378: If You’re Highly Sensitive (How Mast Cell Activation Diseases Make You Super Reactive) w/ Michelle Shapiro, RD

The Healthy Skin Show

If your body is super reactive… even the tiniest change can set off awful symptoms – then you should consider the spectrum of mast cell activation diseases.

What most people find enjoyable, like healthy foods, exercise, or even sunlight, can make some feel horrible. Often these symptoms are beyond just “histamine intolerance symptoms.”

And while others around you might think you’re just “being dramatic” or “making a mountain out of a molehill,” it’s clear to you that your body is extremely more reactive than others.

It can be hard to get a clear diagnosis and help if you are struggling with mast cell activation diseases – including those with hypermobility syndrome issues like Ehlers-Danlos.

If your life feels like you’re constantly navigating a minefield of unexpected symptoms to the smallest things, I’m joined by Michelle Shapiro, RD, to talk about what causes you to have a “highly sensitive body.”

Michelle Shapiro, RD is an Integrative/Functional Registered Dietitian in NYC who has helped over 1000+ clients reverse their anxiety, heal long-standing gut and immune issues, and approach their weight in a loving way. Michelle has a virtual private practice of 5 nutritionists where she and her team work one-on-one towards these goals. She is the host of the Quiet the Diet Podcast, where she helps listeners bridge the gap between body positivity and functional nutrition.

If you’ve been searching for answers about your own body’s unpredictable reactions or want to better understand these complex conditions, let’s dive in!

In This Episode:

• What’s a “highly sensitive body” problem (that you’ll be stuck with forever)?
• The role of mast cells as “guards” of your immune system
• Histamine intolerance symptoms (and why a histamine intolerance diet doesn’t help long-term)
• Histamine intolerance versus Mast Cell Activation Diseases
• The surprising link between MCAS, POTS, and hypermobility syndrome
• Why POTS isn’t a heart problem
• The long COVID–histamine intolerance connection
• Practical tips for managing symptoms histamine intolerance symptoms

Quotes

“Highly sensitive bodies often react in ways we don’t expect—things that are supposed to be good for you, like healthy foods or exercise, can make you feel worse.”

“Histamine issues don’t just cause rashes or itchy skin; they can trigger severe insomnia, anxiety, and even psychosis.”

Links

Find Michelle online | Instagram

Michelle’s podcast, Quiet the Diet

Michelle’s Highly Sensitive Body Hub Waitlist

Healthy Skin Show ep. 319: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: What is MCAS + Why It's So Devastating

Healthy Skin Show ep. 166: Mold + Histamine Connection

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.
Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Hoofdstukken

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. What’s a "highly sensitive body"? (00:02:32)

3. What is long COVID? (00:05:41)

4. What do mast cells do? (00:06:46)

5. What is mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)? (00:07:59)

6. Is POTS a heart problem? (00:10:24)

7. Link between MCAS & POTS (00:12:25)

8. Histamine intolerance vs. MCAS (00:13:51)

9. Can a low-histamine diet help MCAS? (00:18:11)

10. Why needing medication is NOT a failure (00:23:59)

11. Link between connective tissue disorders & mast cells (00:27:15)

12. Final thoughts (00:35:21)