48. It’s NOT “Just Anxiety”: The Real Reason You Feel So Sick (and Misunderstood) with Michelle Shapiro

Have you ever felt like your body is sending you signals, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, but no one’s connecting the dots? In this episode, I sat down with functional dietitian Michele Shapiro to explore the deeply misunderstood conditions of MCAS, POTS, histamine intolerance, and nervous system dysregulation. Together, we unpack why these syndromes are on the rise, how trauma and stress responses are often at the root, and what your symptoms are really trying to tell you. Michelle shares her own healing journey, insights on hypermobility and postural instability, and the difference between temporary relief and true regulation. You’ll learn how to stop chasing protocols and start listening to your body in a radically new way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling chronically unwell, dismissed by conventional care, or seeking a more compassionate and integrative path to healing. Michelle Shapiro is a functional dietitian specializing in nervous system dysregulation, MCAS, POTS, and histamine intolerance. She’s the founder of the Highly Sensitive Body Hub and host of the Quiet the Diet podcast. We Also Discuss: (00:00) Healing Origins, Histamine, and Community (05:36) What It Means to Be Rooted in Wellness (10:59) Leaving Traditional Nutrition Behind (16:06) Long COVID, Mold, and the Path to Recovery (22:27) Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms and Root Causes (32:59) Food Triggers, Nervous System, and Individuality (40:58) POTS, Hypermobility, and Autonomic Dysfunction (01:09:02) Empowering Healing and Wellness Through Coaching Thanks to our Sponsors: OneSkin: Get 15% off your first order with the code MONA at oneskin.co/MONA Rooted Academy: Join Rooted Academy by Mona Sharma, a science-backed, community-driven wellness platform designed to help you heal from within. Start your journey to balance, vitality, and lasting transformation. https://www.monasharma.com/rooted 12 Tips: Get instant access to "12 Wellness Tips to Awaken Your Best Health" and begin making powerful changes RIGHT AWAY at https://www.monasharma.com/12tips IM8: Unlock peak daily performance with Daily Ultimate Essentials—92 powerhouse nutrients backed by NASA scientists, Mayo Clinic experts, and David Beckham himself. Use code MONA for 10% off. Learn more about Mona Sharma: Download Your FREE Guide - 12 Wellness Tips to Unlock Your Best Health Now: Ready to reclaim your vitality? Download Mona’s 12 Wellness Tips and take actionable steps to transform your health, energy, and mindset. Get started now at https://monasharma.com/12tips. Visit Mona's website: https://monasharma.com – Unlock powerful tools and wisdom rooted in wellness to elevate your health, energy, and clarity. Mona blends ancient healing practices with modern science to help you achieve lasting transformation. Follow Mona on Instagram: Stay connected with Mona for daily inspiration, holistic health tips, and personal growth. Join the conversation on Instagram at https://instagram.com/monasharma. Learn more about Michelle Shapiro Website: michelleshapirord.com Instagram: @michelleshapirord​ Facebook: Michelle Shapiro, RD​