What if the symptoms you've been chasing—brain fog, fatigue, bladder pain, even anxiety—were all connected by one overlooked cell type? In this fascinating episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world’s leading experts on mast cells, to unravel the hidden roles they play in some of the most complex chronic illnesses.

From histamine sensitivity that mimics allergies, to lab tests that miss what’s really going on, Dr. Theoharides sheds light on why so many patients are dismissed—and what doctors are missing. The conversation takes unexpected turns into brain inflammation, food triggers, and even autism, where mast cells may hold untapped insight into neurodevelopment and behavior.

If you've ever felt like your symptoms don’t make sense—or that the medical system keeps overlooking something obvious—this episode might just connect the dots.

Takeaways:

You might be surprised to learn which test isn’t as useful for diagnosing MCAS as people think.

The brain fog you're feeling? There's a cellular player involved—and it's not just inflammation.

Some reactions you're calling “allergies” might be something very different (and trickier to detect).

The way mast cells interact with the brain could change how we think about neurodevelopment.

A few supplements could help—but only if you're asking the right questions first.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mast Cells and Guest Introduction

02:57 Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

10:35 Diagnostic Challenges and Lab Tests for MCAS

32:12 Mast Cells in the Brain and Neuroinflammation

44:00 Understanding Mast Cell Activation and Stress

46:06 The Role of Diet and Supplements in Managing Mast Cell Activation

55:42 Gut Health and Mast Cell Activation

01:01:51 Practical Tips and Future Directions

Find the transcript for this episode here.

Connect with YOUR Hypermobility Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.

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 about Dr. Theoharis Theoharides

Website: https://www.drtheoharides.com/

Podcast Link: https://algonot.com/

Blogs: https://www.nova.edu/nim/neuroinflammation-research/index.html

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theoharis-theoharides-ms-phd-md-faaaai-67123735

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