The Neuroimmune Impact of Environmental Exposure with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides

Support the Institute today. https://givenow.nova.edu/the-institut... In today's episode, Haylie Pomroy is joined by Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world's leading authorities on mast cell biology and neuroimmunology, to reframe multiple chemical sensitivity as a measurable, physiological immune response rooted in mast cell activation. Dr. Theoharides explains how mast cells in the body and brain react to triggers such as environmental chemicals, stress, fragrances, and mold toxins, releasing mediators that can impact multiple organ systems. He discusses key labs and biomarkers to request, why this condition is often missed, and practical steps patients can take to reduce mast cell reactivity through natural compounds, environmental changes, and targeted testing. This is a conversation that gives patients the clinical language and tools they need to stop being dismissed and start getting answers. Tune in to Hope and Help For Fatigue and Chronic Illness. Key points: 00:01 Introduction 02:35 Defining multiple chemical sensitivity 04:40 Chronic autoimmune conditions and chemical exposures 06:36 Why standard masks do not protect against odors 07:41 The public health impact of environmental chemicals 08:55 Fluorescent lighting, new carpets, and the chemicals 11:11 Why chemical sensitivity is not a weakness 15:26 Immune system when mast cells are activated 16:02 The 300 receptors on mast cells 17:01 How odors travel through the olfactory nerve 17:51 How stress hormones lower mast cell activation threshold 19:44 Who to see for a mast cell activation diagnosis 21:09 What mast cells are and what they release when activated 24:35 Biomarkers and labs to request for MCAS 26:56 Skin testing, immunotherapy, and restoring gut health 30:31 Why stress makes chemical sensitivity dramatically worse 30:34 Natural compounds that block mast cell reactivity 33:20 Measuring heavy metals and VEGF in clinical practice Dr. Theoharis Theoharides is a Professor, Vice Chair of Clinical Immunology, and Director at the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine-Clearwater, an Adjunct Professor of Immunology at Tufts School of Medicine, where he was a Professor of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, and also the Director of Molecular Immunopharmacology & Drug Discovery, and Clinical Pharmacologist at the Massachusetts Drug Formulary Commission (1983-2022). He received his BA, MS, MPhil, PhD, and MD degrees and the Winternitz Price in Pathology from Yale University and received a Certificate in Global Leadership from Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Dr. Theoharides has 485 publications (46,491 citations; h-index 106), placing him in the world’s top 2% of most cited authors, and he was rated the worldwide expert on mast cells by Expertscape. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, the Rare Diseases Hall of Fame, and the World Academy of Sciences. Website: https://www.drtheoharides.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/theoharis-theoharides-ms-phd-md-faaaai-67123735 Instagram:   / dr.theoharides   Haylie Pomroy, Founder and CEO of The Haylie Pomroy Group, is a leading health strategist specializing in metabolism, weight loss, and integrative wellness. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked with top medical institutions and high-profile clients, developing targeted programs and supplements rooted in the "Food is Medicine" philosophy. Inspired by her own autoimmune journey, she combines expertise in nutrition, biochemistry, and patient advocacy to help others reclaim their health. She is a New York Times bestselling author of The Fast Metabolism Diet. Website: https://hayliepomroy.com Instagram:   / hayliepomroy   Facebook:   / hayliepomroy   YouTube:    / @hayliepomroy   LinkedIn:   / hayliepomroy   X: https://x.com/hayliepomroy Thank you for tuning in to the Hope and Help For Fatigue and Chronic Illness Podcast. Sign up today for our newsletter. 👉 https://nova.us4.list-manage.com/subs... Enjoy our show? Please leave us a 5-star review so we can bring hope and help to others This podcast is brought to you by the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Learn more about us here. Website: https://www.nova.edu/nim/ Facebook:   / instituteforneuroimmunemedicine   Instagram:   / nsu_inim   Twitter:   / nsu_inim   TikTok:   / nsu_inim   Your support goes a long way toward the advancement of clinical research. Donate here. 👉 https://www.nova.edu/nim/donations.html #MastCellActivation #MultipleChemicalSensitivity #Neuroinflammation