Show Notes
In this week's episode of Zebra Talks, we will get into the "itchy" part of the terrible trifecta that so often impacts people with hypermobility syndromes. Lisa Sherman is back to take us on a deep dive into the world of mast cells: what they are, what they do, and why so many bendy people struggle with the multi-system affects of some seriously unruly mast cells. Some highlights of this episode include: Understanding mast cells and their role in the immune system Clarity on what mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is and is not Some theories on why so many bendy people have MCAS Common signs and symptoms of MCAS Why MCAS can be difficult to identify The diagnostic process and criteria for MCAS How MCAS interacts with the other pieces of the "terrible trifecta" Ways you can manage your "histamine bucket" and keep it emptying efficiently Why we should all focus first on the four basic pillars of health Common supplements that can support people with MCAS (always ask your doctor first!)
More from Zebra Talks: Living Your Best Bendy Life
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Jennifer Parkinson, a certified functional nutrition practitioner and founder of EDS Nutritionist, who supports people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MCAS, and POTS.
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes physical therapist Dr. Laura Glazebrook to discuss scoliosis, especially its overlap with hypermobility. Laura shares her own history of rapidly progressing scoliosis, undergoing a spinal fusion at age 11, and later realizing she likely falls on the hypermobility spectrum.
Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes menopause specialist and nurse practitioner Vanessa Weiland, founder of Phases Clinic and creator of Bendy Menopause, who also has hypermobile EDS and MCAS.
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews Abbey Phillipson, a classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) advocate and Paralympic strength and conditioning coach at the University of Michigan. Abbey shares her experience with early signs, diagnosis via genetics (COL5A1), and serious complications of Classical EDS.
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews pelvic floor physical therapist and author Dr. Amy Stein, founder of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy. Stein discusses the strong overlap she sees between hypermobility and pelvic floor dysfunction (estimating about 70% of her patients), including patterns of pelvic floor gripping used for stability, pelvic pain, prolapse, hernias, constipation/IBS symptoms, possible pelvic congestion, and bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction across all genders.