Dr. Shannyn's Blog

Random rashes, unexplained itching, skin that reacts to everything... for some people those histamine symptoms are actually a virus flaring in the nerves and skin.

If your ferritin stays stubbornly low no matter how much iron you take, the number might not be the real problem. What if a virus is quietly using it up? 

When most people hear “herpes virus,” they think cold sores or shingles.

But there are 8 human herpesviruses. And they live in the body for life.

These viruses can remain dormant, reactivate under stress, and contribute to chronic symptoms even when no obvious outbreak is present.

If you’ve lived with migraines for years, you know the routine.
Medications. Elimination diets. Hormone testing. Supplements. Stress management. Maybe even being told, “Your labs look normal.”

That was my story too.

One of the most important skills I’ve learned while managing chronic Epstein-Barr is this: catching a flare early changes everything.

EBV flares don’t usually hit out of nowhere. They tend to creep in quietly. A little more fatigue than usual. Body aches that move around. Brain fog. Anxiety. Trouble sleeping. When I notice my specific early signs and respond right away, I can often stop a full-blown flare before it takes over my body.

January has a way of making us feel like we need to fix everything at once.

New routines. Big goals. A “fresh start.”

If your body is already tired, inflamed, or dealing with chronic EBV, that kind of pressure usually backfires.

So here’s a much gentler way to start the new year....

We’re officially in the season of peppermint bark, party trays, and “oh well, it’s the holidays” thinking. And listen… we get it. Sometimes the coo...

If you’ve been eating well, taking your supplements, managing stress as best you can… and you STILL feel tired, inflamed, or “off,” you’re not alone. And it's probably not anything you're doing wrong.

If your kids, coworkers and the person who used the self-checkout lane in front of you are all sniffling and coughing… you already know what time it is. So let's talk staying well this winter. We know you know the basics: eat real food and stay hydrated. Those matter, of course. But we want to encourage you to up your game this winter. These are the things most people don’t think about enough… but should.

If your energy, mood, or sleep have been feeling “off,” your hormones might be trying to tell you something. The good news? Small, consistent daily habits can make a big difference.

Here are two powerful (and surprisingly simple) ways to support healthy hormone balance this season.

Heartburn and acid reflux are no fun, and if you’re one of the more than 15 million Americans experiencing symptoms every day, you know just how disruptive they can be. With all the research coming out about the risks of acid reducers and PPIs, it’s clear we need smarter, gentler ways to manage acid reflux without causing more harm.

If you’ve ever wondered where to start when it comes to eating for better energy, less pain, and a happier gut, this is it. Think of this as your quick-and-dirty guide to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet.