Episode 81 - Dr. Karen Herbst - Lipedema, Mast Cells & the Hidden Inflammation No One Talks About
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Meet Dr. Karen Herbst
Karen Herbst, PhD, MD, is a prominent board-certified endocrinologist and one of the leading researchers in lipedema and connective tissue disorders. She is the lead author of the United States standard of care for lipedema and serves as Head of Research at The Roxbury Institute, home to the Advanced Lipedema Treatment (ALT) program. Internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work, Dr. Herbst has led significant advancements in the understanding of Lipedema, Dercum’s disease, and related conditions.
What We Talk About
• Dr. Herbst’s journey from early curiosity about fat disorders to becoming a leader in Lipedema research.
• The role of mast cell activation in Lipedema and why it's often overlooked or hard to diagnose.
• Common mast cell symptoms in Lipedema patients: itching, flushing, rashes, GI issues, migraines, and more.
• Why women with Lipedema often experience elevated inflammation, hormone resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• How gut health, leaky gut, and lipopolysaccharides can trigger full-body inflammation.
• The importance of testing for histamine, tryptase, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and related biomarkers.
• Natural and pharmaceutical mast cell stabilizers: quercetin, pycnogenol, dextroamphetamine, and GLP-1s.
• The link between thyroid resistance, leptin resistance, and connective tissue inflammation.
• Why hyperbaric oxygen therapy and vagus nerve regulation may help reduce mast cell symptoms post-surgery.
• The connection between vein disease and fat growth in Lipedema, and why spider veins and vascular symptoms matter.
• Mitochondrial support strategies: B vitamins, CoQ10, nicotinamide riboside, and NAD precursors.
• Why microdosing GLP-1s may be the most powerful non-surgical tool for managing inflammation and relapse prevention.
• How environmental triggers like mold, chronic infection, autoimmune disease, and slow gut motility can set Lipedema in motion.
• The future of Lipedema research and the urgent need to study female-specific genes, collagen variants, and immune signaling.
Episode Resources
Function Health
Track key biomarkers at home to uncover inflammation and immune imbalances linked to Lipedema and MCAS. Use code ESCHLICK10 for a discount.
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Desbio
Homeopathic remedies to support detox and immune balance, helpful for inflammation and complex conditions like lipedema.
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Qualia Life
Mitochondrial support with NAD+ to fight fatigue and inflammation, key in lipedema care. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 15% OF
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Rho Nutrition
Liquid blends to support detox, lymph flow, and immune regulation. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 15% OFF first purchase.
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Pulsetto
Vagus nerve stimulator to support calm and inflammation regulation.
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Somavedic
EMF harmonizing tech that helps reduce inflammation and stress response. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 10% OFF.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/somavedic
Thorne
Nutrients like Quercetin and NAD+ precursors to support mitochondria and natural antihistamine function in Lipedema care.
shop.thetrailtohealth.com/thorne
Keywords
Lipedema, mast cell activation, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, GLP-1, CoQ10, NAD, histamine, leaky gut, vagus nerve, nervous system, vein disease, fibrosis, thyroid resistance, leptin, food sensitivities, hyperbaric oxygen, post-surgical care, autoimmunity, women’s health.
