We are back with part two with Michelle Shapiro! After our initial discussion in the last episode about how these conditions relate to one another, today we are diving into conventional treatments and functional approaches for MCAS, POTS, and hypermobility. Michelle and I discuss why jumping straight to restrictive diets might not be the best long-term solution, why stabilizing mast cells should come first, and why specialized care is crucial.

This episode covers:

• What is missing from conventional treatments for MCAS
• Why stabilizing mast cells and mediators needs to happen before addressing root causes
• The importance of personalized approaches for highly sensitive and hypermobility individuals
• Holistic management for POTS including sodium intake, compression socks, and potassium-rich foods
• Utilizing the Highly Sensitive Body Hub for MCAS and related symptoms

Mineral Quiz: https://hormonehealingrd.com/guides-support/mineral-quiz/

Resources/Links:

• Take the quiz to find out if you have a highly sensitive body:  https://www.quietthediet.com/a/2147858703/QTiFyr9T 
• Join the HSB Hub: https://www.quietthediet.com/a/2147833897/QTiFyr9T 
• Reflux episode with Michelle: https://hormonehealingrd.com/podcast-episode/s5-e21-the-root-cause-of-reflux-with-michelle-shapiro-rd/
• Compression socks: https://vimvigr.com/collections/women-all-collections-compression-socks 
• The Chop Levine Protocol (exercise protocol for POTS)
• The Hypermobility Chiropractor we constantly mentioned: https://thehypermobilechiro.com/ 
• Gupta program: https://guptaprogram.com/ 
• Study link for long covid: https://www.helpadvisor.com/community-health/long-covid-report

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/michelleshapirord/ 

Website: https://michelleshapirord.com/ 

Listen to Quiet The Diet: https://www.quietthediet.com/ 

Apply to work with Michelle and her team: https://michelleshapirord.com/private-practice 

Connect with Me: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

Today, Michelle Shapiro joins me again for another episode! Michelle is an integrative and functional registered dietitian who has helped over 1,000 clients reverse their anxiety, heal longstanding gut issues and immune issues, and approach their weight in a loving way. Together, we discuss the complex world of long Covid, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and histamine issues and Michelle shares her personal journey and insights on how chronic stress, gut health, and hypermobility intersect with these conditions. This episode not only provides practical strategies for managing these conditions but also emphasizes the importance of understanding your body's unique needs. Michelle and I address how excessive mast cell activation can affect day-to-day life and pregnancy, offering a hopeful perspective on achieving full recovery through both conventional and non-conventional treatments.

This episode covers:

• Understanding your unique body requirements and creating a specific system for introducing necessary nutrients
• The critical role a hopeful and proactive mindset plays in managing and overcoming health challenges
• Complexities of treating conditions like MCAS and POTS
• Relation of hypermobility, nervous system, and connective tissue issues with MCAS and POTS
• Importance to see the interconnectedness of symptoms
• Function of mast cells and how COVID-19 can trigger MCAS

Mineral Quiz: https://hormonehealingrd.com/guides-support/mineral-quiz/

Resources/Links:

• Take the quiz to find out if you have a highly sensitive body:  https://www.quietthediet.com/a/2147858703/QTiFyr9T 
• Join the HSB Hub: https://www.quietthediet.com/a/2147833897/QTiFyr9T 
• Reflux episode with Michelle: https://hormonehealingrd.com/podcast-episode/s5-e21-the-root-cause-of-reflux-with-michelle-shapiro-rd/
• Compression socks: https://vimvigr.com/collections/women-all-collections-compression-socks 
• The Chop Levine Protocol (exercise protocol for POTS)
• The Hypermobility Chiropractor we constantly mentioned: https://thehypermobilechiro.com/ 
• Gupta program: https://guptaprogram.com/ 
• Study link for long covid: https://www.helpadvisor.com/community-health/long-covid-report

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/michelleshapirord/ 

Website: https://michelleshapirord.com/ 

Quiet The Diet Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quiet-the-diet/id1663088026

Connect with Me: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723 

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

In this episode, I’m going through some of the most helpful areas to focus on for an enjoyable postpartum season with your new baby. Before I dig in, I want to acknowledge that there are many times when things happen that make our postpartum experience less enjoyable that are completely out of our control. I also think we can recover and heal from a stressful postpartum experience. Both us and our babies. 

I share:

• The difference in my postpartum experiences with each of my daughters
• Tips for building sustainable postpartum habits
• How to prioritize self-care & postpartum support
• Focus on nervous system health practices to help regulate emotions and build resilience
• The importance to simplify, adjust expectations, and let go of perfectionism during the postpartum season

Thyroid Mineral Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/e5aa246b68

Links/Resources:

• Prenatal blog: https://hormonehealingrd.com/blog/prenatal-nutrition/ 
• Adrenal cocktail: https://hormonehealingrd.com/blog/adrenal-cocktail-recipes/ 
• Irene Lyon nervous system episode: https://hormonehealingrd.com/podcast-episode/s5-e9-nervous-system-101/ 
• Pregnancy adrenal cocktail: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZuFOjfLWOT/?img_index=1 
• Circadian rhythm episode: https://hormonehealingrd.com/podcast-episode/s5-e22-light-your-circadian-rhythm-your-hormones-with-carrie-bennett/ 
• Breastfeeding accounts:
  • https://www.instagram.com/happy.mama.healthy.baby/
  • https://www.instagram.com/theloveofbreastfeeding

Connect with Me: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723 

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

In this episode, I am sharing my second daughter, Amaia’s birth story. I will also be answering questions this community submitted on IG! This is my birth experience and I will say, I had a beautiful birth at home, it could not have gone better. My first birth was very painful, I thought about giving up multiple times, and had a lot of fear in the beginning. I held a lot of resentment for a while about the pain I went through but I’ve come to change my tune and be grateful for that birth. Katelyn from Happy Homebirth Podcast once told me you have the birth you need. Making the transition from maiden to mother the first time is a lot, at least it was for me. The painful birth prepared me and gave me a little taste for what was ahead. I love being a mom and my entire life revolves around my girls, but it doesn’t mean it’s not hard. It has changed me in ways I couldn’t imagine. If your birth was challenging, I hope it changed you for the better too. 

I share:

• How and when my contractions started
• Tools I used for pain management during labor
• Not tensing my uterus or pelvic floor during contractions to make progress
• How my husband supported me the most
• Comparing the births of both daughters
• What I did and used after birth for recovery and healing

Minerals 101 Guide: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/mineral-101-freebie-pc/

Links/Resources: 

• Sitz bath: https://www.momandme.com/products/organic-herbal-sitz-bath?variant=39366246400094¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgJyyBhCGARIsAK8LVLMvJjGSB7dm5FYhRfGWAeW1CIjECKvKNn7u84ueQIRPBbRkkYp9LBoaAhWgEALw_wcB 
• Bao Bei Body (Use code mamastefit for 25% off): https://www.baobeibody.com/products/bloomers-maternity-postpartum-undie-black  
• Herbs from milk moon herbs: https://www.themilkmoon.com/shop/milk-moon-collection  
• Silverettes: https://silveretteusa.com/  

Connect with Me: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723 

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

In this episode, I am sharing my career's journey from traditional dietetics to specializing in women's health, as well as how my own health challenges sparked a passion for holistic approaches. I discuss how I am choosing to balance life as an entrepreneur, mother, and my social media presence, along with my favorite lab tests and my favorite resources for continuous learning.

What we cover:

• Where my career education started in traditional nutrition and dietetics
• Additional functional trainings I did to grow my knowledge about women's health
• My introduction to HTMA testing due to my own symptoms after stopping the pill
• How I started my business and finding my balance in entrepreneurship as a mom of 2
• The importance of continuing education and books for professional growth and success
• How I am choosing to focus on serving, not comparing, on social media

Mineral Quiz: https://hormonehealingrd.com/guides-support/mineral-quiz/

Resources/Links:

• Instant HTMA Professional Course For Practitioners: https://testdontguess.org/htmacourse (use code HORMONEHEALINGRD for $100 off)

List of books:

Mineral books

• Trace Elements and Other Essential Nutrients by Dr. David L. Watts
• The Strands of Health by Rick Malter
• The Magnesium Miracle by Dr. Carolyn Dean
• Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox: How a Little-Known Vitamin Could Save Your Life by Kate Rhéaume-Bleue BSc ND
• The Magnesium Factor by Mildred Seelig 
• Iodine- Why You Need It by David Brownstein 
• The Mineral Fix by James DiNicolantonio and Siim Land
• The Copper Revolution by Jason Hommel
• The Salt Fix by James DiNicolantonio

Hormone books

• Once A Month by Katharina Dalton
• The Premenstrual Syndrome and Progesterone Therapy by Katharina Dalton
• Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
• Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden

Stress/Nervous System books

• When The Body Says No by Gabor Mate
• The Stress Of Life by Hans Selye
• The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory

Thyroid books

• Overcoming Thyroid Disorders by Dr. David Brownstein
• Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness by Barnes and Galton

Fertility books

• Real Food For Fertility 
• Real Food For Pregnancy
• The Ultimate Fertility Guidebook by Dr. Christina Burns
• Awakening Fertility by Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, and Marisa Belger

General books

• Nutrition & Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
• Deep Nutrition by Catherine Shanahan
• Integrative & Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy textbook (RDs can get CEUs from this one!)
• How To Heal Your Metabolism by Kate Deering

Connect with Me: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723 

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

In this episode, I am going to break down our 1:1 healing framework and dig into what we think are the most important areas to focus on when healing and what we specifically do with our 1:1 clients. 

As always, this episode is for informational purposes only. I am a dietitian but I’m not your dietitian, so please make sure you discuss any changes with your provider. 

What we cover:

• The seven pillars of our healing framework, with an emphasis on meeting clients where they are
• The importance of personalized, root-cause-focused interventions
• Overview of our one-on-one coaching process
• Specific cases of client successes, including thyroid issues, skin problems, and fertility struggles

Minerals 101 Guide: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/mineral-101-freebie/

Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Learn more about working 1:1 with our team: https://hormonehealingrd.com/services/1-on-1-coaching/

Apply to work 1:1 with our team: https://hormonehealingrd.com/services/1-on-1-coaching/application/ 

More resources: 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723 

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

In this episode, I am joined by Carrie Bennett, to teach you about light, circadian rhythm, and how these impact your hormones. As a college athlete, supposedly at the pinnacle of health, Carrie began suffering chronic joint issues and insomnia. After her first child was born, she developed debilitating stomach pain, adrenal fatigue, and brain fog. Armed with a BS in Biology, an MS in Nutrition, and certifications as a personal trainer, massage therapist, and breathing coach, she still couldn't find the root of her issues. That's when she found quantum biology. Now, as an online educator, clinician, and faculty member of the Quantum Biology Collective, Carrie's mission is to teach her clients how to create a healing environment by applying quantum health strategies around light, water, electrons, and mitochondrial support. Given these tools, clients who have spent years trying to improve their health—just as Carrie did—finally experience powerful healing and lasting benefits.

As always, everything shared in this episode is for informational purposes only. We encourage you to do your own research and talk with your healthcare provider to figure out what’s best for you. 

What we cover:

• Why circadian rhythm is important for our health, especially hormones
• How our light exposure impacts circadian rhythm
• How to optimize our CR in the modern world
• Healthy light exposure and support CR during the winter months

Thyroid Mineral Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/e5aa246b68

Connect with Carrie:

Website: https://www.carriebwellness.com/ 

Online Courses: https://www.carriebwellness.com/store 

Online Community: https://www.carriebwellness.com/community 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriebwellness/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@carriebwellness 

Quantum Biology Certification Course for Practitioners: https://www.appliedquantumbiology.com/institute-of-applied-quantum-biology?affiliate_id=3816502

Free circadian start kit: https://www.carriebwellness.com/start

Connect with Me: 

My Favorite Paleovalley Products: www.paleovalley.com/hormonehealingrd   

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723 

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

In this episode, I am interviewing Michelle Shapiro, an integrative functional registered dietitian who's going to unravel the confusion that often surrounds reflux treatment. We'll explore why conventional medicine's approach to reflux may not always be in your stomach's best interest, and why you may sometimes need to fuel the fire. Michelle helps us understand the contributing factors of reflux symptoms – ranging from a burning throat and chest pain to that nagging feeling of hunger paired with nausea. Michelle also cautions about supplements and touches on the complex relationship between pregnancy, hiatal hernias, and how managing stress and histamine levels plays a vital role in your health.

If you've ever wondered about the connection between stress, your thyroid, and the importance of listening to your body – you won't want to miss this episode. We also have a special Q&A waiting for you over at patreon.com/hormonehealingrd.

As always, this episode is for informational purposes only.  Please talk with your healthcare provider to figure out what's best for you. 

This episode covers:

• Common symptoms of acid reflux
• Causes of high and low stomach acid levels
• Connection between histamines, stomach acid, and acid-reducing drugs
• The impact of pregnancy on reflux and histamine intolerance
• Strategies for reflux relief and dietary management

Thyroid Mineral Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/e5aa246b68

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/michelleshapirord/ 

Website: https://michelleshapirord.com/ 

Quiet The Diet Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quiet-the-diet/id1663088026

Connect with Me: 

My Favorite Paleovalley Products: www.paleovalley.com/hormonehealingrd   
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723 

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

In this episode, I am breaking down important minerals to prioritize for children and answering questions I got from this community on specific scenarios like what to do when a child is dairy free, important considerations for eczema, and so much more! If you’d like access to the bonus episode that shares more resources and specifics on hair testing and kids, you can join me on patreon.com/hormonehealingrd.

As always, everything shared in this episode is for informational purposes only. I encourage you to do your own research and talk with your healthcare provider to figure out what’s best for you. 

This episode covers:

• Mineral rich nutrition for babies, toddlers, and kids 
• Minerals and gut health and kids 
• Probiotics or fermented foods for supplements 
• HTMA and stool testing with babies, toddlers, and kids 

Minerals 101 Guide: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/mineral-101-freebie-pc/

Connect with Me: 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd 

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723 

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd 

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

I am interviewing my friend and colleague, Amy Slater. Amy's journey of self-discovery began with the birth of her first set of twins. Embracing motherhood brought about a massive shift in her persona marking a significant turning point in her life, guiding her on a path that led to significant transformation.  Amy hopes that her story can inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives. This episode is for informational purposes only. Please talk with your healthcare provider before making any nutrition or lifestyle changes.

My Favorite Paleovalley Products

Resources mentioned:

• Website to find local farms
• Cook Once Dinner Fix and Cook Once Eat All Week 
• Are You What You Eat? Book
• Mom struggles: Truths
• Lunchtime for kids: Pack in the nutrients
• Twin mom tips and solutions
• Real, Nutrient Dense Food Snack Time System
• Real Food Choice: The power of knowledge
• Mommy Hack: Make the most of your time in the kitchen (3 recipes)
• Feeding Kids: A massive job that is 100% necessary
• Let’s talk about the WHYS!
• Essential Mom Movement Strength Series
• My Stress Cascade 
• Building Kids Health with Food 
• Setting up a healing environment blog
• Simple recipe post
• Join Amy’s newsletter