Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein

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Truth Bombs & Backlash with Kate Colbert (Ep 159) Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

After a wave of passionate listener feedback sparked intense conversations behind the scenes, The Bendy Bodies Podcast returns with a candid and heartfelt follow-up. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by author and communications expert Kate Colbert to openly address the concerns raised about recent content and to set the record straight. From questions about language and lived experience to the emotional cost of being misunderstood, Dr. Bluestein and Kate hold nothing back. Together, they unpack what went wrong, what they stand by, and what they’ll do differently moving forward. This is the episode that proves growth is messy, but worth it.

Takeaways

What sparked intense pushback from listeners this season

Why language matters more than ever in the chronic illness community

Why science isn't always black and white

The frustrations of medical and scientific uncertainty

What happens when a podcast decides to grow in public

Find the episode transcript here.

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Discussing Your Feedback: Pain, Autism & hEDS Diagnostic Criteria | Office Hours (Ep 158) Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

In the season five finale of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein reflects on powerful listener feedback and opens up important conversations about language, intent, and identity in medicine. She clarifies the purpose behind episodes on pain neuroscience and mast cells in autism, acknowledges the concerns raised, and discusses the fine line between supporting physiology and honoring identity. She also addresses concerns raised about the neuroplasticity episode, reaffirming that the intent was never to minimize anyone’s pain or suggest a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Instead, the goal was to share information that some may find empowering while honoring the reality and validity of every person’s experience. Dr. Bluestein also revisits the ongoing “Road to 2026” diagnostic criteria update for hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), highlighting why labels matter for some patients and not for others. This wrap-up episode closes the season with transparency, humility, and a call for continued dialogue in the community.

Takeaways

Why pain is always real—even when labeled “non-structural”
How mast cell research intersects with autism without erasing identity
Why a hEDS diagnosis matters for some patients—but not for all
What the upcoming 2026 hEDS criteria changes could mean for the community
How listener feedback shapes the future of Bendy Bodies

Find the episode transcipt here.

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Can Pain Education Lessen Chronic Pain with Adriaan Louw, DPT? (Ep 156) Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In this illuminating episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with pain neuroscientist and physical therapist Dr. Adriaan Louw to explore the power of education in managing chronic pain. With a passion for helping people understand the "why" behind their symptoms, Dr. Louw breaks down the science of how the brain processes pain, why knowledge can reduce fear, and how changing your understanding can actually decrease your pain experience. Through engaging stories and evidence-backed insight, he shares how rewiring the nervous system starts not with a pill, but with a conversation.

Takeaways

Why pain persists even after healing has occurred
Connecting fear, misunderstandings, and pain
What you can learn about pain to start to reduce it

What clinicians often miss when treating chronic symptoms
How to approach pain as a brain-and-nervous-system issue—not just a body issue

References:

Guest: Dr. Adriaan Louw

Bio & publications: Evidence In Motion
Podcast appearance on PNE+: Integrative Pain Science Institute

Books by Dr. Louw:

Pain Neuroscience Education: Teaching People About Pain
Why Do I Hurt?
Louw et al. (2016) “The Clinical Application of Pain Neuroscience Education” – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26828801/
And more: Dr. Bluestein's Favorite Books

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Could Your Gut Pain Be EDS-Related? with Dr. Pradeep Chopra (Ep 157) Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down once again with fellow pain specialist Dr. Pradeep Chopra to take listeners on a guided “walk” through the GI tract. From teeth to the stomach and beyond, they uncover how connective tissue disorders like EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) and HSD (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders) along with POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and MCAS (Mast cell activation syndrome), can trigger unexpected abdominal pain and digestive challenges. Along the way, they explore overlooked diagnoses like Eagle Syndrome, SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), and MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), while also revealing hacks and strategies that empower patients to better understand and manage their symptoms. This is part one of a two-part deep dive into GI issues you won’t want to miss.

Takeaways

Why EDS patients often have “dancing teeth” and unique dental vulnerabilities
How Eagle Syndrome can masquerade as severe TMJ pain or headaches
The hidden role of MCAS in driving throat and GI inflammation
Why overlooked compression syndromes like MALS and SMA cause devastating abdominal pain
A surprising at-home hack with beets that can reveal slowed gut motility

Note: If you found Dr. Chopra's comments about teeth intriguing, we will address listener feedback in Episode 159, coming soon.

Find the episode transcript here.

References:

AGA Clinical Practice Update on GI Manifestations and Autonomic or Immune Dysfunction in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Expert Review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40387691/

Want more Dr. Pradeep Chopra?

Find previous Bendy Bodies episodes with Dr. Chopra here: ⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/guests/dr-pradeep-chopra/⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.painri.com/⁠

Contact Dr. Chopra’s Office: ⁠⁠snapa102@gmail.com

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38523329/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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⁠

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Gluten, MTHFR, Mast Cells, and More | Office Hours (Ep 155) Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein tackles a series of complex listener questions originally submitted by clinicians after her guest appearance on The Curbsiders internal medicine podcast. From the flaws in the EDS diagnostic criteria to the misunderstood role of MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), celiac disease, and mast cell medications, she offers guidance, clarity, and practical advice. She also digs into how to find a provider who actually understands dysautonomia and shares personal hacks that empower patients to ask smarter questions during appointments. This episode is a toolkit for patients and providers alike, packed with real-world insights you won’t want to miss.

Takeaways:

Why Beighton scoring alone doesn’t cut it for diagnosing EDS
The truth about MTHFR variants and their link to EDS
The overlap between SVT, POTS, and when to worry
What to ask your doctor if you’re not sure they "get" dysautonomia

A breakdown of meds like LDN, ketotifen, and cromolyn—and who they help most

References:

The Curbsiders Podcast EP 480 - Hypermobility with Dr. Linda Bluestein: https://thecurbsiders.com/curbsiders-podcast/480-hypermobility-with-dr-linda-bluestein

hEDS Diagnostic Criteria Checklist

Red Flags Guide (credit: Clair A. Francomano, MD): https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/p/redflags/

Hope for Hypermobility

Find the episode transcript here

Bendy Bodies EP 133: How Internists Think About Complex Illness with Dr. Matthew Watto: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/how-internists-think-about-complex-illness-with-dr-matthew-watto-ben-133/

Bendy Bodies EP 139: Hidden Histamine Threats with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/hidden-histamine-threats-with-dr-theoharis-theoharides-ep-139/

Cromolyn Douche Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30964355/

https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/videos/connective-tissue-disorders-and-lipedema-with-karen-herbst-md/

LDN episode: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/lower-your-eds-pain-office-hours-ep-138/

LDN resource: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/p/low-dose-naltrexone-ldn-for-chronic-pain-eds/

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Revising the Hypermobile EDS Criteria with Dr. Pradeep Chopra (Ep 154) Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

In this compelling episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by her longtime mentor and internationally respected EDS expert, Dr. Pradeep Chopra. Together, they tackle some of the most frustrating—and frequently misunderstood—questions surrounding hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). From major flaws in the 2017 diagnostic criteria to the hidden surgical risks that could lead to serious complications like CCI (craniocervical instability), this conversation dives deep into clinical insights and lived experience. Listeners will also hear the surprising story of how Dr. Chopra helped inspire Dr. Bluestein to open her own practice. Whether you're a patient, parent, or provider, this episode just might change how you see joint hypermobility and connective tissue disorders forever.

Takeaways

Why men and boys may be getting overlooked by the current EDS diagnostic model
The difference between dislocations and subluxations—and why that matters
A surprising source of CCI: what your dentist, surgeon, and anesthesiologist may not know
The 2017 criteria: well-meaning, but are they dangerously outdated?
What every hypermobile patient should bring to their next surgery (yes, it’s a hack)

Want to follow along? Find the episode transcript here.

References:

Episode 70: https://youtu.be/BoRyQh12X2c

Episode 71: https://youtu.be/yDT3JTzfiJk

Episode 72: https://youtu.be/CYhnKkVjIxM

Episode 73: https://youtu.be/2OxtZGNswfo

Episode 77: https://youtu.be/d9A1aJB5GRo

Episode 151: https://youtu.be/ho0rRcjUobI

Perioperative Care in Patients with EDS by Linda Bluestein & Pradeep Chopra: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=97524

Diagnostic Criteria: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/p/diagnostic-criteria-checklist/

The Incidence of Misdiagnosis in Patients with EDS: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/6/698

Living Well with Orthostatic Intolerance by Peter C. Rowe: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd/list/2LQLPARJY3CDS?linkCode=sl2&tag=onamzlindablu-20&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d

2023 Diagnostic Framework: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/diagnosis/new-diagnostic-framework-for-pediatric-joint-hypermobility-v2/

Want more Dr. Pradeep Chopra?

Website: https://www.painri.com/

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Why Do Some GI Problems Hide from Every Test? with Dr. Zachary Spiritos (Ep 153) Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Linda Bluestein dives deep into the tangled web of gastrointestinal disorders with neurogastroenterologist Dr. Zachary Spiritos. They tackle the silent struggles of patients with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), especially those whose GI tests always come back “normal.” From misunderstood motility problems to surprising treatment twists, this episode is full of revelations that might change the way you think about your gut. And yes, there’s even a how-to on better pooping.

Takeaways:

Why your GI test results might be “normal”… but your symptoms are anything but.
How slow motility and visceral hypersensitivity often masquerade as IBS.
The overlooked connection between hypermobility, dysautonomia, and GI dysfunction.
Why some patients are misdiagnosed for years—and how that’s finally changing.

A surprising but effective tip to improve your daily bathroom routine.

References:

Breath-Test for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth): https://www.triosmartbreath.com/

Mark Pimentel, MD: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/mark-pimentel-887112.html

Episode 127: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ngUY9VPRcc

Want more Dr. Zachary Spiritos?

Website:https://www.everbettermedicine.health

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