Mysterious symptoms. Confusing diagnoses. Years of being dismissed.

In this episode, Michelle Shapiro joins me to unpack the often misunderstood and overlooked world of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), histamine intolerance, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and hypermobility conditions.

Drawing from her own health journey and experience with thousands of clients, Michelle unpacks why conventional medicine often overlooks these complex, overlapping conditions—and how a root-cause, systems-based approach can lead to real healing. From nervous system regulation to low-histamine nutrition, this episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with unexplained chronic symptoms.

You’ll learn:

• What MCAS is and why so many people are misdiagnosed
• The link between MCAS, POTS, and connective tissue disorders
• How nervous system regulation impacts immune reactivity
• Which foods trigger histamine flares and how to build a low histamine diet
• The surprising connection between hormones and histamine
• Why building muscle is critical for recovery from MCAS, POTS, and hypermobility

Whether you’re a clinician or someone living with these symptoms, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a roadmap forward.

Who is Michelle Shapiro?

Michelle Shapiro, RD is a functional/ integrative Registered Dietitian who has helped over 3,000 clients transform their health over the past 11 years. As the founder of an NYC-based virtual private practice, Michelle leads a team of six expert nutritionists who specialize in complex cases including histamine issues, gut dysfunction, chronic anxiety, and weight concerns. She is the creator of the viral Histamine Essentials Webinar, which is available now on replay, and the host of the top-rated podcast Quiet the Diet, where she breaks down the science behind chronic illness in a way that actually makes sense and makes you feel seen. Michelle is the go-to expert for people who have tried everything and are ready for a real plan.

This episode is brought to you by:

• OneSkin - Get 15% off with the code DRLYON – https://www.oneskin.co
• Ned - Get 15% off with code DRLYON – https://helloned.com/DRLYON
• Beef.org – Your go-to resource – https://BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
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Find Michelle Shapiro at:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michelleshapirord
• Histamine Webinar Replay - https://michelleshapirord.com/histamine-webinar
• Apply to work with Michelle’s team: https://airtable.com/appzFCkAqbbL4J2Qu/pagw0ynsqYbBzMjes/form

Find Me At:

• Instagram:@drgabriellelyon
• TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
• Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
• YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
• X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon
• Apply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/
• Join my weekly newsletter – https://institute-for-muscle-centric-medicine.ck.page
• Get my book – https://drgabriellelyon.com/forever-strong/

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Dismissed symptoms and hidden syndromes

01:43 – What is mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)?

03:33 – Why histamine is the “loudest” chemical messenger

06:39 – MCAS symptoms: from flushing to anxiety

08:22 – Root causes: mold, toxins, and the “bucket” theory

11:15 – Diagnosing MCAS: blood, urine, and biopsy challenges

15:11 – Food patterns: how "healthy" foods trigger MCAS

16:53 – MCAS vs histamine intolerance: what’s the difference?

25:06 – High-histamine foods: what to avoid (and why)

27:37 – Nervous system & immune system: the feedback...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women—yet it's still treated like a man’s disease. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Martha Gulati, a cardiologist and pioneer in women’s cardiovascular health, exposes the systemic gaps that leave women underdiagnosed, undertreated, and often unheard. Together, we unpack the critical differences in how heart disease presents in women, why standard diagnostic tools fall short, and what every woman needs to know about risk factors like pregnancy complications, hormone therapy, statin use, and even environmental exposures. Dr. Gulati also reveals the truth behind hormone therapy myths, explains how soft plaque really forms, and why fitness should be considered frontline prevention.

You’ll learn:

• Why women’s heart symptoms are often mistaken for anxiety
• What tests to ask for to asses your risk of heart disease
• How statins, hormone therapy, and fitness interact with risk
• What the new “Prevent" risk score includes—and why it matters
• Why women get more benefits from exercise than men
• How pollution, stress, and pregnancy complications shape long-term risk

Whether you’re in your 20s or postmenopausal, this episode will empower you to take charge of your heart health, ask better questions, and get the care you deserve.

Who is Dr. Martha Gulati?

Dr. Martha Gulati is a professor of cardiology at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, where she serves as Director of Prevention and Associate Director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center. She is the immediate past president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology and previously served as the inaugural Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona. A leading voice in women’s heart health, Dr. Gulati chaired the first national chest pain guidelines and is the author of the best-selling book Saving Women’s Hearts.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Manukora - Get $25 off the starter kit – https://manukora.com/DRLYON
• ARMRA – Code DRLYON for 15% off your first order – https://tryarmra.com/DRLYON
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Find Dr. Martha Gulati At:

• Website - https://drmarthagulati.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-gulati-9b410496/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drmarthagulati/
• X/Twitter - https://x.com/drmarthagulati
• Cedars-Sinai - https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/martha-gulati-2036029.html
• Her book Saving Women's Hearts: https://www.amazon.ca/Saving-Womens-Hearts-Conventional-Strategies/dp/0470678453

Find Me At:

• Instagram:

Muscle health isn’t just about how much protein you eat—it’s about how your body uses it. And for people with obesity or advancing age, that process can become less effective, even with optimal nutrition.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Nick Burd, one of the world’s leading researchers in muscle metabolism, to unpack the concept of anabolic resistance—when muscle doesn’t respond normally to protein and/or exercise. Together, we explore how aging, obesity and even the way foods are combined on your plate can impact muscle remodeling, recovery, and growth. Dr. Burd also shares why plant-based proteins often fall short, why protein efficiency matters more than quantity, and how endurance and resistance training affect nutrient use differently.

You’ll learn:

• What anabolic resistance is—and why it matters
• How to improve protein efficiency and muscle quality over time
• Why food matrix, and timing can change your results
• Key differences in nutrition strategies for endurance vs. strength athletes

Whether you're focused on longevity, performance, or helping someone break through a plateau, this episode delivers the research-backed information you’ve been looking for.

Who is Dr. Nick Burd?

Dr. Nick A. Burd is a muscle-metabolism scientist and professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he leads the Nutrition & Exercise Performance Research Group. Originally from the Midwest, he trained under renowned experts around the world before focusing his research on how protein and exercise influence muscle health across the lifespan. His work uses advanced tracer methods and muscle biopsies to explore optimal protein intake, plant vs. animal protein quality, and strategies to combat anabolic resistance.

This episode is brought to you by:

• LMNT - Get your free LMNT Sample Pack → https://drinklmnt.com/DRLYON
• Cozy Earth - Use code DRLYON for up to 40% off - https://cozyearth.com
• Timeline - Get 20% off your order of Mitopure - https://timeline.com/LYON
• OneSkin - Get 15% off with code DRLYON → https://oneskin.co

Find Dr. Nick Burd At:

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: https://ahs.illinois.edu/burd
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/Nicholas_Burd
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BMvk_GMAAAAJ&hl=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-burd-5972b783/

Find Me At:

• Instagram:@drgabriellelyon
• TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
• Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
• YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
• X (Twitter):