Episodios

  • Linking Mast Cell Activation, Autoimmunity, and EDS with Kara Wada, MD
    Jul 25 2024
    In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, delves into the intricate connections between the immune system and hypermobility disorders with Dr. Kara Wada. A quadruple board-certified physician and Sjogren's patient, Dr. Wada shares her expertise on mast cell activation syndrome, autoimmunity, and the role of inflammation. Discover holistic approaches to managing these conditions and gain valuable insights into the latest research and treatments. Don't miss the special hypermobility hacks at the end! Takeaways: Interplay Between Immune System and EDS: The immune system plays a significant role in hypermobility disorders, with conditions like mast cell activation syndrome and autoimmunity frequently seen in patients with EDS. Differences in Allergy and Mast Cell Activation: Allergy involves the immune system's memory of proteins, whereas mast cell activation syndrome can be triggered by various factors, often without the presence of traditional allergies. Inflammation's Role in Chronic Conditions: Chronic inflammation is a core issue in many modern diseases, including EDS and autoimmune disorders. It's the body's prolonged response to injury or infection that can lead to various health issues. Impact of Hormones: Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, significantly influence immune system functioning and can affect conditions like POTS, often seen in EDS patients. Holistic and Lifestyle Approaches: Managing EDS and related conditions can benefit from holistic approaches, including anti-inflammatory diets, regular movement, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques such as meditation and journaling. Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. This episode is sponsored by EDS Guardians. If you want to learn more, check them out here: https://www.edsguardians.org/ 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/. Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓 Learn about Kara Wada: Website: https://www.drkarawada.com/ Instagram: @immuneconfidentmd Youtube: @drkarawada Keep up to date with the HypermobilityMD: YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Twitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd Facebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast Blog: hypermobilitymd.com/blog Part of the Human Content Podcast Network
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    1 h
  • Examining The Future of EDS Diagnosis and Care with EDS Society CEO Lara Bloom
    Jul 18 2024
    In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, hosts a captivating conversation with Lara Bloom, President and CEO of the Ehlers-Danlos Society. Lara shares her journey in advocating for rare diseases, the progress made in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and the upcoming updates in diagnostic criteria. Tune in to learn about the challenges, successes, and future directions in EDS research and patient care. Takeaways: Global Progress: The Ehlers-Danlos Society has significantly advanced global awareness and research on EDS and HSD. Diagnosis Challenges: Misdiagnosis and lack of understanding among doctors persist; re-education efforts are ongoing. Bloom's Journey: Lara Bloom's path from volunteer to CEO highlights the impact of lived experience in advocacy. Diagnostic Criteria Update: The 2017 criteria for hypermobile EDS will be revisited by 2026, involving extensive research and collaboration. Movement and Self-Care: Regular physical activity is crucial for managing EDS and HSD symptoms, as emphasized by both Bloom and Bluestein. Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. This episode is sponsored by EDS Guardians. If you want to learn more, check them out here: https://www.edsguardians.org/ 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/. Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓 Learn about Lara Bloom: Website: https://www.larabloom.com/ Twitter: @larabloom Instagram: @lara.bloom Youtube: @LaraBloom Keep up to date with the HypermobilityMD: YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Twitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd Facebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast Blog: hypermobilitymd.com/blog Part of the Human Content Podcast Network
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Season 4 Wrap: Reading Your Comments
    Jun 13 2024
    Welcome back, every Bendy Body! In this special episode, I wrap up season four and share exciting plans for season five. Join me as I reflect on our journey, from focusing on high-risk populations like dancers and gymnasts to diving deep into medical topics. Listen in for gratitude-filled shoutouts from our wonderful listeners as I read their heartwarming reviews! See you soon for Season 5! Connect with YOUR Bendy 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! 🧬🔬🦓
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    7 m
  • 101. Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Chronic Illness with Ashok Gupta
    Jun 6 2024
    In this conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Ashok Gupta about his experience breaking the vicious cycle of chronic illness when he had ME-CFS. They discuss the impact of chronic conditions, the brain's priority of survival, and the vicious cycle of symptoms. Ashok explains the Gupta Program, which aims to make patients aware of subtle danger signals in the brain and retrain the brain's response. They also explore the concept of neuroimmune conditioned syndromes and address common myths about brain retraining. With a focus on hypermobility, they discuss the time commitment required to see results, different ways to engage with the program, the importance of somatic retraining and its impact on brain structures, and how clinicians can recommend brain retraining to their patients without sounding like gaslighting. They also explore the duration of the program, potential worsening during the program, and the accessibility and cost of the program. The conversation ends with a discussion on the power of neuroplasticity and a hypermobility hack to make friends with your body. Takeaways Chronic conditions often accompany joint hypermobility and can have a significant impact on individuals and the global economy. Brain retraining involves making patients aware of subtle danger signals in the brain and retraining the brain's response. The brain's priority is survival, which can lead to maladaptive responses and chronic illness. The Gupta program has shown promising results in improving symptoms and overall health in various conditions. Brain retraining requires a time commitment of at least 20 to 30 minutes a day, along with short exercises throughout the day. An independent audit looked at 16 different conditions for three months. They found improvement of 84% with Long COVID, 116% with Lyme disease, 67% with mold illness, and 85% with chemical sensitivities Clinicians can recommend brain retraining by emphasizing that it is not in the mind but in the brain, and that the brain is triggering the immune and nervous systems. The program is a minimum six-month commitment, but some people may continue for longer to maintain their progress and manage stress levels. Some individuals may experience temporary worsening during the program, but with support and a balanced approach, positive results can be achieved. Healing and recovery are possible, and the brain's neuroplasticity allows for rewiring and improvement in various chronic conditions. Making friends with your body and accepting hypermobility as an attribute can shift your perspective and contribute to healing. The Gupta Program offers a free 28-day trial and a one-year money-back guarantee, making it accessible and low-risk for individuals seeking relief from chronic illnesses. Chapters ➡ 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:43 The Impact of Chronic Conditions 04:05 Understanding Brain Retraining 05:21 The Brain's Priority: Survival 09:40 The Vicious Cycle of Symptoms 12:46 The Gupta Program 16:28 Neuroimmune Conditioned Syndromes 30:33 Time commitment for results 33:07 Somatic retraining and brain structures 34:23 Recommending brain retraining to patients 36:06 Addressing the software issues 37:58 Effectiveness of medications with brain retraining 39:08 Duration of the program 41:50 Potential worsening during the program 43:15 Final thoughts and hope for healing 45:28 Neuroplasticity and changing the brain 51:22 Hypermobility hack: Make friends with your body 52:30 Where to find more information about the program 58:18 Duration and cost of the program 59:25 Accessibility and money-back guarantee Connect with YOUR Bendy 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! 🧬🔬🦓 Resources: Neuroplasticity Intervention, Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR), Significantly Improves Overall Health and Functioning Across Various Chronic Conditions https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38404605/ Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot https://www.guptaprogram.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@GuptaProgram #MECSF #GuptaProgram #BrainRetraining #ChronicIllness #Hypermobility #ZebraStrong #ZebraWarriors #Neuroplasticity #ChemicalSensitivity #LongCOVID #LymeDisease #MoldIllness #MindBodyConnection #HypermobilityHacks #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBodies #MedicalPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Milestones and Reflections: 100 Episodes of Bendy Bodies with Linda Bluestein, MD
    May 30 2024
    Dr. Linda Bluestein celebrates 100 episodes of Bendy Bodies discussing the most rewarding part of hosting the podcast and the challenges of podcasting. She emphasizes the importance of balancing the complexity of EDS and the need for healthcare professionals to understand and empathize with the struggles of patients with hypermobility conditions. Dr. Bluestein discusses the symptom burden experienced by individuals with EDS and the challenges they face in getting their symptoms understood and validated by healthcare professionals. She shares her approach to treatment as well as the top three concerns among EDS patients. Dr. Linda Bluestein and guest host Kate Colbert discuss the importance of effective communication between doctors and patients, and the need for healthcare professionals to understand the patient's perspective. Dr. Bluestein shares her goals for the Bendy Bodies podcast and they end with a hypermobility hack for traveling with EDS. Takeaways Healthcare professionals should strive to understand and empathize with the struggles of patients with hypermobility conditions and recognize their heroic efforts in managing their symptoms. Offering the correct dose of hope is difficult, as it is important to be responsible and not oversimplify the complexities of hypermobility conditions. Individuals with EDS often experience a high symptom burden, including pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Getting symptoms understood and validated by healthcare professionals can be challenging for EDS patients. Empathy and understanding from both patients and doctors are crucial in managing EDS symptoms. Treatment approaches for EDS are discussed. Effective communication between doctors and patients is essential for better care. Patients can learn how to communicate better and doctors can understand how patients think. The Bendy Bodies podcast aims to improve care for people with symptomatic joint hypermobility, educate healthcare professionals, and support nonprofit organizations. Patients, caregivers, advocates, and medical professionals can contribute to the EDS community by representing it well, sharing their stories, and spreading awareness about the podcast. Chapters ➡ 00:00 Introduction and Celebration of 100 Episodes 25:52 Understanding and Empathizing with Patients' Struggles 36:40 The Top Three Concerns Among EDS Patients 41:20 The Most Effective Treatment Approaches for EDS 44:23 The Role of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) 52:12 How an EDS Doctor can Facilitate a Patient's Healthcare Team 01:03:16 The Future and Goals of the Bendy Bodies Podcast: Improving Care and Spreading Awareness 1:05:21 Improving Quality of Care for Everyone 01:14:05 Hypermobility Hack: Packing Heavy and Lightening the Burden on Your Body Connect with YOUR Bendy 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! 🧬🔬🦓 Resources: https://journals.lww.com/topicsinpainmanagement/citation/2023/04000/hope_for_hypermobility__part_2_an_integrative.1.aspx https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161589014000546 https://www.edsguardians.org/ #MedicalPodcast #PatientAdvocacy #EDSAwarenessMonth #EDSAwareness #DoctorPatientCommunication #HSD #MCAS #ChronicIllness #EmpathyInMedicine #HealthcareInsights #Hypermobility #ZebraStrong #ZebraWarriors #hEDS #HypermobileEhlersDanlosSyndrome #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBodies #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD #100thEpisode
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    1 h y 21 m
  • 99. From News Anchor to Advocate: A POTS and EDS Journey with Summer Dashe
    May 23 2024
    Summer Dashe, a former news anchor and advocate for the chronically ill, shares her POTS and EDS journey. She covers how she manages her symptoms in everyday life and the challenges of getting diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). #dysautonomia #ChronicIllness #POTSAwareness Takeaways Getting a POTS diagnosis can be challenging, and it often takes multiple visits to different doctors before receiving a proper diagnosis. Awareness about POTS among doctors has improved over the years, but there is still a need for more education and understanding. Finding supportive coworkers and a job that accommodates your symptoms is crucial for managing a chronic illness in the workplace. Open and honest communication is key when asking for accommodations, and providing informed reasoning behind the request can help employers understand the need. Remote work has opened up opportunities for individuals with chronic illnesses, allowing them to work in a way that suits their symptoms and abilities. Managing the unpredictability of POTS requires self-compassion and finding strategies that work for you, even if it may not always feel graceful. Know your limits and make decisions based on your boundaries to remain reliable in work and personal life. Accepting a lifelong condition can be challenging, but it allows for a more realistic approach to treatment. Genetic research and advancements in technology provide hope for future awareness, treatment, and potentially a cure. It's important to be honest and transparent about the realities of chronic illnesses to better prepare patients for their journey. Technology played a crucial role in Summer's car accident, with her Apple Watch automatically calling 911 and alerting her emergency contacts. The support and care from family, friends, and coworkers were instrumental in helping Summer through the aftermath of the accident. Summer's experience highlights the importance of valuing oneself and advocating for accommodations in the workplace and she shares her favorite hypermobility hack. Chapters ➡ 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:01 Supportive Coworkers and Accommodations 16:01 Benefits of Remote Work 32:09 The Impact of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome on Treatment Approach 42:25 Hope for the Future: Advances in Awareness, Treatment, and Cure 49:39 The Role of Technology in a Car Accident 56:11 The Support System: Family, Friends, and Coworkers 01:06:31 Valuing Oneself and Advocating in the Workplace Connect with YOUR Bendy 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! 🧬🔬🦓 Resources: Learn more about Summer Dashe https://www.summerdashe.com/ #SummerDashe #dysautonomia #ChronicIllness #POTsie #POTSAwareness #ZebraWarriors #ZebraStrong #POTS #EhlersDanlos #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD
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    1 h y 2 m
  • 98. Environmental Triggers of Mast Cell Disease with Tania Dempsey, MD
    May 16 2024
    Summary Dr. Tania Dempsey discusses mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) with a focus on environmental triggers of mast cell disease. Takeaways Infections can trigger mast cell reactions and people with MCAS may react differently than those without. Identifying and addressing environmental triggers, such as mold and plastics, is important in managing MCAS. Immunotherapy for allergies and asthma may impact MCAS symptoms. Treatment options like Xolair (Omalizumab), ketotifen, cromolyn, and low dose naltrexone (LDN) are discussed. Nutrition, particularly protein intake, supports overall health and affects MCAS symptoms. Fish can be a good source of protein, but it is important to be aware of mercury levels and choose smaller fish. Testing mercury levels can help identify potential toxicity and guide treatment. Antihistamines can be beneficial for managing MCAS symptoms and should not be feared. Individuals with MCAS may have sensitivities to scents, environmental triggers, and EMFs. Finding healthcare providers who understand and can effectively treat MCAS is crucial. Chapters ➡ 00:00 Introduction to MCAS and Dr. Tanya Dempsey 02:28 Infections and MCAS 14:31 Immune Deficiency and Infections 28:37 Environmental Triggers 37:00 Air Purification and Food Quality 42:01 Quality of Meat vs. Pesticide-Free Vegetables 43:11 Fish as an Alternative to Meat 44:32 Toxins in Fish and Mercury Levels 46:02 Detoxing Mercury and Sushi Concerns 47:08 Reactions to Sushi and Scombroid Food Poisoning 48:43 Sensitivity to Scents and Environmental Triggers 49:30 Long-Term Antihistamine Use and Dementia 52:21 Reactions to Laundry and Facial Products 56:23 Treatment Options after Failing Xolair 57:12 Food Dyes and MCAS 58:18 EMFs and MCAS 59:22 Why Some Doctors Fail to Believe in MCAS 01:03:41 Immunotherapy for Allergies and MCAS 01:04:56 Managing Heat, Sun, and Exercise Triggers 01:09:54 Diagnosing MCAS and Lab Testing Challenges 01:11:20 Final Thoughts and Finding Answers Connect with YOUR Bendy 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! 🧬🔬🦓 Resources: Learn about Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD: Website: https://www.drtaniadempsey.com/ Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/drtaniadempsey Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/drtaniadempseymd/ Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/taniadempseymd/ Linkedin Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-dempsey-m-d-82834a44 Mast Cell Matters Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mast-cell-matters-deep-dives-on-mcas-with-tania/id1717106678 Article: Learned Cautions Regarding Antibody Testing in MCAS https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37566881/ Article: Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global "consensus-2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32324159/ Article: Molecular Mechanisms of Scombroid Food Poisoning https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36614252/ Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT) as a Potential Treatment for Viral Infections and Lyme Disease: Preliminary Results https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36412742/ Efficacy of Double-Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and Associated Co-infections: A Report of Three Cases and Retrospective Chart Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7690415/ #MCAS #MastCell #MastCellActivationSyndrome #MastCellActivationDisorder #MastCellDisease #EDSAwarenessMonth #HSDAwarenessMonth #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #BendyBodies #HypermobilityMD
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    1 h y 19 m
  • 97. Learning to Spot the Signs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes with Guest Host, Kate Colbert
    May 9 2024
    In this special “EDS Awareness Month” episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, founder Dr. Linda Bluestein and guest host Kate Colbert discuss how everyone can learn to spot the signs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. Dr. Bluestein emphasizes the importance of EDS awareness, as many people are still not getting the evaluations and care they need. She also debunks several myths about EDS, including the misconception that EDS does not cause pain and that only geneticists can diagnose it. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and appropriate treatment for better patient outcomes. They cover the importance of understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), the challenges faced by individuals with EDS in their relationships, and how to communicate with romantic partners and family members. Colbert and Dr. Bluestein also discuss the impact of EDS in the workplace and provide tips for employers and coworkers to support individuals with EDS. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, empathy, and support for individuals with EDS and other poorly recognized conditions. Takeaways EDS Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate and spread awareness about Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and associated conditions. Healthcare professionals should listen to their patients and believe them, even if a clear diagnosis is not yet established. Teachers, daycare providers, and nannies can play a crucial role in identifying hypermobility conditions in children. Coaches and athletic instructors should be aware of the signs of EDS in athletes and dancers and provide resources for further evaluation and support. Several myths about EDS, such as the misconception that EDS does not cause pain and that only geneticists can diagnose it, should be debunked. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial for better patient outcomes. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is an important condition to consider in individuals with environmental sensitivities, even if their tryptase levels are not elevated. Understanding and empathy are crucial in relationships where a partner has EDS or HSD, as the condition can cause dynamic disability and varying needs. Communication is key in relationships, and using mirroring techniques and talking boundaries can help improve understanding and compassion. Employers and coworkers should show support and offer accommodations to individuals with EDS, such as checking in with them, providing grace, and making the workplace more accessible. Increasing awareness about EDS and related conditions is essential to foster empathy, support, and better partnerships in healthcare, workplaces, and society. Chapters ➡ 00:00 Introduction and EDS Awareness Month 09:30 Identifying Hypermobility Conditions in Children 31:06 Early Intervention and Appropriate Treatment 42:04 Supporting Individuals with EDS in the Workplace 54:59 The Importance of Awareness and Empathy for EDS and Related Conditions Connect with YOUR Bendy 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! 🧬🔬🦓 Resources: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/ https://iadms.org/ https://www.edsguardians.org/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10328215/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34524722/ #EDSAwarenessMonth #EDSAwareness #EhlersDanlosMyths #HSD #MCAS #Hypermobility #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD
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    1 h y 9 m