I Was Healthy Until I Wasn’t: Dr. Steph's take on Long COVID, Mast Cell & Stealth Infections

In this solo episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro gets personal about the health journey she has experienced over the last several years and what she has learned about long COVID, mast cell activation, dysautonomia, stealth infections and the complex cascade of symptoms that can happen when the immune system becomes dysregulated. Dr. Steph shares why someone can be healthy and functioning normally for years before an infection or another stressor suddenly brings underlying issues to the surface, and why symptoms such as unexplained anxiety, panic, tachycardia, brain fog, swelling, digestive issues, sleep disruption, fatigue and exercise intolerance may have deeper physiological drivers. She explains the connection between the spike protein, ACE2 receptors, mast cells, histamine, blood flow, endothelial dysfunction, microclotting, mitochondria, electrolyte imbalances and the nervous system, while emphasizing that calming the nervous system alone may not address the underlying problem. Dr. Steph also walks through some of the foundational strategies and tools that supported her own recovery, including electrolytes and minerals, compression, lymphatic support, nutrition, mitochondrial support, binders, nervous system regulation and addressing the infections and other factors contributing to the overall picture. Most importantly, she shares a message she wishes more people struggling with these symptoms would hear: this is not your fault, and feeling unwell does not mean you are weak. Your symptoms are messages from your body, and understanding the bigger picture can be an important part of finding a path forward.Let us know your thoughts on this episode hereFor any further information, feel free to email us at [email protected].  Our team is happy to help.  We offer 20-minute complimentary health calls, and you can sign up for one here.