Tess Hilmo on MCAS Recovery, Low Histamine Nutrition, and Building Consider This Nutrition Bars

Tess Hilmo, founder of Consider This Nutrition Bars, joins Dr. Stephanie Peacock to share the personal health crisis that led her to create low histamine bars for people with MCAS and histamine intolerance. This conversation covers her diagnosis journey, the role of gut health and nervous system regulation, and how she built a product grounded in lab testing and ingredient transparency. We also discuss why many low histamine food lists are outdated, how to use the SIGHI list more effectively, and what Tess has learned about reducing flares without over-restricting food.

Key topics

• Tess shares how COVID triggered severe MCAS symptoms for her, including asthma, dysautonomia, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, brain fog, bradycardia, and halted speech.
• In this episode, Tess outlines her recovery foundations: low histamine eating, 30 plant points per week, nervous system work, trigger avoidance, and careful supplementation.
• Tess breaks down why many histamine food lists are outdated and why the SIGHI list is the most science-based, current resource for food ratings.
• Tess goes deep on how her bars are formulated with low moisture ingredients, independent lab testing, histamine and tyramine checks, and ingredient sourcing that avoids mold risk and heavy metals.
• Tess talks about how the bars are meant to support microbiome diversity, with 8 to 10 plant ingredients per bar and nearly 40 percent of daily fiber in some varieties.
• She discusses the nicotine patch therapy that helped her brain fog, energy, and nervous system stability, and how a microdose GLP-1 has further improved her baseline.
• Stephanie and Tess discuss mindset during flares, including the idea that healing is a ladder, not a straight line, and that progress should be measured over time.

Timestamps

• 0:00 — Opening / casual intro and setting the tone
• 1:08 — Utah, California, and moving for family/work
• 6:16 — Tess’s personal journey and why she was drawn into this work
• 10:09 — Introduction to Tess and Consider This Nutrition Bars
• 10:53 — MCAS onset and the early health crisis
• 13:30 — Getting the MCAS diagnosis
• 14:22 — What “halted speech” means
• 15:15 — The anniversary trip that sparked the company idea
• 17:04 — 30 plants a week and gut support
• 19:12 — Dreaming up the bar and starting the business
• 20:39 — How the product was formulated with expert help
• 22:37 — Other foundational supports that helped Tess improve
• 25:09 — Nicotine patch therapy and how it helped
• 32:22 — GLP-1 microdosing and inflammation support
• 39:59 — Histamine food lists and the SIGHI list
• 48:28 — What makes the bars different
• 50:07 — Plant diversity, fiber, and why the bars support the gut
• 51:07 — Moisture content, mold risk, and shelf stability
• 57:19 — Ingredient sourcing, testing, and heavy metals
• 61:58 — Advice for handling flares and staying hopeful
• 70:49 — Final takeaways and encouragement
• 71:17 — Where to buy, coupon code, and what’s coming next

Use code NEWFRIEND for 20% off these bars!

Tess's links:

Website: https://www.considerthisnutrition.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/considerthisnutrition/?hl=en

Stephanie's links:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/
Substack: https://substack.com/@holistichubcommunity
Retreat in November: https://www.vitalresetretreat.com/

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro shares her inspiring journey through chronic illness and explores the intricate connections between the fascia system, lymphatic drainage, and the vagus nerve. Discover practical insights and innovative techniques to support healing and optimize health.

About our Guest:

Dr. Stephanie Canestraro is the founder of Vagus Clinic, a global virtual and mobile functional medicine practice helping patients uncover the root causes of complex conditions. A board-certified chiropractor and certified functional medicine practitioner, she draws on both
advanced training and her own journey through celiac disease, Lyme disease, and immune dysfunction. 

Known for working with NHL players, executives, and individuals seeking answers beyond conventional medicine, Dr. Canestraro combines cutting-edge protocols with compassionate, personalized care. Her expertise spans gut health, histamine balance, chronic illness recovery, and performance optimization. Through Vagus Clinic, she provides discreet, concierge-level virtual and mobile consultations worldwide and is expanding her impact with a deep lymph and fascia -focused group comprehensive do it yourself course.

Key Topics

- Interplay between fascia system, lymphatic drainage, and the vagus nerve
- The role of fascia in chronic illness and detoxification
- Techniques for lymphatic drainage and fascia release
- The impact of environmental toxins and EMFs on health
- Supporting the body's natural drainage pathways


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background
02:17 Stephanie's personal health journey and awakening
07:16 Common overlooked factors in chronic conditions
11:31 The importance of deep lymphatic work
20:32 Fascia's role in lymphatic flow and health
26:59 Supporting the nervous system and lymphatic health
34:27 Contributors to lymphatic stagnation and treatment approaches
50:13 Practical steps for supporting lymphatic and fascia health
53:38 Course launch and final thoughts

Dr. Canestrano's Links:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.scanestraro/?hl=en
Website: https://www.vagusclinic.com/ 
Her Supports: https://vagusclinic.myshopify.com/ 



Stephanie's Links:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/
Substack: https://substack.com/@holistichubcommunity
Retreat in November: https://www.vitalresetretreat.com/

In this episode of Holistic Hub Podcast, Stephanie Peacock sits down with Ashley Spanovich, founder of Awakening Spaces, to unpack how our homes can impact our health. Ashley shares her journey from interior design into building biology, after her own health struggles led her to discover mold, chemical exposure, and EMFs as major environmental factors. She now helps people build and renovate homes with health in mind. What we talked about:

• Ashley’s background in interior design and how her personal health journey led her into building biology
• Why she believes homes should be approached with the same intentionality as health
• The four main types of non-native EMFs: electric fields, magnetic fields, radio frequency radiation, and dirty electricity
• Common household EMF sources, including smart meters, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cell phones, microwaves, and plugged-in devices
• Why measuring matters before trying to shield or reduce exposure
• How renters and homeowners can make practical changes to reduce EMFs
• The importance of avoiding fear-based messaging and focusing on conscious, informed choices
• Why sunlight, grounding, and time outdoors are foundational practices for resilience

Key takeaways:

• Your phone is often the biggest EMF exposure in daily life, so safe cell phone hygiene is a major first step.
• Turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at night can meaningfully reduce exposure.
• Not all EMF protection products do what they claim, and some create a false sense of security.
• You can’t guess your way to better EMF protection — measurement and context matter.
• Small, intentional changes are more sustainable than trying to make every part of your home “perfect.”
• Getting outside, grounding, and viewing sunlight as daily medicine are foundational habits that support overall health.

About the guest: 

Ashley Spanovich is the founder of Awakening Spaces, where she serves as an Owner’s Representative for people building or renovating homes with the goal of reducing mold, chemical, and EMF exposure. She helps clients make clear, aligned decisions throughout the construction process so they can create homes that genuinely support their health and wellbeing.

Ashley is also the creator of the Conscious Construction Container, a program that teaches homeowners how to become their own advocate and representative. Through a practical, step-by-step framework, she helps people confidently manage their projects, reduce exposure risks, and avoid costly mistakes.

Blending building science, building biology, and intuitive decision-making, Ashley brings both technical expertise and intentional guidance to her work. With a background in design and a passion for healthy home advocacy, she supports clients and students in creating homes that are beautiful, functional, and deeply aligned with the way they want to live. restorative to their well-being

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — Intro conversation and getting set up
• 5:27 — Ashley’s story: interiors, health struggles, and discovering building biology
• 10:07 — Reframing home health without fear-mongering
• 16:02 — What EMFs are and the four types Ashley measures
• 18:19 — Common EMF sources in the home
• 22:11 — Smart meters, distance, and why measurement matters
• 31:04 — Tools for measuring EMFs and why the wrong meter can mislead you
• 34:19 — Magnetic fields, power lines, and why they can be a dealbreaker
• 36:24 — What renters can do and why professional assessment still helps
• 39:01 — Practical ways to reduce exposure in a rental or home
• 42:42 — Cell phone hygiene, microwaves, and simple first steps
• 46:05 — EMF sensitivity, mold overlap, and common symptoms
• 50:50 — Concerns with EMF protection products and false security
• 57:45 — Where to find Ashley and her resources

Find Ashley at: 

Her website: awakeningspaces.com  

Her podcast: https://awakeningspaces.com/podcast

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

Stephanie's Links:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/
Substack: https://substack.com/@holistichubcommunity
Retreat in November: https://www.vitalresetretreat.com/

In this interview, Nicole shares her inspiring journey from managing hospitality venues to founding Posana, a wellness brand centered around nourishing the mind, body, and soul through high-quality matcha and supplements. We explore the importance of community, transparency in wellness products, and her dedication to sustainable sourcing and health.

This episode highlights how intentional rituals, community engagement, and transparency empower us to lead healthier, more connected lives. Whether you're a wellness enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or curious about quality sourcing, Nicole’s story underscores the importance of following your heart and building with purpose.

Key topics:

• Nicole’s transition from hospitality to wellness entrepreneurship
• The role of community in building a wellness brand
• The significance of transparency and third-party testing for quality assurance
• Deep dive into matcha: from harvest to health benefits
• Navigating supply chain challenges like matcha shortages
• The cultural and historical roots of matcha from Japan
• Infusing intention, gratitude, and positive energy into wellness products
• The rituals and routines that support mental health and well-being
• How to unlearn industry urgency and embrace slow, mindful progress

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Nicole’s background in hospitality and wellness

02:09 - The technical setup of recording and sharing authentic conversations

04:17 - How community supports and sustains wellness entrepreneurs

07:33 - The challenges and lessons of starting a wellness brand during COVID

09:04 - Overcoming self-criticism and building confidence in content creation

12:17 - The wellness perspective on sourcing organic, mold-free coffee and matcha

14:04 - The importance of third-party testing for safety and quality

18:15 - Why transparency with COAs and heavy metal testing builds trust

22:37 - The journey of founding Posana and choosing high-quality ingredients

27:20 - The significance of rituals and intentionality in daily routines

33:55 - The cultural history and harvesting process of authentic Japanese matcha

43:17 - The active health benefits of matcha and how it supports detox and antioxidant levels

50:24 - The differences between ceremonial and culinary grade matcha

57:55 - The labor-intensive process of creating authentic matcha and the importance of sustainable sourcing

62:29 - Building community and authenticity through social media and content

67:55 - The deep connection between gratitude, energy, and product infusion

75:46 - The future of community, wellness, and shared healing through collective connection

Nicole's Resources & Links:

• Choose Your Pill Instagram
• Posana Life Instagram

Use code DRPEACOCK for discount on all Posana Life products!

Stephanie's links:

• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
• Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/
• Substack: https://substack.com/@holistichubcommunity
• Retreat in November: https://www.vitalresetretreat.com/

About this episode:

Maggie Fuhrmann shares her inspiring journey from battling mold-related health issues to founding a mold detection business using trained mold detection dogs. Discover how her personal experiences drive her passion to help others identify hidden mold in homes and improve health outcomes.

Key Topics:
- Maggie Fuhrmann's personal story with mold-related health issues
- The process of training and using mold detection dogs
- How to identify reliable mold inspection services
- Common home areas prone to mold issues
- The importance of validation and client support in mold inspection

Chapters:

00:00 Maggie's Journey into Mold Detection
06:25 The Role of Mold Dogs in Detection
14:16 Training and Bonding with Mold Dogs
20:12 Choosing the Right Mold Inspector
21:37 Navigating the Mold Inspection Landscape
26:14 Understanding Mold Detection Techniques
28:54 The Inspection Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
36:34 Common Problem Areas in Homes
44:01 Building a Reputation in Mold Inspection
48:51 The Importance of Validation and Support

Maggie's Links:
Website: https://www.molddogoklahoma.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/molddogok/

Stephanie's links:
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/
Substack: https://substack.com/@holistichubcommunity
Retreat in November: https://www.vitalresetretreat.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie to talk about the powerful connection between meditation, nervous system regulation, and healing while living with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). We discuss how chronic illness can keep the body stuck in a constant state of stress and survival mode, and why nervous system work is often an overlooked piece of recovery. Melanie shares practical insights on slowing down, creating safety in the body, and using mindfulness practices to support healing without pushing yourself beyond your limits.

One of the biggest themes of our conversation is learning to stop being so hard on yourself during the healing process. Recovery from CIRS is rarely linear, and we talk openly about the guilt, frustration, and pressure many people feel when they’re not improving fast enough. This episode is a reminder that healing is not about perfection—it’s about supporting the body with compassion, patience, and consistency.

About our guest:

Melanie Pensak supports people with chronic illness through screening for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), tick confections and parasites.  She specializes in helping people use mindfulness meditation, nature and somatic practices for physical, mental and emotional support during recovery. Melanie is a certified grief educator and encourages all those with chronic illness to honor and transform loss and grief as they heal. Her medical background as a speech-language pathologist for 20 years, mindfulness teacher for a decade and personal journey healing from CIRS and multiple infections informs her ability to help patients get through the tough times with deep understanding on both the medical and emotional levels. You can learn more about her and CIRS on The Heart of CIRS Podcast and by reading her first book, Love for the Land: Practices for Deepening Connection to Earth and All Beings.

Melanie's links:

https://www.melaniepensak.com/schedule-with-me/ for booking links to all her 1:1 sessions 

https://a.co/d/cN4eR2R Link to book on Amazon

https://www.instagram.com/meditation4cirs IG link

ttps://www.instagram.com/love_4_the_land/ IG link

Stephanie's links:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/
Substack: https://substack.com/@holistichubcommunity

About this Episode:

Discover new insights into mold-related illness and the neurogenic cascade. Learn why traditional toxicity models may not explain your symptoms and how to find relief.

Mold-related illnesses have long been associated with toxic mycotoxins, leading many to focus solely on these compounds when seeking relief. However, during a recent conversation with Jason Earle, founder of GOT MOLD?, it became clear that there is a need to rethink our understanding of mold exposure and its effects on health.

 In this episode, we will delve into the nuances of mold-related illness, exploring alternative perspectives on toxicity and offering actionable insights for those affected.

Use code HOLISTICHUB10 for a discount on their products!


About our Guest:

Jason Earle is a man on a mission. An adoring father of two boys in diapers, incurable entrepreneur and indoor air quality crusader, he is founder & CEO of GOT MOLD?, and the creator of the GOT MOLD?® Test Kit.

 The realization that his moldy childhood home was the underlying cause of his extreme allergies and asthma, led him into the healthy home business in 2002, leaving behind a successful career on Wall Street.

 Over the last two decades, Jason has personally performed countless sick building investigations, solving many medical mysteries along the way, helping thousands of families recover their health and peace of mind. He has featured or appeared on Good Morning America, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Dr. Oz Show, Entrepreneur, Wired, and more.

Jason's Links:

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gotmold.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotmold/ 


Stephanie's links:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/
Substack: https://substack.com/@holistichubcommunity 

In this episode we meet with one of my co hosts for our upcoming retreat, Bradley Lovell. An incredible talk diving into his story and what he had done over the last 15 years to become more in tune with himself. He shares his learnings with us in how to empower ourselves to reconnect, the importance of creativity, identity and of course... our upcoming retreat!

About our guest:

Bradley James is a longtime meditation practitioner and facilitator who stewarded the Southeast Vipassana Center in southern Georgia for three years. With thousands of hours in silence and multiple 10–30 day retreats, his practice has a fermata at its core—an intentional lingering that invites the numinous quiet most people rush past. Years of travelling—including hiking in the Himalayas and Patagonia, completing the Pacific Crest Trail, and backpacking across South America—have given him a wayfarer’s sensibility: simple, spacious, and attentive to the body’s weather. A true Renaissance soul, he makes striking wood-and-epoxy pieces -  tactile prayers dressed in brilliant colors—and composes music that is heart-opening and kinetic. Above all, he seeks to be of service to those aiming for freedom; the instruments he brings are humble and exacting—his hands and his voice.

Bradley's links:

Bradley's IG: https://www.instagram.com/brotherbradleyjames/
Vital Reset retreat: https://www.vitalresetretreat.com/


Stephanie's links:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/

In this episode, Lara Adler breaks down a lot of good information regarding water quality and why this matters, particularly for the region you live in. 

You'll learn:
- How prevalent environmental chemicals are in today's world but particularly in our water
- Who the governing body is for water quality
- Why certain chemicals added to our water can be beneficial but also affect our health
- The particular chemicals to think about in our water
- Why where you live matters
- Differences in water filter methods

About our guest:

Lara Adler is an Environmental Health Educator and Consultant with over 14 years of experience helping health professionals and health-focused organizations understand the impact of environmental chemicals on chronic health conditions. Her work bridges emerging research with practical, evidence-based strategies to minimize toxic exposures and strengthen resilience against environmental challenges.

After more than a decade of teaching courses on environmental health to thousands of practitioners in over 35 countries, Lara now focuses her work on consulting and public education, supporting mission-driven organizations, health brands, and educators in addressing environmental health topics with accuracy, nuance, and a grounded, balanced tone. 

Lara is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

Lara's links:

Website: https://www.laraadler.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/environmentaltoxinsnerd/
Substack: https://talkingtoxins.substack.com/


Stephanie's links:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/ 
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://stephanies-newsletter-c410d1.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Have you ever wondered what a good home inspection should look like? Andrew Melrose guides us through exactly this. 

You'll learn:
- How long a mold inspections should take
- What questions your mold inspector should be asking
- Types of testing and his thoughts on these
- How high humidity leads to mold in the home
- How to empower yourself with tools and knowledge to gain insight into your own home
- HVAC systems
- Areas commonly missed on mold inspections


About our Guest:

Owner of Melrose Mold Solutions. Have been in the industry for 7+ years doing on site mold and environmental home assessments, testing, remediation oversight, and consulting nationwide. I was in 21 states last year doing inspections. We are a nationwide service and our focusing our efforts on the east coast and the Carolinas specifically this year. And we are also beginning to help train professionals in the industry and give others a roadmap a way to get in the industry and succeed in helping people effectively.

Andrew's Links:

www.melrosemoldsolutions.com - This is best to learn and inquire about an in Person Assessment.  

Virtual Consulting Link - https://andrewmelrose.bloom.io/book 

Please Feel free to Email: [email protected]


Stephanie's links:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacock
Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/
Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/ 
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://stephanies-newsletter-c410d1.beehiiv.com/subscribe