featured on the podcast, Dr. Moira McCormack. Long before hypermobility became a topic of widespread discussion, Dr. McCormack was asking important questions. A former Royal Ballet dancer, former Lead Physiotherapist for The Royal Ballet, and pioneering researcher, she was among the earliest clinicians investigating joint hypermobility in dancers and the challenges that often accompany it. Together, they reflect on more than two decades of progress in our understanding of hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), while exploring the many misconceptions that still persist today. The conversation goes far beyond flexibility. Dr. McCormack explains why many hypermobile dancers must work harder, recover more strategically, and develop greater body awareness than their peers. The discussion also dives into the often-overlooked multisystem effects of hypermobility, including fatigue, pain, dysautonomia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Drawing on decades of experience working with elite dancers and hypermobile patients, Dr. McCormack shares practical insights on injury prevention, individualized rehabilitation, hands-on assessment, and the art of teaching movement with patience and precision. Whether you're a dancer, athlete, parent, teacher, clinician, or someone navigating hypermobility yourself, this episode offers both a fascinating look at how far the field has come and a roadmap for where we still need to go. Most importantly, it reminds us that success in a hypermobile body isn't about having the most flexibility. It's about developing the control, strength, awareness, and resilience to use that flexibility well. Key Takeaways • This episode reunites the same three people who launched Bendy Bodies with Episode 1, creating a full-circle conversation 200 episodes later. • Hypermobile dancers often work harder behind the scenes than audiences realize. Fatigue, recovery, and injury prevention are frequently bigger challenges than flexibility itself. • Flexibility without control can increase injury risk. Strength, stability, motor control, and body awareness are essential for long-term success. • Hypermobility can affect far more than the joints, contributing to symptoms involving the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and cardiovascular system. • Rehabilitation is rarely one-size-fits-all. Hypermobile individuals often benefit from individualized assessment, hands-on treatment, and slower, more deliberate progression. • Teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals play a critical role in recognizing early warning signs and supporting healthy development in young dancers. • One of the most powerful injury-prevention strategies may be surprisingly simple: learning to master posture and alignment before adding movement. • Moira also honors the influence of the late Professor Rodney Grahame, with whom she conducted her early research and met frequently to discuss joint hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, and the many unanswered questions that continue to shape the field today. Find the episode transcript here. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Jennifer Milner? Instagram: @jennifer.milner Website: https://www.jennifer-milner.com/ Want more Dr. Moira McCormack? https://iseh.co.uk/member/moira-mccormack Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. 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In this episode of Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill, Dr. Jill Carnahan welcomes Dr. Jaban Moore for an in-depth discussion on the hidden drivers behind chronic illness, including mold toxicity, Lyme disease, parasites, trauma, and nervous system dysfunction. Drawing from his own journey through chronic illness, Dr. Moore shares how environmental toxins, infections, and unresolved stress can create a perfect storm of inflammation and immune dysregulation. Together, they explore why so many patients remain stuck despite treatment and what it takes to create a foundation for true healing. This conversation offers practical insights into detoxification, nervous system regulation, parasite protocols, peptide therapies, and creating an internal environment where the body can finally recover.

Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:09 Hi there, how are you? Bob Miller 00:00:10 Excellent! Pedaling as fast as humanly possible, but doing okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:14 Good, good. Well, I’m looking forward to our conversation today. This should be amazing. Bob Miller 00:00:20 Yeah, it should be a lot of fun. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:22 Yeah, anything that’s off-limits for you in, our conversation? Bob Miller 00:00:28 No. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:29 Okay, anything you want me to make sure we cover for you? Bob Miller 00:00:33 Well, I mean, is it okay if we put a little plug-in for our software? Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:35 Absolutely. Bob Miller 00:00:36 Yeah. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:37 Absolutely. Bob Miller 00:00:36 Yeah. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:37 Absolutely. Bob Miller 00:00:38 Hey, can we… can we do a screen share? Yes, we can. Yeah, because I want to show you some maps, and… Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:43 Okay. Things like that, yeah, so… Perfect. So just let me know when you want to do screen share. Bob Miller 00:00:48 Okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:00:49 And yeah, feel free to plug your software wherever you want to. Bob Miller 00:00:53 Okay, well, good. Let me pull up a, a slide for that, and give me one second, I just want to shut the door to my office to get the noise down. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:01 No worries. Bob Miller 00:01:16 And, how should I refer to you? Dr. Debb? Dr. Muth, what do you like? Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:18 Dr. Deb is great, or Deb, either way, I’m pretty informal, so… Bob Miller 00:01:22 Yeah, and… Bob is fine for me. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, there you go. Why people feel like they need this, son. Special name, it’s like, seriously. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:33 Right? I agree. Bob Miller 00:01:35 When I work with my clients, it’s like, Dr. Millison, just, just bop, just, just bop. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:41 Yep, that’s how I am, too. Just call me Deb, it’s good. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:44 They feel a little awkward with that, you know? They’re not used to that, but… Bob Miller 00:01:48 Alright. And you’re a naturopath, medical doctor. Dr. Deb Muth 00:01:52 A nastropathic doctor and a nurse practitioner. Oh, nice. Yeah, so I got the best of both worlds, right? Bob Miller 00:01:58 Yeah, damn. Okay. Alright, so here we go… There we go. Alright, so I got that ready, and then I will do a, I will do a screen share. I think you’re gonna really, appreciate what we’ve come up with. We’ve come up with the concept of, Cellular CPR. Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:23 Oh, nice! Bob Miller 00:02:24 And that is, construct the cell membrane, Protect the cell membrane. And restore it if it’s damaged. Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:32 Love that. Bob Miller 00:02:34 I love that. Yeah, so that’s what we’re focusing on, and then how, You know, we want to get to the point that, you know, most people think of genetics, they think of, like, 23andMe or Ancestry. Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:44 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:02:45 And then you have the professional geneticists who are looking at, you know, odd things that could create a disease. We’re looking at functional genomics. Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:54 Which is so much better. Bob Miller 00:02:56 Yeah. Are you familiar with what we do here, or… Dr. Deb Muth 00:02:58 A little bit, a little bit. So, it’ll be new to me, too, so I’m excited. Bob Miller 00:03:03 And how much time do we have? Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:04 We have an hour, give or take a little bit on either side. Do you have a hard stop anywhere? Bob Miller 00:03:10 No, no, I put a, I moved my clients around, and I don’t have anybody till, 3.30, so we’re good. Okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:16 Perfect. Alright. Bob Miller 00:03:18 It’s like we’re getting started early as well, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:19 Yeah, we’re getting started a little bit early, so that’s good. Bob Miller 00:03:22 Yeah, I just got my office cleaned up, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:23 Okay, good. All right, are you all set to get started? Bob Miller 00:03:28 I’m good to go, my friend. Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:29 I’m gonna just record a little intro and a little bit of a, hook for people, and then we’ll get started. I’ll ask you to kind of tell us a little bit about yourself, and then we’ll just take this conversation wherever it’s supposed to go. Bob Miller 00:03:39 Okay, you got it. Dr. Deb Muth 00:03:40 Alright, sounds good. So what if the reason you’re not healing isn’t your diet, your supplements, or your labs, but it’s actually your genes? Dr. Bob Miller is uncovering how genetic variants, when combined with modern toxins, explain why some of us stay sick no matter what we try. Today, we’re talking genetic pathways, detox blocks, and the new science every wellness warrior needs to know. Welcome back to Let’s Talk Wellness Now, the show where we uncover the root causes of chronic illness, exploring cutting-edge regenerative medicine, and empower you to heal from the inside out. I’m Dr. Deb, your medical detective, and today, our guest, Dr. Bob Miller, is a true pioneer in functional genomics. He’s a board-certified traditional naturopath and the founder of Neutrogenetic Research Institute. And he’s the leading groundbreaking research on how genetic variants influence chronic illness, inflammation, and detoxification. His work has been recognized on international stages, uncovering links between genetic expression and conditions like Lyme disease, mast cell activation, or MCAS, and mitochondrial dysfunction. I’m so excited to talk to Dr. Bob today. He is gonna reveal some things that even I don’t know about, so I’m excited to learn alongside of you guys. So… Dr. Bob, let’s get started. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and kind of how you got on this journey. Bob Miller 00:05:04 Well, that’s, that’s interesting. I was sort of like a mid-career coming to the natural health field, because in my early 30s, I found myself with a severe case of ulcerative colitis. Bob Miller 00:05:15 And I was in the hospital for 21 days. probably within hours of death, pleading to death. And they told me I’ve got one option, and that is cut out the colon and wear a bag. Didn’t sound like a lot of fun. Dr. Deb Muth 00:05:27 Not an option I would want. Bob Miller 00:05:29 So, you know, the medical folks wasn’t real happy with me, but I said, yeah, I’d like to explore some alternative things.Never thinking that I’d get into this field, and then I just, you know, worked with some herbalists and things that I found absolutely fascinating. So, that’s how I got into this around 30 years ago. And, haven’t looked back since, and just having a… having a blast as we now move into how our genetics impacts things. So, that’s what we’re gonna… that’s what we’re gonna talk about today. Dr. Deb Muth 00:05:58 I’m excited to talk about this genetic thing. When you started over 30 years ago, what kind of patience and problems first inspired you to dig deeper into that root cause healing and kind of get into the genetic piece of it? Bob Miller 00:06:10 Sure. Well, you know, as a… now, I’m in a part of the country called Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where there’s a lot of Amish and Mennonite, and they gravitate towards these things.So, this is their first thing to do, and that doesn’t work, then they’ll go other routes. So, you know, back then, we just saw typical, you know, a little tired, constipation. You know, a little bit of fatigue, arthritis, those kind of things. But things have changed dramatically over the years, as people are now getting more chronically sick. You know, it’s worse than it’s ever been. And what we’re finding is the, the culprits Primarily is mold exposure and Lyme disease. When people get those two together, they’re just… it’s an inflammatory cascade that nobody can seem to unravel. So that’s where we spend a lot of our time. And we’re also spending a lot of time looking at mental health, like ADD, ADHD. And, we give… this year I’ll be speaking at three autism conferences. And we can dig into that a little bit as to why we think we’re seeing such a dramatic increase. And aside from autism, that used to be 1 out of 1,000, now it’s 1 out of 33, or 23. You know, we’re also seeing dramatic increases in ADD, ADHD. People are stressed out. And today, I think we’ll have the time to actually go through and show how environmental factors combine with genetics to cause that to happen. So we’ll… we should have a fun visit here today. And today, I think we’ll have the time to actually go through and show how environmental factors combine with genetics to cause that to happen. So we’ll… we should have a fun visit here today. Dr. Deb Muth 00:07:37 This should be a fun visit. We can cover lots of topics. I am so excited. So, you founded Nutri Genetic Research Institute in 2015. What did you hope to accomplish, and what kind of surprised you in your findings so far about that? Bob Miller 00:07:51 Well, you know, let’s back up at what, you know, genetics is used for. Everybody’s familiar with 23andMe and Ancestry that, you know, tells you where your ancestors came from. Then you have your professional geneticists. I mean, these are people with a degree in genetics. And they’ll look for, you know, very odd sort of things that are prone to relate to a disease. So there are disease-related genetics. Well, in functional, we don’t look at either of those. We look at For example, how you’re breaking down your fats and utilizing them. How you’re recycling your glutathione. How you might be handling your iron. And none of those are disease-causing on their own.And none of those are disease-causing on their own. But when they pile up on you, and then combine that with environmental factors, that’s when things start to go south on us. So, that’s what we’re doing, we’re looking at patterns. And our first foray into this was, we did studies on Lyme disease. And our first foray into this was, we did studies on Lyme disease. So, we looked at, like, I think 50 people with Lyme disease. We looked at their genome. So, we looked at, like, I think 50 people with Lyme disease. We looked at their genome. And we found patterns that were more evident in those with Lyme. Now, this doesn’t… these genetics don’t mean you get Lyme, it just means if you get Lyme, you react worse to it. And we found patterns that were more evident in those with Lyme. Now, this doesn’t… these genetics don’t mean you get Lyme, it just means if you get Lyme, you react worse to it. So, as you know, some people get Lyme, they go on a round of antibiotics, and they’re done. So, as you know, some people get Lyme, they go on a round of antibiotics, and they’re done. Others have a little more struggle, and then others are struggling terribly for years. So there’s an old adage of genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger. Dr. Deb Muth 00:09:14 Yeah, that is so true, and I think when we’re talking about Lyme and mold and things like that, we forget sometimes that our genetics can predispose us to be more sensitive to those things, and if we have genetic pathways where we don’t clear things properly, it’s harder for us to get them out of the body. And then you add on that whole rain barrel effect that we’ve always used as a functional medicine term, right? If the barrel’s half full, you’re okay. If it’s full, and now it’s spilling over, it’s a bigger problem. Have you guys found, too, that some of these environmental things actually are changing the genetics of people, or how they’re processing their own genetics? Bob Miller 00:09:53 Well, let’s go back to, Genetics 101. But we’ll go back a little bit further. So, what an interesting mechanism, what a miracle the body is. Bob Miller 00:10:03 Fats, carbohydrates, proteins, drink water, breathe air, expose the sunlight, and somehow everything gets made. I mean, when you just step back and think about that, it’s like, It’s pretty darn amazing. Dr. Deb Muth 00:10:15 I always tell women, you know, the fact that we get pregnant and we have healthy pregnancies and births is a miracle, because if we had to try to control that, that wouldn’t work so well. Bob Miller 00:10:25 Right. Well, that’s another miracle. These microscopic sperm and egg, human being, 9 months later, it’s like. But even inside of us. We are making our hair, our skin, our nails, our blood vessels, our ATP, our energy, it’s all being created. Well, that gets created by enzymes. So, enzymes take one substance, combine it with something else, and make something new. Then another enzyme comes along and does the same thing. Your DNA is the instructions on how to make the enzymes. So, when we are conceived. If it’s a, if it’s a female, of course, it’s the XX, the two chromosomes. You know, we’ve… everybody’s seen those… the genetics that… Listed pair. So, if it’s a female, the father donated the X enzyme. And the mother has no choice but to give the eggs, so that’s female. If the father donates the Y, you have a male that’s in chromosome number 1. Then 2 through 23 is the rest of the instructions on how to make enzymes. So, what can happen? We can get what are called SNPs, single nucleotide polymorphisms. And SNPs just mean that the instructions to make the enzyme’s not quite as good. So, if one parent gives a SNP on the making of an enzyme, The enzyme’s fine. It works. But, general rule of thumb, It may only work at 70-80% of efficiency. Now, a good analogy is think of an 8-cylinder and a 6-cylinder car. If parents give you good information, that’s like having an 8-cylinder car. If one parent gives you that snip, it’s like having a 6-cylinder car. Now, is a 6-cylinder car a fine car? Sure. It’ll get you from point A to point B, but it’s just going to have the power of an 8-cylinder. Then if both parents give you a SNP on the same enzyme, it may be 30-40%, and that’s like having a 4-cylinder car. Sits in the driveway, looks the same, puts gas in it, everything. But if you’ve got a 4-cylinder car. Probably not a good idea to go cross-country pulling a trailer behind you up and down mountains. Dr. Deb Muth 00:12:29 This is true. Bob Miller 00:12:32 So… We can get an 8-cylinder, 6-cylinder, or 4-cylinder enzyme. Now, if it’s not under a lot of stress, if that 4-cylinder car is just taking you to the bank and the grocery store. It’s just as good as an 8-cylinder car. But if you gotta pull that trailer, and there’s a lot of stress on it, being mountains, it’s gonna struggle. Now, there’s one other little caveat to this, and that is some genetic mutations are gain-of-function. They actually work faster. Now, we have enzymes that do all kinds of things. We have enzymes that make and recycle our antioxidants, but we also have enzymes that make inflammation. No, that’s a good thing, because if we get a virus or bacteria, if you didn’t make inflammation to kill it, well, we’d all die of infection. So, you know, we tend to think of free radicals as bad, antioxidants as good. They both play an important role. But interestingly, some of the major enzymes that make inflammation, they can be overactive. They can be turbocharged. And when they’re stimulated by environmental toxins, they overreact. Bob Miller 00:13:40 And therein lies the problem. When they overreact, we have a problem. Bob Miller 00:13:46 So, if we have genes that overreact when stimulated. And then the enzymes that take care of inflammation are underactive. Then you’re gonna be more inflamed. You know, the majority of people that, you know, come for functional medicine Or naturopathic help, or… Inflammation that they can’t seem to get under control. Dr. Deb Muth 00:14:06 Right. Bob Miller 00:14:07 And we will be, you know, during this hour, we’re going to look at some of the pathways that make that happen. So, what we can do then, we can’t change our genetics. When you’re conceived, that’s the hand you’re dealt. When your life would be over, if someone would take some tissue and measure, it’d be exactly the same as conception. Does it change. Bob Miller 00:14:28 The enzyme’s ability to do its job may be compromised. Because remember I said there’s a, the enzyme takes a cofactor. So an enzyme takes substance A, cofactor, make substance B. Well, if that cofactor’s not there, the enzyme’s not going to work either. So, you could have an 8-cylinder car, and if there’s no gas in it, it’s not going anywhere. So… It’s the strength of the enzyme, it’s the cofactor to do the A to B conversion. And that’s what we’re going to get into. So, many people say, well, where did these SNPs come from? Nobody knows for sure. Sometimes they’re what’s just called de novo, when the sperm and egg go together, the instructions get mixed up a little bit. We do believe a lot of it came from a long time ago, when we were almost wiped out by sexually transmitted diseases. And those STDs were altering the genes when the conception, in other words, when the sperm went into the egg, the STDs were interfering. And causing the problem, so… I often joke, if you want to blame somebody. Blame your great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents for, being a bit promiscuous, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:15:31 Yeah, for being… having a little too much fun, right? Bob Miller 00:15:35 So, we don’t know for sure, but, you know, there are some that, But most of the SNPs that we get inherit from our parents. So, if you look at a child. And you look at the SNPs. 99.9% of the time, it came from one of the parents. Dr. Deb Muth 00:15:50 In identical twins, do they have the exact same identical makeup? Bob Miller 00:15:54 Yep, Dr. Deb Muth 00:15:56 But not in fraternal twins, correct? Bob Miller 00:15:59 No, no, those could be different, Jeff. Dr. Deb Muth 00:16:00 It could be different because they have different sacs, they’re not sharing that same genetic makeup. Bob Miller 00:16:04 Yeah, so keep in mind, both your mother and your father have, you know, the two And so you get one from one parent, one from another. Dr. Deb Muth 00:16:13 So… Bob Miller 00:16:14 Interesting situation. I had, 3, 3 boys. And, we were looking at an enzyme related to breaking down oxalates. Now, the mother and father each had one SNP, and that’s called heterozygous. Three boys, and they all come together, they’re Amish boys, they’re a lot of fun. And I looked at their genomes, and the one boy didn’t have any SNPs at all. And one had won. And the other one had two. Dr. Deb Muth 00:16:41 Interesting. Bob Miller 00:16:42 So, we don’t quite know how these things get handed off, but with the parents each having one, you could have a child with none, one, or two. So, the one, his ability to break down oxalates, which is fine. The other one was slightly impaired, and the other one was dramatically impaired. So, you can have 3 children, and it all depends what the parents have. Now, if a parent has a homozygous, or 2 copies. And the other parent has nothing. Every child will have one. Okay. If both parents are homozygous, that they both have two, Every child will have two. Dr. Deb Muth 00:17:19 too. Bob Miller 00:17:20 Yes, so that’s the way it works, but, you know, but it’s somewhat rare that both parents are homozygous on an enzyme, but it can happen. Dr. Deb Muth 00:17:27 Do we think that infections today, like Lyme disease or mold exposure, things like that, if the parent, the woman, primarily, I’m thinking, is pregnant, and she actively has these infections. Can those infections affect the genetics, kind of like a past sexual transmission did where we thought back in the day? Bob Miller 00:17:47 Yeah, I… I mean, I’m not that much of a geneticist to answer that for sure, but my thought would be no, that at conception, the pattern’s made. Dr. Deb Muth 00:17:55 Okay. And then that’s… that’s the hand you’re dealt. Bob Miller 00:17:58 Yeah. So, I tell people we have good news and bad news. The good news is we can compensate for the weakness. The bad news is we can compensate for the weakness. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:09 That is so very true. Bob Miller 00:18:11 Yeah, we can’t, because I often get asked, so we’ll do some things now, and we’ll check my genes again, and they’ll be better. It’s like, nope. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:18 Oh, – – Bob Miller 00:18:19 You gotta play the hands you’re dealt, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:21 That’s right. Bob Miller 00:18:22 You can test your genetics… if you’re looking at the same enzyme, you can test it every year. It’s not gonna change. It’s like the blueprint. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:30 It’s good and bad, right? It’s the one test you only have to do once in your lifetime. Bob Miller 00:18:34 No, unless, you know, like, our. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:36 All the time. Bob Miller 00:18:37 Yeah, now our test looks at, called the Functional Genomic Analysis Test of your genomic Resource. We look at 220,000 steps. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:46 Wow, that’s a lot. Bob Miller 00:18:47 That’s not all of them. Dr. Deb Muth 00:18:49 Right. Bob Miller 00:18:50 So, maybe in the next year, we’re gonna come out with our third version of the chip. And then, if someone wants to get those new things that weren’t on it, they’d have to repeat. But whatever we measured is gonna stay the same. Dr. Deb Muth 00:19:03 That’s a lot of SNPs to look at. Bob Miller 00:19:05 Keeps us busy. Dr. Deb Muth 00:19:06 But there’s still, but there’s still SNPs that we. Bob Miller 00:19:09 That we’d like to have that we don’t have, so… Bob Miller 00:19:11 We started out with version 1 on our genetic test, then we worked with version 2, and we’re already compiling a list of what version 3 would look like. So if somebody has our version 2, And we’re saying, you know what, it’d be nice if we could see these, well, then you’d repeat, but it won’t change what you already know, so… Dr. Deb Muth 00:19:29 Got it, got it. So, when you started out, and you started looking at the research of Lyme disease and chronic infections, which detox pathways are most important for people who struggle with those conditions? Bob Miller 00:19:43 Okay. You know what might make sense as we do a screen share, and I’ll actually show you the pathway. Does that make sense? Bob Miller 00:19:48 Alright, so… let’s see if I… let me just press the share… Dr. Deb Muth 00:19:52 Yep, you should just be able to press share. Bob Miller 00:19:54 And… number 2. Okay. Are we seeing the screen there? Bob Miller 00:20:01 Okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:20:02 So, this is a map that we made. Bob Miller 00:20:05 And by the way, this is not… All-inclusive of all the things we look at, but we believe this is a core issue. So, where we’re going to start here, there’s something called the microglia. And the microglia are glial cells. They’re in the brain and the central nervous system. And they’re very interesting little creatures, because most of the time, and this is just a drawing of what they sort of look like. Most of the time, they’re in what’s called the M2 anti-inflammatory mood. What that means, these little guys pick up dirt, debris, Recycle them. Turns on an enzyme called interleukin-10 that’s anti-inflammatory. And just kind of does general housekeeping. And just kind of does general housekeeping. However, when a trigger comes along. However, when a trigger comes along. They… it’s the same glial cell, but it moves over to a very pro-inflammatory enzyme. A pro-inflammatory glial cell. And it triggers these 3 enzymes, Actually, these four. That are pro-inflammatory. Tumor necrosis vector alpha, Interleukin-6. NF Kappa B, Inos. Now, these create inflammation. So you might think, well, why is that good? Well, if you have some foreign invader, virus, bacteria coming in, parasite. If you didn’t have these guys coming to the rescue, you would just die of infection. So, these guys are your friend unless they’re your worst enemy. Because TNFA, and we’ll show you when we actually do a demo account, TNFA can be overactive. So, in other words, it over-responds. Interleukin-6 can be overactive. And if Kappa-B can be overactive. The INOS, and I’ll explain each of these as we go through a demo, can be overactive. Now, what that means is, you’re very good at killing virus and bacteria. But this is where autoimmune disease comes in, and just inflammatory conditions. Now, this is just speculation, but we think what happened is, as you know. Thousands of years ago, we didn’t have refrigeration, we didn’t have sewer, we didn’t have pure water, and we didn’t have antibiotics. So, if you made it to 40, you were an old-timer, because everybody was dying of infection. So, what we believe happened is, by what’s called natural selection, Having these overactive. A thousand years ago was to your advantage. Dr. Deb Muth 00:22:31 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:22:32 But now… We have pure water, we have refrigeration, we have sewers, we have antibiotics. But now we have environmental factors that are stimulating them. Now it’s to our disadvantage. And we’ll talk about that a little bit as it relates to the hemochromatosis genes and maybe the G6PD. Dr. Deb Muth 00:22:48 Yep. Bob Miller 00:22:49 Now, why are we becoming so inflamed? Let’s look at the triggers. Now, one of my, favorite expressions is. I was born all the way back in 1954. Dr. Deb Muth 00:23:01 And it was a different world back then. Bob Miller 00:23:05 These are some of the triggers. And we’ll get into these, but right now, high fructose corn syrup, And the high-fat diet. High fructose corn syrup only came about in 1968. So now we’re being exposed to high fructose corn syrup. Then… we didn’t have these, these viruses like COVID. Dr. Deb Muth 00:23:26 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:23:27 Now, there’s now pretty strong evidence that COVID Was actually, you know, made as a gain of function. It’s debated, and I’m not taking an opinion on it, but there’s some people who believe Lyme disease was also a part of experimentation. Dr. Deb Muth 00:23:40 Go. Bob Miller 00:23:41 Then we have molds, and it appears as though mold is getting stronger. you know, 20 years ago, when I was seeing folks, mold wasn’t on the radar. I would say 7 out of the 10 folks we speak to today have mold problems. Yeah, 20 years ago, we talked more about mold allergy being an issue versus mold toxicity being an issue. Right. So… I know some folks are, you know, speculating what’s happening, but one of the theories out there is that EMF is strengthening mold. I don’t know if you ever heard that theory, and I don’t… Dr. Deb Muth 00:24:13 I have. Bob Miller 00:24:14 I’m not claiming it’s true, but it’s an interesting theory. Then even, you know, your black mold from water-damaged buildings. Then our air pollution is getting worse. We’re getting more toxic metals. Dr. Deb Muth 00:24:26 You know, if we have a… Bob Miller 00:24:27 You know, we’re gonna look back someday and say, what were we thinking, smearing aluminum into our armpits? The, what were we doing putting mercury in our teeth? Then, you know, glyphosate. When I was a kid, there was no glyphosate. So, all of these herbicides and pesticides. Polychlorinated biphenols, And then EMF. So, we love our cell phones, you know, and I think unless you, or in the middle of the desert, or down in a cave, you’re being exposed to EMF somewhere. So, you know, we have our cell phones with us, we have, We have Wi-Fi, the towers are everywhere. And we don’t know long-term, but we may find that this can… this creates some inflammation. And I don’t know if you get any folks, but do you have any folks that have… are they EMF sensitive? Dr. Deb Muth 00:25:16 Oh yeah, we have a whole bunch of them. Bob Miller 00:25:18 Yeah, and then if you have any TBIs, So, plenty of things here. that will stimulate into the microglia, M1. Now, you could say, well. We’re all pretty much exposed to the same thing. Why do some people get hit harder than others? So here’s where we’re gonna start. There’s an enzyme called Nrf2 and RF2. And Nrf2 is the enzyme that senses when there’s inflammation. And turns on hundreds of anti-inflammatory enzymes. We’ll show when we do the demo, you can have genetic weakness on NERF2. And NERF2 inhibits and slows down microglia M1. supports M2. Now, if it’s not complicated enough, there’s an enzyme called KEEP1. And KEEP1 inhibits NRF2. And you can actually have gain of function on keep 1, that makes Keap 1 stronger. So… A lot of the people who land on my doorstep So… A lot of the people who land on my doorstep Both parents gave a mutation on KEEP1, making it overactive. Both parents gave a mutation on KEEP1, making it overactive. Dr. Deb Muth 00:26:31 Hmm. Dr. Deb Muth 00:26:31 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:26:32 Suppressing Nrf2, nerve 2 might be weak. So, nobody’s putting the brakes on, M1. And by the same token, Nerve 2 supports M2. Then there’s a process called mTOR and autophagy. mTOR stands for mammalian tard of rapamycin, the growth of new cells. And then autophagy, taking our dead cells and recycling them. We need a balance between the two of them. If we didn’t have mTOR, the sperm and the egg would never become the baby, the baby would never become the adult, we wouldn’t make new cells. But our cells are constantly, you know, the old cells dying off. Autophagy is where we take that debris from the cell and recycle it, just like a farmer Plows the crop under at the end of the year. The dead plant then becomes the fuel for the spring, your dead cell becomes the fuel for the spring, and that’s autophagy. So we’re gonna look back someday and say, what were we thinking? We give our animals growth hormones so they get fatter faster. Oh my. So, we consume those animals, and inventory runs faster. Now, for anybody who’s, You know, maybe above 40, 45 years old. Think back when you were 12, and what did girls look like? They were primarily flat-chested little girls. Now they look like 16-year-olds. Because environmentally, we’re jacking up mTOR. So, mTOR stimulates microglia M1, suppresses microglia M2. Probably 80% of the folks we visit with. This is the part of the problem. NRF2 is weak. mTOR is strong. Environmental factors come along. And this guy gets carried away. He doesn’t do that burst and move back. Stays here. We’re calling that How environmental factors create a locked-in, pro-inflammatory. and neurotoxic phenotype. In other words, once it starts, it just keeps… Feeding upon itself. Alright, so what happens now when microglia is overactive. it triggers these 3 enzymes, TNFA, N of kappa B, And interleukin-6. Each one of these can have genetics that make them run stronger. Then it stimulates an enzyme called NLRP3, Which makes what are called inflammasomes. Now, guess what inflammasomes can be? Your best friend or your worst enemy? Because they will, if you’ve got, again, a virus or bacteria, or possibly even some bad cells in the body. They will zap them. Well, that’s good. Unless it’s overactive. Unless it’s overactive. And then what it does, through interleukin-1 beta, makes excess glutamate. And then what it does, through interleukin-1 beta, makes excess glutamate. Anxiety, gut inflammation, OCD, ADD, autism. And, you know, glutamate, we’ll talk about that a little bit, but glutamate makes you intelligent, highly motivated go-getter. but can also be excitatory. And then, look what it does. Let’s see, do I have the drawing tool here? Yes, I do. Okay. So, it comes down through here, Makes the glutamate. Comes back up through here. through the ADORA 2A enzyme, Then we’ve got a feedback loop that feeds upon itself. Then, through interleukin-18, we make histamine. and mast cells. And then through histamine receptor site number 1, we come back and spin it. And now you’ve just got this spinning feedback loop. So, the glutamate will make you anxious, the histamine will give you allergies and make you anxious. And you’re allergic to everything, and you’re feeling horrible. Now, it doesn’t end there, Dr. Dad. It then goes on to make something called gast dermins that creates pyroptosis, where it actually starts punching a hole in the cell membrane. And you’re only going to be as healthy as your cells are. Just a little background. You know, we’re made up of trillions of cells, and each one of them has what’s called a lipid bilayer, made from lipids, which comes from fats. And you’re only going to be as healthy as those membranes are. So that’s why we coined an interesting phrase. Cellular CPR. Construct the cell. Protect the cell. And restore the cell membrane. And we believe that’s going to be revolutionary in the functional medicine world. So… It’s not hard to figure out that if you start punching holes in the cell membrane, that’s not a good thing, okay? Bob Miller 00:31:22 Now… There’s an interesting molecule called NAD. Thicotide adenoside dinucleotide. And anybody who’s in the, you know, listening to the health podcasts and things, they’re… They’re, they’re learning about NAD. And I’m going to show you a chart later, all the good things that NAD does, but For the most part, it helps what’s called sirtuins. And sirtuins are quite interesting. If anybody’s looking at longevity. The sirtuins is where they’re looking at.Because sirtuins turn on good things. Turn off bad things. And I’ll show some charts on that later. So for right here, this sirtuin uses NAD, to slow down NF-kappa-B. CERT 2 uses NAD to slow down an ORP3. So, if we’ve got genetic weakness on these, or we don’t have enough NAD, We don’t hold this pathway back. Make sense? Dr. Deb Muth 00:32:24 Yeah, makes perfect sense. Bob Miller 00:32:25 Now, I’ll show this a little bit later. So, people are like, oh, well, I’m gonna start taking some NAD. Dr. Deb Muth 00:32:31 Right. Bob Miller 00:32:32 And there’s functional doctors who give NAD intravenous. It was just this morning, I was talking to a woman who said, Oh my gosh. I went and got intravenous NAD, and it took me a month to recover from that. Dr. Deb Muth 00:32:45 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:32:46 what happens is, and I’ll show this in a little more detail, there’s an enzyme called CD38, that’s stimulated by NF-kappa-B. And it takes NAD, To make intracellular calcium. that stimulates NLRP3 and actually makes things worse. So, if we have this guy upregulated, and I’ll show a chart what does that. taking NAD will make you worse. Again, when I go into the software, I’ll show you that whole pathway, so… I would encourage people, you know, just don’t go out and start taking massive amounts of NAD, you know, stick your toe in the water, see how you do. Because everything you’ve heard about, how good it is, is true, unless this guy says, oh, thank you very much, let me make more inflammation. Now, this might be part of our innate immune system, that if we have some pathogen that’s gonna kill us. By golly, we want that to happen. But if this is happening by environmental factors, Then it’s detrimental. So the immune system that protected us a thousand years ago now might be turning on us because of the environmental factors that we showed earlier. All right. Then there’s an enzyme called PARP that’s NAD-dependent, and that actually repairs strain breaks in your DNA. Now, the next thing that happens… is there’s an enzyme called NADPH oxidase that gets stimulated. and something called INOS. Now, I’m sure most people know about nitric oxide. It’s a gas that dilates your blood vessels. That’s why sometimes they’ll even give people drugs, nitroglycerin, to boost their nitric oxide. That’s why people are doing beetroots and other things to boost their nitric oxide. But there’s an OS3 enzyme that makes the nitric oxide that’s good for blood flow. But there’s an INOS That makes nitric oxide to kill pathogens. probably might be the third or fourth time I’ve said this. That’s a good thing, unless it isn’t. So, if it’s killing some pathogen, great. It was just misfiring. it combines… With superoxide that’s made by this enzyme, and makes something called peroxynitrite, which is one nasty free radical that chews you up and spits you out. So, the NOx enzyme, NADPH oxidase, uses NADPH, To make this free radical called superoxide. If we have time, we’ll get into it. NADPH is what your body needs to recycle your antioxidants.So, I coined the phrase, the NADPH steel. Where the NOX enzyme takes this very important NADPH, And rather than being useful, makes superoxide. Now, again, is that fine if you’ve got some bacteria to kill? Of course. But if it’s just chronically running, it’s just making all this chronic inflammation. Then it makes something called hydrogen peroxide. And we need to clear hydrogen peroxide by 3 enzymes, catalase, thyroid reduction. And glutathione peroxidase. If we have genetic issues on here, or we don’t have the cofactors. There’s something called the Fenton reaction, discovered in 1895 by Dr. Fenton. Where hydrogen peroxide combines with iron to make what are called hydroxyl radicals. And guess what they do? They create lipid peroxides, That damages your cell membranes. Now, again, the body’s pretty darn amazing. We have glutathione, And here’s where your body’s taking glutathione and recycling it. But look who’s needed to recycle it. NADPH. So, if this guy up here is chewing it up, We don’t recycle our glutathione. And then an enzyme called glufon peroxidase 4, Takes this damaged lipid and repairs it. So, here we’ve got this protecting, we want to protect it by not having this happen. But then we also need this guy to do the restoration. So, there’s a lot that can go wrong in here, Dr. Deb. Dr. Deb Muth 00:37:07 There’s a lot that could go wrong. And I can imagine some of my listeners are thinking that lipid peroxidase, is that the same thing as what they’re thinking of when we talk about lipids and cholesterol? Is that the same process that’s happening there? Bob Miller 00:37:22 Well, no, no, the lipids can be used to make cholesterol, but here we’re talking about where they’re going to build the cell membrane. And they’re being… and they’re being, destroyed. If anybody would like to see a visual representation of this, just go on YouTube. And type in, ferrooptosis Animation. cool little video, it’s about 3 minutes long, and it shows the lipids coming over, being oxidized, and now GPX4 fixes them, so… YouTube, Pharaoptosis Animation, cute little video. It’s just that really… Shows vividly what we’re… what we’re talking about here. Now, this is… Dr. Deb Muth 00:37:59 And so this is very common, too. Like, a lot of people do hydrogen peroxide IVs. Dr. Deb Muth 00:38:04 And so, if somebody doesn’t know their genetics, they could have a problem with doing those, just like they could doing the NADHIVs, correct? Bob Miller 00:38:13 Sure, yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I’ve talked to so many, you know, of course, the hydrogen peroxide kills pathogens. I mean, that’s what it does. So… but I’ve spoken to so many people that said. I had one client that said they’ve never been the same after having one hydrogen peroxide infusion. Dr. Deb Muth 00:38:30 Interesting. Bob Miller 00:38:31 Yeah. So… it can be… I see why people use it, because it. Bob Miller 00:38:36 pathogens, But on the other hand. And now’s a good time to speak about… I don’t have it on here, but there’s a, there’s an enzyme called the HFE gene. And that is what causes you to absorb iron. And there’s mutations in it that cause something called hemochromatosis. Were you overabsorb iron? Now, true hemochromatosis is when both parents give you a mutation. But there’s now growing evidence even a heterozygous can cause a little bit more iron absorption, not to the human chromatosis point, but overabsorption. So, if you overabsorb iron, And you have too much hydrogen peroxide that’s not cleared, All kinds of inflammation. Now, what’s happened is sometimes this inflammation Will damage the red blood cells. And some well-meaning doctor says, oh, you need some iron. And they take iron and it makes it worse. So, can’t tell you how many people I’ve said, you’ve got the overabsorption of iron, and they say, well, that can’t be right, because I’m low in iron. Well, that could be because it’s being chewed up here. Dr. Deb Muth 00:39:40 Sure. GPX1 and TXN turn it into, to water. The, catalase turns it into water and oxygen. Dr. Deb Muth 00:39:58 Now, I see a lot of my clients who have mutations or SNPs on that GPX gene, on that glutathione gene. And they really struggle to clear a lot of their toxins. Bob Miller 00:40:12 Sure. Dr. Deb Muth 00:40:14 Yeah, absolutely. Well, GPX4. Bob Miller 00:40:18 is what, repairs, but you can see GPX1 Is what uses glutathione. To turn hydrogen peroxide. So, but it all depends upon having enough glutathione. Dr. Deb Muth 00:40:30 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:40:31 Well, guess who controls making a glutathione? Dr. Deb Muth 00:40:34 Nerf 2. Bob Miller 00:40:37 So, if you have a keep one weakness, or strength to two… I’m sorry, keep one is too strong. Nrf2 is too weak. You don’t make glutathione. So, when a lot of people do that, it’s like, well, I’m gonna take glutathione. Dr. Deb Muth 00:40:51 Right. Bob Miller 00:40:52 And some do great, and some do poorly. You know, because… and I’ll show this on one of the other charts. You can see here that the, The glutathione has to be recycled. And if we don’t recycle it, it actually turns into superoxide free radical. So… NADPH are the cofactors, For taking the oxidi… here’s oxidized glutathione, here’s reduced. So, this is a good glutathione. After it does its job, you can see it becomes oxidized.We need to recycle it. Well, if we have weakness on the enzyme that does that, or a weakness in Nrf2, or not enough NADPH. The oxidized glutathione never gets recycled. So, I’ve talked to a lot of people who said, oh, glutathione made me so sick, and say, well. Dr. Deb Muth 00:41:43 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:41:44 You need it, but you need to recycle it. Dr. Deb Muth 00:41:46 Can you speak for just a brief moment, too, about MTHFR? That is a very popular gene, it’s all over social media as the major gene, but can you speak to a little bit about that, and how that fits into this whole process of things? Because it is just such a small piece. Dr. Deb Muth 00:42:04 understanding genetics. Bob Miller 00:42:06 Yeah, to be honest, it drives me nuts. Dr. Deb Muth 00:42:08 Me too. Bob Miller 00:42:11 Alright, so… You know, there are people on social media I won’t say what I think, I’ll be kind. But… But the, And, you know, they might mean well. But they talk about, if you have MTHFR and COMT and PEMT, that’s… oh my goodness, that’s horrible, and we’ll fix that for you, and you’ll be fine. Bob Miller 00:42:36 it just irritates me to no end. And it really could get anybody who’s doing this legitimately in trouble. I mean, I’m afraid someday, you know, there might be some cracking down on this kind of nonsense. Now, to answer your question about MTHFR. Dr. Deb Muth 00:42:51 I mean, it really is, but I’ll tell you what, why don’t we hold that thought until I go to another map and I can actually… Okay. Bob Miller 00:42:56 But the real… the cliff notes is the MTHFR puts a methyl group on your folate, which is needed, but it has gotten way, way, way too much attention. And people learn they have MTHFR, and they start taking a multivitamin with methylfolate, then they take a B vitamin with methylfolate. Dr. Deb Muth 00:43:13 And they’re pushing it too hard. Bob Miller 00:43:15 Yeah. So I can’t tell you how many people I’ve helped by saying, stop it. Dr. Deb Muth 00:43:20 Yeah, take less of it. Bob Miller 00:43:21 Take less of it, yeah. So, yeah. Yeah, there’s a… If somebody, say, ranked the enzymes at their level of importance, MTHFR might be 40 or 50 on a scale of 100, you know. Keep one Nerf two. big deals. Dr. Deb Muth 00:43:40 deals. Bob Miller 00:43:41 NQO1 that I didn’t even talk about yet, NQO1, takes your, NA… your NAD goes into NADH, To make electrons for the electron transport chain. you need NQ01 to bring that back. If that’s not working, and I’ll show you on the NAD map how disastrous that can be. Now, the next piece is here, and I think You know, if you talk to any school teachers and say, if you’ve taught for more than 10 years, how are the kids today? Every one of them says, more ADD, ADHD, more autism. Just look at human beings, we’ve never been so agitated. You know, everybody, and it might be a social media thing, but people take a position on something, and if anybody doesn’t share that position, they view them as the enemy. Dr. Deb Muth 00:44:29 And it’s kind of scary what’s happening to us. Bob Miller 00:44:33 So, we can’t agree to disagree anymore. We see anybody who has a differing opinion as the enemy. And, you know, there was… there’s people that didn’t have Christmas dinners together, because they had political differences, like… Dr. Deb Muth 00:44:44 Excuse me. Bob Miller 00:44:45 can’t you put your political differences aside to have Christmas together, you know? Dr. Deb Muth 00:44:49 Right? Bob Miller 00:44:50 become that, you know, no matter what your position is, and I’m not saying anyone’s right or wrong, I’m just saying. You know, in the old days, they used to say that the Republicans and Democrats in Congress would argue policy and then go have dinner together. And now everybody’s all up in arms, angry. Dr. Deb Muth 00:45:05 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:45:06 So… There’s likely multiple reasons for that. But let me show you one of them. That, you know, to what degree this is… very important, we don’t know, but I think We’re beginning to believe this is very important. So, there’s something… there’s a neurotransmitter called GABA. And God buys the don’t worry, relax, be happy. Chill. Okay. Dr. Deb Muth 00:45:31 Nobody has enough of that anymore. Bob Miller 00:45:33 Well, yeah, you’ll be surprised what I’m gonna show you. So, let me see if I can find a, Let me see if I can find the right slide here. Let me look for it here. So, there’s something called a GABA receptor site. And here you can see… This is a neuron, and this is where you, The neuron normally is excitatory. However, there’s normally low chloride in the neuron. Dr. Deb Muth 00:46:09 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:46:10 So, GABA itself is neither relaxing. For excitatory, all GABA does, it opens up what’s called a chloride channel. And then chloride, which has a negative charge, will flow into the neuron. Follow me there? Dr. Deb Muth 00:46:26 Yep. Bob Miller 00:46:27 And as it does, it changes this from a positive charge to a negative charge, And it’s relaxing. and inhibitory. Dr. Deb Muth 00:46:34 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:46:36 Now, on the other hand, there’s enzymes called NKCC1, That will push chloride in. and KCC2 that will bring chlor… oops and bring chloride out. And then there’s a sodium channel. And, sodium has a positive charge. And glutamate will push that in. So, as long as this is happening. And GABA says, receptor sites, open, chloride goes in, Chill. However, If NKCC1 Pushes extra chloride in. KCC2 doesn’t pull it out. and GABA hits the receptor site, the GABA comes flowing out, Sodium comes in, And now it’s excitatory. So Gabba didn’t change. GABA just opened the receptor site, that’s all it does. Dr. Deb Muth 00:47:33 Yeah. Bob Miller 00:47:34 But it’s the chloride balance that’s going to determine whether this is relaxing or not. Now, these are the things that go along with when they lose that KCC2 or gain NKCC1. Pain and sensitivity, burning electrical, neuropathic pain. Normal touch hurts. Sound and light sensitivity. Tinnitus can flare. Headaches and migraines. Seizure tendency. Body jolts. Spasticity, cramps, stiffness, startle reflex. Trouble falling asleep, non-restorative sleep. Anxiety, stress, reactivity, that’s what we have now. Hyperarousal, panic-like surges, irritability, racing thoughts. Brain fog, slowed processing, working memory slip-ups. Mental fatigue. Episodes of racing hearts, sweaty palms, guts on edge. Those are all the things that happen when this GABA switch occurs. Now, here’s what happens, and this is what I’m going to be presenting at an autism conference. When you have a newborn, they need that NKCC dominant to develop. By early childhood, it should… or, sorry, early adulthood. we should move over to the KCC dominant, that’s the taking the chloride out. Nice-looking 25-year-old boys, functioning very well. However, when we get microglia M1 upregulated. Because of environmental toxins, processed foods, Tylenol, aluminum. they stay in NKCC1 dominant, and there’s ADD, ADHD, Autism, the whole spectrum. because… They’ve not moved over to the… They’ve not moved over to the KCC2. And again, this is caused by… Environmental factors. Stimulating the microglia. And then, interleukin-1, interleukin-18 weakens KCC2, interleukin-1 beta, Strengthens NKCC1. high chloride. We open up the chloride channel, In Rebell Excitatory. So, I think when, When the pediatricians get ahold of this, they’re going to be very excited to know that This could be why we’re seeing such a rise, and not just autism, but ADD, ADHD, anxiety, the whole shit mess. Dr. Deb Muth 00:49:58 thing. Bob Miller 00:49:59 Yeah, so… and you can see NF-kappa-B stimulates that. These stimulate it, and I think that’s why everyone’s getting so anxious. Now, there’s a little bit more to it, and we’ll get into this when we look at some of the maps, but… The, the glutamate, Which is excitatory. will stimulate the NMDA receptor, make more glutamate, And glutamate will inhibit KCC2. And then we also need an astrocyte To, take both ammonia And glutamate, and… Turn them back into glutamine. And I’m going to talk to you a little bit about arachidenic acid, and if we have too much arachidenic acid. or TNFA is upregulated, that doesn’t happen. Ammonia goes up, and there may be multiple reasons for this, but this is a reason why some of the autistic kids do flapping. Dr. Deb Muth 00:50:49 Hmm. Bob Miller 00:50:50 Because they’re not clearing their ammonia. And you can tell if somebody has high ammonia by… they get that old person smell, you know. Dr. Deb Muth 00:51:00 Yup. Bob Miller 00:51:01 your vehicle cycle’s not taking out the, the ammonia. Now, last pathway here. There’s growing interest in mast cell activation. So, back here, we talked about peroxynitride. And that will stimulate mast cells, and those are white blood cells that are your best friend, unless they’re your worst enemy. Then it’ll make histamine. And there’s enzymes called histidine decarboxylase that’ll make more. Dr. Deb Muth 00:51:28 I’m sure everybody’s heard of DAO, the enzyme that degrades histamine. Yep. Bob Miller 00:51:31 We can have genetic weakness, we don’t make that. There’s an enzyme called histamine and methyltransferase, That, That breaks down the histamine. Then if we don’t do that, it’ll get stuck in the histamine receptor site. And then it’ll make something called, renin. Which will cause angiotensinogen to turn into angiotensin. One, that turns into angiotensin II,And that’s where people make aldosterone, where they’ll get the, The swollen ankles and high blood pressure. But interestingly, there’s an enzyme called ACE2, that takes this guy and turns it into angiotensin 1-7, Which is anti-inflammatory and also inhibits… TNFA. Now, you can have weakness on ACE2, But… and anybody’s saying, that sounds familiar? Dr. Deb Muth 00:52:25 That’s where COVID comes in, using ACE2. Bob Miller 00:52:28 And now we just found there’s literature that if you get COVID long enough, it can actually make ACE2 not be able to work as well. So look what it does. It comes down here, stimulates the NADPH oxidase, More superoxide. More peroxynitrite. And we’re on a cycle here. We’ve actually named this the Home Cycle Hypothesis, the proposed feed-forward loop. That just keeps feeding on itself. All being caused by… Primarily, The environmental factors. But hitting those who have genetic weakness the hardest. That’s why. Dr. Deb Muth 00:53:08 To the people. Bob Miller 00:53:09 Don’t live in a moldy house. One person is sick as can be, and the other person says, well, you must be imagining things, because I don’t feel anything. Dr. Deb Muth Yeah. Same thing with long haul, right? Two people can both get sick, one gets sick and never seems to recover, and somebody else gets sick, and they have absolutely no problems with it at all. Bob Miller 00:53:30 Sure. Well, think about it, if you get COVID, and ACE2 is weak, and some of this other stuff is going on. This thing just starts feeding upon itself. Dr. Deb Muth 00:53:38 Keep creating more inflammation, more complications, nothing’s calming down. Bob Miller 00:53:43 Yeah. Now, you, you ask about, MTHFR. So, this is the, this is the, the software called Functional Genomic Analysis. There’s a demo report we have. So, let’s talk a little bit about, MTHFR. So, we actually have a map called a methylation map. Now, what happens is, when you do your saliva test, you, you know, you spit, you put some saliva. in a collection kit, goes to a lab, takes out the DNA data, sends it to the computer, and now you can actually see it visually. Okay. So, it’s gonna take a second for this, data to load up, it’s, and each of these Circles, each of these ovals, is an enzyme. And the data gets loaded up to see where it is. So, until it gets loaded up here, I didn’t preload this. There it goes. So… The primary thing about methylation is There’s a nasty substance called homocysteine that, if it’s too high, can really be detrimental. The body takes methylfolate, and combines with methyl B12, To bring this back up to methionine. And then through the MAT genes, we make SAMI, S-adml methionine. Which is involved in so many processes. Then after it does its thing, it turns back into homocysteine. And this thing needs to keep spinning around. That’s why, you know, it’s a good idea to keep homocysteine at, do you have a number that you’d like? 7, 8? What do you like for a number? Dr. Deb Muth 00:55:24 Yeah, I like mine below 7. Bob Miller 00:55:26 Yeah. So if the homocysteine goes too high. It, caused all kinds of problems. So, here’s where you ask about the MTHFR. So, here you can see on this individual. I click on MTHFR, and you can see it comes up here, here’s the C677. And you can see here where it says, variants. I’ll… I’ll draw in case somebody’s having a hard time seeing that. So, you can see there’s nothing in there. That means there’s no genetic mutations. If one parent would have given a mutation, there’d be a 1. If both parents did, there’d be a 2. Now, here’s why Yes, methylation is important, I’m not saying it isn’t important, but look at this MTHFRC677. In my software. Only 42.5% of the population does not have a mutation. 44.7% have won. 12.9 have 2. So, this isn’t some rare, oh my god, I’m gonna die… Kind of thing, yeah. Dr. Deb Muth 00:56:27 Right. Bob Miller 00:56:28 So, And then what happens is that, and again, I’m not dismissing methylation, I… we could do a whole show on methylation. Bob Miller 00:56:36 get it. But I think that what people are doing is they’re, they’re learning about MTHFR, they get it measured, they panic. They start taking massive amounts of methylfolate, which many times is to their detriment. Dr. Deb Muth 00:56:50 Well, it’s… and isn’t it true, too, with MTHFR, like, you have to also look at MTR, MTRR, and the more we stack up of those, the more complicated than MTHFR can be. It’s not… it’s not as simple as just saying MTHFR 677 versus 1298. It’s more complex than that, kind of like what you’ve already shown with some of the other things. There’s more to it than just that one little sliver. Bob Miller 00:57:17 Oh, sure, well, let’s take a look. So, remember I said there’s a cofactor? One of the cofactors is called FAD. Just a Bob Miller observation, that’s all. But when people have trouble with their riboflavin and they don’t have enough FAD, They’re doing much worse than people who have just a C677. So, right here, you could have perfect C677th. And if you don’t have the cofactor, it’s not gonna work, okay? Dr. Deb Muth 00:57:48 And as you said, there’s an MTR enzyme. Bob Miller 00:57:51 that takes methylfolate and methyl B12, to spin it around. So, here on this individual. here’s your… here’s your B vitamins, or I’m sorry, your B12s. There’s an enzyme called TCN1 that takes it from the stomach into the blood. Then there’s other enzymes that take it from the blood into the tissue. And if you’re having trouble here. Well, then you’re not going to have this working, so… Even if you don’t have MTHFR, And you have MTR, like this, no, I’m sorry, this person doesn’t. But they have the MTRR, and then they don’t have enough B12, this isn’t gonna work, aside from that. And then there’s a middle pathway. And then there’s enzymes called the MAT1. they take the methionine to the salmon. If that’s not working, we stick… we get stuck in methionine. So, it’s, it’s not just an MTHFR. And then, one of the things that people forget about. is through these CBS enzymes and CTH, We make cysteine, which is needed to make glutathione. The master antioxidant. So, it really is that… I call it the, The 3D chess game played underwater. Dr. Deb Muth 00:59:07 It really is. I mean, I see people who have CVS, COMT, glutathione, MGHFR genes. And some of them function just fine. Like, they have Like, I look at this person and I’m like, oh my gosh, I don’t know how they’re functioning because they’re double mutated on so many pathways, but yet they don’t have a lot of symptoms, they don’t have a lot of complications. Somehow their body has figured out a way to adapt to what it has so it can stay alive and it can function at a high functioning level. Bob Miller 00:59:36 Yeah, and they may be, you know, eating right? Yeah. Staying out of a moldy house. reducing stress. So, it’s diet, it’s stress, it’s genetics, environmental factors. So, yeah, we can’t just say somebody’s gonna be good or somebody’s gonna be bad. You know, some people get scared, oh, I got all these, it’s like, well… Bob Miller 00:59:56 Are you living in a moldy house? You know, and if you live in a moldy house and your glucuronidation pathway doesn’t do well, or if you’re, you know, a smoker, or you’re constantly eating junk food, I mean, all. Bob Miller 01:00:07 things come together. Although, you know, when we focus on genetics, we’re well aware that this is just a piece of it. You know, you could have identical twins, Genetically, and if one… Is exposed to mold and smokes and drinks and stressed out. They’re gonna be a whole lot sicker than their sibling. Bob Miller 01:00:28 Yep. Dr. Deb Muth 01:00:29 Yeah, it’s that concept of taking twins, and one gets raced with one family, and one gets raced with another family, and they don’t have the same… problems that… that each other have, you know? It’s a very unique situation, we don’t think about that enough. Bob Miller 01:00:44 Alright, so again, genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger. So, if you’ve got a loaded gun, but you don’t have the triggers, you’re okay. Dr. Deb Muth 01:00:53 Yeah. Bob Miller 01:00:54 Yeah. So, remember I said I was going to talk about NAD? So, here’s NAD, and what it does, it turns into NADH. And what NADH does, it, Comes down this pathway, what’s called the electron transport chain. And that makes your ATP, that’s your energy. So, if this wasn’t working, we wouldn’t be alive, because we wouldn’t have energy. So it donates an electron, that’s why it’s called electron transport chain. So, we need NAD, To make this, to make the energy. But remember I said that NQ01, this would probably be, like, on my top 10 list of… Bob Miller 01:01:36 Much more important than MTHFR. This one takes NADH back to NAD. If we’re stuck over here, We’re low in this NAD+, But what happens is, NQO1 also provides CoQ10. And CoQ10 Is what’s needed for the electron transport chain to flow. So if we get too many electrons up here. And they don’t turn them into energy. They make a nasty free radical called superoxide. Okay. Now, NAD plus also makes NADPH, And that is needed. Remember I said we need to recycle our antioxidants. So, if we have a problem with FAD from riboflavin. Yeah, we don’t have enough NADPH, Glutathione’s not getting recycled, and you’re gonna be inflamed. And you take glutathione, you’ll feel worse. There’s another enzyme called thimoredoxin. Same thing, needs NADPH and FAD. And same way with your nitric oxide, there’s an enzyme called NOS3, That makes the nitric oxide that dilates your blood vessels. And if we don’t have enough NADPH or fat, You’re gonna make superoxide. Rather than nitric oxide. Now, remember

Summer can bring unique challenges for people living with Mast Cell Disease. From heat and travel to outdoor activities, how can you enjoy the season while managing symptoms? Join us as we sit down with content creator and patient advocate, Jenna Gestetner, to share practical tips for navigating summer with confidence. Resources to keep you in the know:Mast Cell Disease SocietyFAACT's Allergy SummitJennaXHealthInstagram: JennaXHealthTikTok: JennaXHealthYouTube: JennXHealthLinkedIn: Jenna GestetnerYou can find FAACT's Roundtable Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Podbay, iHeart Radio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube.Sponsored by: Blueprint MedicinesThanks for listening! FAACT invites you to discover more exciting food allergy resources at FoodAllergyAwareness.org!

This is my personal favorite topic, but probably your least favorite: strength training.  Before you run away, hear me out! Because whether you’re bed-bound, housebound, or just convinced your body can’t handle it right now, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down exactly WHY resistance and strength training isn’t just helpful for vestibular disorders—it’s essential.  You Have to Move Your Body to Manage Your Dizziness From the dizzy-anxious-dizzy cycle to blood sugar regulation to better sleep to reduced inflammation, strength training touches virtually every struggle vestibular warriors face. I’m not letting anyone off the hook, but I am meeting you exactly where you are. Starting with 3 minutes? That counts.  Walking to the mailbox and back? That counts too.  Because the goal here is progress, not perfection. And you know I have the science to back every single word of it! In this episode, we'll dig into: Why strength training is non-negotiable for vestibular disorder management How exercise helps break the dizzy-anxious-dizzy cycle “In the moment” vs. “hangover” dizziness and how to adjust your approach Why EDS, HSD, or MCAS makes building muscle even more critical The truth about the fear of getting “bulky” How to start exercising when you’re bedbound or couch-bound What physical activity guidelines actually say, and where most people fall short How functional movements like the deadlift directly support vestibular patients How Vestibular Group Fit makes strength and resistance training accessible Whether you start with 3 minutes or 30, the most important thing is that you start. Because your vestibular system, your mood, your balance, and your future self are all counting on it. Links Mentioned: Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit Free Resources: ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor Work with Dr. Madison: For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com Otherwise, I'll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit! Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/ Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit Citations: Adriano Oliveira, Andressa Fidalgo, Paulo Farinatti, Walace Monteiro,Effects of high-intensity interval and continuous moderate aerobic training on fitness and health markers of older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis,Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics,Volume 124,2024,105451,ISSN 0167-4943,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2024.105451.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167494324001274) Yu Y, Wang J, Xu J. Optimal dose and type of exercise to improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Sep 12;15:1436499. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1436499. PMID: 39328348; PMCID: PMC11424528. Zhang Y, Zhou M, Yin Z, Zhuang W, Wang Y. Relationship between physical activities and mental health in older people: a bibliometric analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Oct 21;15:1424745. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1424745. PMID: 39497901; PMCID: PMC11532734. Garcia Meneguci, C. A., Meneguci, J., Sasaki, J. E., Tribess, S., & Júnior, J. S. V. (2021). Physical activity, sedentary behavior and functionality in older adults: A cross-sectional path analysis. PloS one, 16(1), e0246275. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246275 Mennitti C, Farina G, Imperatore A, De Fonzo G, Gentile A, La Civita E, Carbone G, De Simone RR, Di Iorio MR, Tinto N, Frisso G, D’Argenio V, Lombardo B, Terracciano D, Crescioli C, Scudiero O. How Does Physical Activity Modulate Hormone Responses? Biomolecules. 2024 Nov 7;14(11):1418. doi: 10.3390/biom14111418. PMID: 39595594; PMCID: PMC11591795. Beavers KM, Brinkley TE, Nicklas BJ. Effect of exercise training on chronic inflammation. Clin Chim Acta. 2010 Jun 3;411(11-12):785-93. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2010.02.069. Epub 2010 Feb 25. PMID: 20188719; PMCID: PMC3629815.  Chastin, S.F.M., Abaraogu, U., Bourgois, J.G. et al. Effects of Regular Physical Activity on the Immune System, Vaccination and Risk of Community-Acquired Infectious Disease in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med 51, 1673–1686 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01466-1 Hoffman GJ, Malani PN, Solway E, Kirch M, Singer DC, Kullgren JT. Changes in activity levels, physical functioning, and fall risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2022 Jan;70(1):49-59. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17477. Epub 2021 Sep 24. PMID: 34536288. Rey-Lopez JP, Rimm EB, Tabung FK, Giovannucci EL. Long-Term Leisure-Time Physical Activity Intensity and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Cohort of US Adults. Circulation. 2022 Aug 16;146(7):523-534. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.058162. Epub 2022 Jul 25. PMID: 35876019; PMCID: PMC9378548. Hupin D, Roche F, Gremeaux V, Chatard JC, Oriol M, Gaspoz JM, Barthélémy JC, Edouard P. Even a low-dose of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces mortality by 22% in adults aged ≥60 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Oct;49(19):1262-7. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094306. Epub 2015 Aug 3. PMID: 26238869. Chandrasekaran B, Ganesan TB. Sedentarism and chronic disease risk in COVID 19 lockdown – a scoping review. Scott Med J. 2021 Feb;66(1):3-10. doi: 10.1177/0036933020946336. Epub 2020 Jul 27. PMID: 32718266; PMCID: PMC8685753. Izquierdo M, Merchant RA, Morley JE, Anker SD, Aprahamian I, Arai H, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Bernabei R, Cadore EL, Cesari M, Chen LK, de Souto Barreto P, Duque G, Ferrucci L, Fielding RA, García-Hermoso A, Gutiérrez-Robledo LM, Harridge SDR, Kirk B, Kritchevsky S, Landi F, Lazarus N, Martin FC, Marzetti E, Pahor M, Ramírez-Vélez R, Rodriguez-Mañas L, Rolland Y, Ruiz JG, Theou O, Villareal DT, Waters DL, Won Won C, Woo J, Vellas B, Fiatarone Singh M. International Exercise Recommendations in Older Adults (ICFSR): Expert Consensus Guidelines. J Nutr Health Aging. 2021;25(7):824-853. doi: 10.1007/s12603-021-1665-8. PMID: 34409961; PMCID: PMC12369211. Bunnell E, Stratton MT. The Impact of Functional Training on Balance and Vestibular Function: A Narrative Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2024 Dec 3;9(4):251. doi: 10.3390/jfmk9040251. PMID: 39728235; PMCID: PMC11679947. Caspersen CJ, Powell KE, Christenson GM. Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Rep. 1985 Mar-Apr;100(2):126-31. PMID: 3920711; PMCID: PMC1424733. Warner A, Vanicek N, Benson A, Myers T, Abt G. Agreement and relationship between measures of absolute and relative intensity during walking: A systematic review with meta-regression. PLoS One. 2022 Nov 3;17(11):e0277031. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277031. PMID: 36327341; PMCID: PMC9632890. “Metabolic Equivalent (MET): Pick the Best Exercise for Longevity.” Whyiexercise.com, www.whyiexercise.com/metabolic-equivalent.html. Love what you heard?Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you! This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. ————————————— strength and resistance training, exercises for vestibular disorders, living with vestibular migraine, guidelines of physical activity, anxiety and depression, chronic dizziness, couch bound, bed bound, dizzy-anxious-dizzy cycle, physical therapist

Today we're diving into part one of a two part series conversation that has absolutely exploded across social media, comment sections, and private messages. The Pepcid and Allegra conversation. Maybe you've heard of it. Maybe this is something new. Unveiled today. If you've been anywhere online lately, you've probably seen women talking about Pepcid and Allegra for Pmdd. Some women are reporting dramatic improvements in mood, anxiety, irritability, rage, overwhelm, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, and a variety of symptoms that seem to intensify around their cycle. And I'm glad this conversation is happening. Pmdd. Perimenopause and histamine drive the spotlight here for a moment, because the majority of women are struggling or will struggle with these in their lifetime, whether they know it or not. For far too long, many women thought their symptoms were simply stress, allergies, aging, anxiety, part of being a woman, or something they should learn to live with. What concerns me isn't that women are talking about Pepcid and Allegra. What concerns me is that most of the information being shared is only a small piece of a much larger physiological picture, as you can imagine. And if you're someone who has already purchased these medications, started the protocol, or you're considering trying it after hearing somebody rave about it online in a thirty second Tik Tok, I want you to stay with me through this entire episode because context matters as always. Today we're going to talk about Pmdd, perimenopause, histamine mast cell activation syndrome, often called MCAs. We're going to talk about vagus nerve and neuroinflammation. We're going to talk about estrogen and why so many women are experiencing symptoms that they never connect back to hormones. And most importantly, we're going to talk about why Pepcid may be helping some women and why the explanation being circulated online is often incomplete.    Time Stamps:   (1:10) The Pepcid + Allegra Trend (2:20) What We'll Cover (9:15) Histamine Is Not The Enemy (13:47) What The Research Is Showing (17:00) Vagal Nerve Stimulation (18:45) Where Symptoms Develop (22:25) Perimenopause and HRT (31:20) Please Share This Episode ----------  Apply for SF Coaching Method  https://sarahfechter.ac-page.com/sfhq-cc Complimentary Health Content  https://sarahfechter.ac-page.com/Health_Wellness_Community ----------  Follow Me On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahfechter.ifbbpro/   Check Out My Website - https://www.sarahfechter.com ----------  This Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, other professional health care services, or any professional practice of any kind. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk and Sarah Fechter Fitness LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual use of, reference to, reliance on, or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented in this Podcast. All contents and design for this Podcast are owned by Sarah Fechter Fitness LLC. Always consult your professional team before beginning any exercise or nutrition program.

Could one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and slow recovery be hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Dr. Dacre Knight sit down with integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff to unpack why Vitamin D may be one of the most important, misunderstood, and cost-effective interventions in modern medicine. But this conversation goes far beyond bone health. Dr. Plotnikoff explains why Vitamin D functions more like a hormone than a vitamin, influencing over 2,000 genes tied to immune function, mood, sleep, inflammation, muscle health, and pain regulation. Together, they explore why profound deficiencies are shockingly common, even in sunny climates, and how low levels may contribute to chronic musculoskeletal pain, tendinopathies, stress fractures, fatigue, and complex chronic illness. The discussion also dives into practical, foundational medicine for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), chronic pain, and other multisystem conditions, including the “Top 5” lab tests Dr. Plotnikoff believes are essential for understanding the bigger picture of health. If you've ever been told your labs are “normal” while still feeling awful, this episode may change how you think about chronic illness and foundational health. Takeaways: • Vitamin D is actually a hormone that regulates gene expression affecting pain, sleep, energy, immunity, and bone health. • Chronic musculoskeletal pain, stress fractures, and tendon problems may sometimes be linked to severe Vitamin D deficiency. • Many people remain profoundly deficient despite living in sunny climates because Vitamin D synthesis is blocked by glass, sunscreen, clothing, and indoor lifestyles. • Vitamin D dosing is often weight-dependent, meaning some individuals require significantly higher doses to reach adequate levels. • Dr. Plotnikoff's “Top 5” foundational labs for complex chronic illness include: Find the episode transcript here. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff? www.MNpersonalizedmedicine.com Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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On the Evolving Wellness podcast, host Sarah Kleiner interviews returning guest Steve about seasonal allergies, histamine intolerance, and MCAS, emphasizing that the root problem is often loss of immune tolerance driven by gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, and Th1/Th2 imbalance from factors like antibiotics, PPIs, stress, mold, and environmental changes. They contrast symptom tools—antihistamines that block histamine receptors and herbs like quercetin/ginger that stabilize mast cells—with approaches aimed at lowering IgE formation and retraining gut–immune “crosstalk.” Steve describes postbiotics and beta-glucans as “tolerization rehab,” highlighting his product HoloImmune (heat-killed strains) and butyrate (TriButyrin-X) for gut lining and mast cell support, plus DAO enzymes for dietary histamine. They discuss safety, dosing, avoiding live probiotics during flares, and examples including motion sickness, bug-bite welts, and a child's post-viral hives.— GUT HEALTH:  Healthy Gut Supplements- discount automatically applied: Holoimmune: https://healthygut.com/holoimmune-now/?rstr=811&coupon_code=Sarah15 Holozyme Link: https://healthygut.com/holozyme-now/?rstr=811&coupon_code=Sarah15 HCL Guard Link: https://healthygut.com/hcl-guard-now/?rstr=811&coupon_code=Sarah15 Tributyrin X: https://healthygut.com/tributyrin-x-now/?rstr=811&coupon_code=Sarah15 Magnesium: https://healthygut.com/magnesiumhp-now/?rstr=811&coupon_code=Sarah15 _________Sponsored By:→ VivaRays | This episode is sponsored by VivaRays - VivaRays Blue - code YOGI https://vivarays.com/→ Bon Charge | Go to https://boncharge.com/products/demi-red-light-device?rfsn=8108115.26608d & use code SARAHKLEINER for 15% off storewide._________Timestamp:00:00 Coming Up01:02 Podcast Intro Disclaimer02:15 Spring Allergies Setup05:05 Loss Of Tolerance08:02 Why Symptoms Worsen10:25 How Antihistamines Work11:59 Mast Cell Stabilizers14:20 Rewiring With Postbiotics16:20 Red Light Sponsor Break17:59 MCAS Pepcid Bridge22:11 Gut Healing Without Probiotics25:45 Blue Blockers Sponsor Break27:12 Mold And Individual Variance29:57 Antibiotics Farm Effect31:39 Dead Bugs Vs Probiotics32:40 Live vs Dead Probiotics33:25 Immune Software Updates35:28 Strawberry Hives Story36:40 Allergy Medicine Toolkit37:25 DAO Enzyme Explained40:05 Springtime Support Stack40:48 Root Causes and Triggers42:38 Immune Rehab and Tolerance45:56 How to Start Dosing49:11 Coaching Over AI51:47 Antihistamines and Acid Blockers53:56 How Long to Take It56:35 Leaky Gut and Butyrate57:39 Hidden Histamine Symptoms58:29 Motion Sickness and Bug Welts01:00:17 Wrap Up and Resources——— This video is not medical advice & as a supporter to you and your health journey - I encourage you to monitor your labs and work with a professional!________________________________________Get all my free guides and product recommendations to get started on your journey!https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/all-free-resourcesCheck out all my courses to understand how to improve your mitochondrial health & experience long lasting health! (Use code PODCAST to save 10%) -  https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/coursesMy free product guide with all product recommendations and discount codes:https://www.canva.com/design/DAF7mlgZpJI/xVyE4tiQFEWJmh_Xwx8Kbw/view?utm_content=DAF7mlgZpJIFree Webinar on Light & Health (includes free light bulb guide) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/mycircadianapp-free-webinarGet Early Access to Podcast Episodes & my Seasonal Food Course + UVB+Red Light Therapy course for free -  https://open.substack.com/pub/sarahkleinerwellness/p/uvbred-light-protocol?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

New research suggests that low-dose peptide therapy may help calm histamine-driven inflammation and mast cell activation in people with stubborn symptoms like food reactions, brain fog, fatigue, flushing, itching, hives, bloating, and digestive distress. In this episode, Dr. Ruscio explains how the gut, histamine, and mast cells are connected, what the latest human research shows, and why this approach may help some patients who haven't fully responded to diets, supplements, or other natural therapies.