I’ve been using the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for Nervous System Retraining since November 2023, and I’m excited to share the health improvements that have continued since my fall health update.
My MCAS was triggered by a combination of gut dysbiosis (causing leaky gut), trauma from caregiving and repeated concussions, toxic mold exposure, and several chronic infections.
About fifteen years ago I started healing my chronic infections, which included Lyme Disease and co-infections. Over the last three years, I have systematically addressed SIBO, parasites, trauma, vagus nerve injury, and mold detoxification.
In the years since 2020, I started eating a low-histamine diet, and I experimented with Keto, intermittent fasting, and drastically reducing oxalates, sulfur, salicylates, and FODMAPS.
A year ago I could only tolerate twelve foods. I worked hard to find different ways to prepare these ingredients so that I had some variety in my diet.
In the last ten years, our family has spent over $100,000 on supplements for three chronically ill family members. A year ago I was taking over 40 supplements and medications.
Today I am taking only 12 supplements and medications. I consider my MCAS to be managed and in remission. I occasionally have SIBO symptoms if I get a bump on my head (because of my multiple concussions), but a quick refresher with the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) corrects that within a day.
A year ago I also struggled to exercise regularly, and often could only walk short distances due to pain and inflammation. Over the summer I gradually worked up my stamina so that I successfully solo backpacked over 300 miles. My latest book covers the story of that journey.
The top three treatments that have helped me heal my MCAS the most were nervous system retraining with the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), healing my gut, and being in nature.
I started using the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) in November 2023. The SSP is an app on your phone (or laptop or other device) with specially filtered music that heals the nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve. You listen to the specially curated music for 30 minutes each day for a 20-day cycle and then take a break for the healing to integrate.
I began by doing the SSP listening practice daily for 20 days, then took a break for 30 days. Then I repeated the SSP listening practice, and over the last year, I gradually increased the time between doing the 20-day listening practice and taking a break. Between each cycle (listen then break) I noticed huge improvements. Trauma patterns healed and I identified trauma that I didn’t even know was there.
I began tolerating more and more foods. Slowly I could exercise again. A year ago I could only tolerate 12 foods and I took over 40 medications and supplements. Now I only avoid gluten (and limit sugar and high-sulfur foods) and just take 12 medications and supplements.
A year ago I could only walk short distances; over the last year, I backpacked over 300 miles. SSP seems to calm all sorts of sensitivities, and the longer you do SSP, the more improvement occurs.
I also had a lot of medical trauma from caregiving, medical procedures, and being dismissed by medical providers. Those trauma loops have fallen away as I’ve healed.
Another example is I reacted to wool starting in childhood, and now I’m able to wear merino wool.
In addition to nervous system retraining, I healed my gut with the Supergut diet. For me, this meant treating SIBO, realizing I had difficulty metabolizing sulfur, supplementing with digestive enzymes and butyric acid, and adhering to a gluten-free diet. The most life-changing improvements in this area happened when I started making my probiotic-rich yogurt.
After spending over 30 nights camping outside in the wilderness alone this summer I can’t ignore that nature is healing. After my first 3-day backpacking trip, my inflammation decreased dramatically, and my worst MCAS symptom (neuropathy) disappeared. Each time I went out on a 3-4 day backpacking trip I successfully tried new foods that I had previously not tolerated. When I went home from these trips I noticed that my inflammation and symptoms took longer an longer to creep back. As the summer progressed I got physically stronger and gained endurance. I stopped experiencing the symptoms of exercise intolerance early in the summer, and I began to gradually lose the excess weight I had been carrying. I also noticed that my nervous system was better regulated when I spent prolonged time in nature. I slept better, exercised more efficiently, and felt better for longer periods after coming back home.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. It can cause severe, disabling symptoms every day, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis. MCAS often occurs with other chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Managing MCAS is challenging because many healthcare providers are unaware of it, and diagnostic tests can be unreliable. Treatments involve using antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and avoiding triggers. Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.
The bucket theory simplifies understanding symptom reactions with MCAS. Imagine your body as an empty bucket you don’t want to overflow. Reactions to various stimuli fill the histamine bucket at different rates, forming the total histamine level (how full your bucket is). More histamine means more symptoms. By managing triggers, reducing exposures, and taking medications and supplements, you can control your bucket’s level.
Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your rescue plan. This post discusses how to recognize your symptom progression so you can be prepared to address those symptoms.
Want a tool to easily keep track of your symptoms? Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive my free 50-page ebook of lower-histamine, grain-free, sugar-free recipes, my free symptom log, and a free two-week meal plan!
Want a tool to easily keep track of your symptoms? Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive my free 50-page ebook of lower-histamine, grain-free, sugar-free recipes, my free symptom log, and a free two-week meal plan!Rocks and Roots chronicles my journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.
Healy is an individualized microcurrent device I use to reduce inflammation. Check out this post for more about Healy.
I provide one-on-one in-person and remote chronic illness and caregiver coaching and Sacred Self-Healing Sessions based on the Sacred Self-Healing Method, a proven novel co-creative healing modality detailed in my Books.
Click here for more information.
I’d love to have your reply below!
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.
Here's my annual year-end gratitude post! I am so grateful to you, readers, for following…
Here is a new recipe for lower histamine rice krispie treats that are refined-sugar-free, gluten-free,…
Here is a new recipe for lower histamine chocolate pie that I made for Thanksgiving!…
Here is my recipe for lower histamine roast chicken. This is my favorite roast meat…
Here is my new recipe for lower histamine roasted squash.
I'm excited to announce the presales have begun for my newest book, "Rocks and Roots:…
This website uses cookies.