How Long COVID, Dysautonomia, and Mast Cells Wreak Havoc on the Body: A Story from Emma Robertson of the Vagus Clinic

In this episode of the What Happens in Vagus podcast, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with nurse Emma Robertson to explore her journey from high functioning perfectionism to a full nervous system crash and eventual recovery. With a background in human anatomy and frontline healthcare, Emma shares both the clinical and deeply personal realities of living with dysautonomia and chronic nervous system dysregulation.Emma’s symptoms began after graduating university and starting an intense nursing job that left her overworked, under fueled, and ignoring early warning signs like gut issues, rashes, and anxiety. Over time, a combination of stress, restrictive eating, nutrient depletion, and environmental and immune stressors pushed her system past its limit, leading to a sudden and frightening escalation of symptoms.She describes experiencing hyperadrenergic POTS, heart rhythm disturbances, constant panic, severe digestive dysfunction, blood sugar crashes, insomnia, dizziness, and exercise and heat intolerance. Many of her symptoms were misattributed to anxiety, leaving her feeling hijacked by her own body.Emma and Dr. Canestraro discuss the tools that supported her healing, including adequate nutrition, frequent meals, electrolytes, binders, gentle movement, lymphatic support, nervous system regulation, and mindset shifts rooted in safety and trust. Emma also shares what did not help, including extreme diets, fasting, and electrical vagal nerve stimulation, which worsened her symptoms.This episode offers insight, validation, and hope for anyone navigating dysautonomia, chronic illness, or nervous system overload, and emphasizes that healing often begins by slowing down, nourishing the body, and learning to listen to its signals.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.

This episode dives into the world of women’s hormonal health with Dr. Prudence Hall, who shares how her career shifted from gynecological surgery to integrative medicine after realizing how poorly menopause was being addressed in conventional care. She breaks down why individualized treatment matters, especially when it comes to bioidentical hormones that mirror the body’s natural chemistry. The conversation explores the underrated role of testosterone in women’s health, from supporting muscle and bone to protecting mental clarity, and how environmental stressors, toxins, and chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance. Dr. Hall also highlights the importance of vitamin D, thyroid function, and comprehensive testing - hormones, antibodies, genetics - to get a full picture of what’s really going on in the body. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the power of collaboration between patients and practitioners and the need for a more thoughtful, personalized approach to navigating menopause and beyond. Learn more about Dr. Hall - Dr. Prudence Hall is an integrative medicine pioneer and founder of The Hall Center in Santa Monica, specializing in regenerative and hormone-based medicine. A former gynecologic surgeon, she’s spent over three decades helping patients restore vitality, balance, and longevity through root-cause healing. Dr. Hall’s approach blends modern science with holistic wellness, focusing on the powerful mind–body connection and the role of the nervous system in overall health.Find Dr. Hall on Instagram hereCheck out The Hall Center here.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.

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro is joined by Dr. Leah Barbaro for a deep dive into the hidden health challenges affecting athletes today. Together, they unpack why so many professionals struggle with lymphatic stagnation, gut dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and the growing burden of environmental toxins. They explore the rise in mast cell activation, the overlooked role of parasites, and why standard nutrition and supplement protocols fall short for high-performing bodies. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the importance of holistic care, strategic detoxification, mitochondrial support, and building a resilient system from the ground up. Whether you’re an athlete or someone navigating similar symptoms, this episode empowers you to understand your body, make informed choices, and take control of your long-term health. 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.

In this solo episode, Dr. Steph dives deep into the complex world of mast cell activation, histamine intolerance, and anxiety that isn’t really “just anxiety.” She explains how toxins, infections, mold, and even environmental factors like 5G and chemicals can hijack your body’s immune and nervous systems, creating a cascade of symptoms that often get mislabeled as anxiety or panic. Dr. Steph breaks down what mast cells actually do, how chronic inflammation starts, and why so many people feel “electric,” overstimulated, or stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Through a recent real-life case study, she reveals how everyday exposures (like an epoxy garage renovation) can re-trigger old health patterns, and she outlines how to calm the system using binders, nutrition, lymphatic support, and vagus nerve regulation. This episode is equal parts science and story, helping listeners connect the dots between their symptoms and their biology, and reminding them that true healing starts when we ask: Is it anxiety… or is it toxicity?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.

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with Dr. Kendal Stewart, a board-certified neurotologist who made the remarkable transition from neurosurgery to functional medicine. Together, they unpack how understanding root causes, not just symptoms, can transform patient outcomes. Dr. Stewart dives deep into the lasting neurological effects of COVID, explaining how inflammation and immune activation can alter the brain and body. The two explore the critical connection between genetics, immune response, and hormonal balance, especially when it comes to mast cell activation in women.Listeners will also learn why turning off inflammation is key to recovery, how insulin resistance quietly impacts overall health, and the promising role of peptides and exosomes in immune and neurological repair. Dr. Stewart shares how personalized medicine, nutrigenomics, and genetic testing allow practitioners to tailor treatments that target inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalances, and gut dysfunction at their source. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of genetics, functional medicine, and cutting-edge approaches to healing from the inside out.More on Dr. Stewart: As a board-certified neurotologist with advanced training in both surgery and cellular science, Dr. Kendal Stewart has dedicated his life’s work to uncovering root causes and tailoring individualized solutions through genetic testing, functional medicine, and integrative care. His approach emphasizes prevention as much as treatment, using lifestyle, nutrition, and nervous system support as daily fuel for better brain function. A nationally recognized expert in neuroimmune disorders— including genetic abnormalities, chronic pain, ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum conditions, he provides practical tools to regulate stress, stabilize energy, boost mental clarity, and gain overall wellness. Dr. Stewart brings not only clinical authority but also an empowering, real-world lens—helping families, patients, and professionals better understand and improve the nervous system and immune function.Tune into Coffee with Dr. Stewart hereFollow him on Instagram hereKeywords: functional medicine, neurotology, inflammation, genetics, immune system, COVID-19, mast cell activation, insulin resistance, peptides, neurotransmitters, personalized medicine, plasmapheresis, exosomes, gut health, nutritionLet 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.

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, host Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with Kayse Gehret, founder of Microdosing for Healing, to explore the fascinating world of microdosing psilocybin and its growing role in mental health, wellness, and alternative medicine. Together, they unpack the science behind psilocybin’s impact on the nervous system, including how it interacts with serotonin receptors in both the brain and gut to support emotional regulation and cognitive clarity. Kayse shares her personal healing journey and how microdosing helped her overcome seizures, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being without the “altered state” many people associate with psychedelics.Listeners will learn how microdosing can offer powerful support for conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic illness, often leading to enhanced mood, deeper self-awareness, and improved mental resilience. The conversation also touches on the importance of quality sourcing, the evolving legal landscape, and how proper education is key to safe and effective practice. With more health professionals exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, this episode offers an eye-opening look at how small doses can lead to profound healing and a deeper connection to self.More about Kayse Gehret: Kayse Gehret is the founder of Microdosing for Healing and creator of the first-of-its-kind Professional Microdosing Facilitator Program. With nearly 30 years in the healing arts and a global community in 30+ countries, Kayse helps individuals and practitioners harness the potential of microdosing to heal trauma, regulate the nervous system, and reconnect with their innate wisdom.Visit Microdosing for HealingLet 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.

In this powerful episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with marketing strategist and Lyme warrior Allie Chandler to share their parallel journeys through chronic illness, mold exposure, POTS, and long COVID. Together, they uncover the hidden connections between stealth infections, environmental triggers, and dysautonomia symptoms many patients struggle to explain. Allie shares her decade-long experience with Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and functional medicine recovery—including the ups and downs of working high-stress jobs while healing—and reveals the holistic, functional, and sometimes unconventional protocols that moved the needle in her recovery, from limbic system retraining and EMDR to parasite cleansing and homeopathics. Dr. Steph discusses the importance of being non-dogmatic in healing, how the vagus nerve and lymphatic flow play a central role in chronic symptoms, and why open communication between patients and practitioners leads to breakthroughs. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the conventional system, are navigating post-COVID or mold-related health challenges, or want to explore functional medicine tools for healing your heart, nervous system, and immune resilience, this episode offers both practical tips and hope. More on Allie:Allie Chandler, founder of Upsell Health (www.upsellhealth.com), is a leading marketing strategist specializing in functional medicine and wellness brands. After her own healing journey from chronic Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and parasites transformed her from bedbound to thriving, she discovered her passion for helping practitioners share their healing gifts with the world.With over 11 years of experience, Allie has held executive positions at industry giants including CellCore Biosciences, Microbiome Labs, and Novozymes OneHealth. She's scaled supplement companies to $60-100M in revenue, launched 21+ products, and generated $1.3M/month in Amazon sales.Holding a Master's in Writing from California College of the Arts and certification as a Lyme Specialist from Trinity College of Natural Health, Allie bridges the gap between scientific expertise and compelling storytelling. Her Practitioner Archetype Framework (upsellhealth.com/archetype) and Wellness Marketing Playbook help practitioners market authentically while building thriving, sustainable practices.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.

In this enlightening episode of What Happens in Vagus with Dr. Steph, we sit down with Kelly Bento, Founder of Soleil Well and a leading voice in the innovation of circadian wellness and red light therapy. Kelly shares her deeply personal journey from navigating a family medical crisis to creating safe, effective red light therapy tools designed to support mitochondrial health, recovery, and overall vitality. Together, Dr. Steph and Kelly explore why light is more than just what we see, it’s the software that runs the hardware of our bodies. They discuss how modern environments have stripped us of vital near-infrared exposure, how to choose a safe and effective red light device, and the powerful ways this therapy can be used for everything from chronic illness to athletic performance and nervous system regulation. Listeners will gain practical insights into daily light hygiene, tips for integrating natural and supplemental light exposure, and how to protect themselves from harmful artificial light and EMFs. Whether you’re an athlete, a health seeker, or simply curious about the future of wellness, this episode is packed with science, stories, and solutions that illuminate the path back to nature’s rhythms. Please check out Soleil Well here and use code VAGUSCLINIC10 for 10% off.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.

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, host Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with Cheyanne Welton, widely known as The Biohacking Nurse, to explore the cutting-edge world of peptides, microdosing GLP-1s, and strategies for stabilizing mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Cheyanne shares her personal health journey — from battling Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and autoimmune conditions to discovering how specific peptides transformed her recovery and resilience.Together, Dr. Stephanie and Cheyanne unpack the science and practical applications of BPC-157, CJC/Ipamorelin, Tirzepatide, TB-500, GHK-Cu, and more. They discuss how microdosing GLP-1 agonists can reduce inflammation, support hormone balance, improve metabolic health, and even calm microglial activation in the brain. Cheyanne also reveals incredible real-world stories, including how peptides helped her mother avoid hospitalizations, and why starting with the right peptide — and the right dose — is key to success.The conversation goes beyond theory, diving into post-COVID health challenges, POTS, histamine intolerance, spike protein protocols, and strategies for working with functional medicine practitioners to get results. Whether you’re an athlete, someone navigating chronic illness, or simply curious about biohacking for longevity, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiring success stories from the frontlines of functional medicine and regenerative health.Cheyanne's Bio: Cheyanne is a registered nurse and functional wellness expert who became The Biohacking Nurse after facing years of complex, unresolved health challenges that left even doctors stumped. Determined to heal, she dove deep into functional medicine, biohacking, and root-cause approaches—becoming her own best case study. Today, she helps others navigate their own healing journeys using the tools, strategies, and cutting-edge therapies that changed her life—from peptides and detox to lifestyle upgrades and beyond. She calls Idaho home and loves the mountains and cold plunging in the lakes. When she is not studying health, you can find her gardening barefoot and enjoying all things homemaking. Find The Biohacking Nurse on Instagram hereLet 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.

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with Farah Zipursky for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about chronic illness, healing, and the importance of taking a holistic approach to wellness. Farah shares how her health journey began while living in Australia, where a growing interest in nutrition and whole foods led her down the path of functional medicine. Struggling with Bell’s Palsy and later receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis, Farah was forced to look deeper into the root causes of her chronic symptoms. Her exploration into gut health, nervous system regulation, and detoxification became the foundation of her healing process. Together, Dr. Steph and Farah dive into the importance of lymphatic health, regular bowel movements, and the role of environmental toxins in chronic disease. They touch on the benefits and limitations of treatments like stem cell therapy and hyperthermia, and how integrating conventional and functional medicine can lead to more effective outcomes. This episode also highlights the often invisible struggles of chronic illness and the vital role patient empowerment plays in recovery. Farah emphasizes that healing is a slow, intentional process that requires patience, persistence, and support, and that understanding your body is one of the most powerful tools on the journey to wellness. 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.