What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome? 

By Mariela Amiri, Traditional Naturopath & Patient Coordinator 

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) causes a range of symptoms due to an overactive immune response, often triggered by other factors. The symptoms can vary widely depending on which systems are affected, but may include hives, flushing, itching, runny nose,  abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, headache,  rapid heart rate, low blood pressure,  shortness of breath, and swelling.

Some Key Things to Know About MCAS 

There are a variety of possible triggers, such as: 

• Gluten
• Alcohol 
• Coffee
• Casein
• Environmental allergens
• Perfumes (including essential oils)
• Electromagnetic waves (EMFs)
• Flame retardants
• Heat and/or cold
• Plastic
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
• Stress
• Mold
• Viruses and bacteria
• Glyphosate
• Heavy metals
• Artificial Colorings
• Preservatives 
• Foods high in salicylates
• Highly allergenic foods

Foods to Avoid with MCAS 

There are foods that patients with mast cell activation disorder seem to be more reactive to overall. These include but are not limited to:

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), alcohol, coffee, black tea, shellfish, artificial food dyes and flavorings, food preservatives, tomatoes & tomato based products, chocolate, fermented foods, leftover meats, smoked meats, cheese, avocado, bananas, papayas, citrus fruits and pineapples.

Natural Support for People with MCAS

DAO 

DAO is the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the digestive tract from food, drink, and the microbiome. If histamine is left unmetabolized, it can build up and absorb through the gut lining. When absorbed systemically, it can become activated via various histamine receptors throughout the body, causing a release of excess histamine and uncomfortable symptoms. DAO may be reduced for a number of reasons, including medications that act like intestinal DAO blockers, genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect DAO activity, gut dysbiosis, and reduced nutrient cofactors that are required for DAO and other histamine pathway enzymes to work efficiently. Taking DAO provides natural antihistamine support from high-histamine foods.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a biologically active flavonoid antioxidant that is widely distributed in plants including oak trees, onions, and tea. Quercetin has strong antioxidant activity and has been shown to support immune health by mediating the release of inflammatory compounds. Quercetin is known for its ability to stabilize mast cells, diminishing the release of histamine, and acting like a natural antihistamine.

Stinging Nettles Leaf

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettles, is a plant that has been shown to balance immune response, specifically in the airways and nasal passages. Studies have shown that the extract of stinging nettle leaves act as a natural antihistamine, balancing a variety of inflammatory activities that affect respiratory health. Stinging nettle leaf controls mast-cell degradation and histamine action all contributing to a balanced inflammatory response. Stinging nettle is an excellent natural antihistamine.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a plant enzyme naturally found on the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that aids in the breakdown of large protein complexes, including antigenic compounds, and has been shown to enhance the absorption of quercetin. Bromelain has been shown to reduce circulating allergenic protection against seasonal discomfort.

N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid precursor to one of the most important antioxidants in the body, glutathione.  Both glutathione and NAC help reduce the viscosity of the mucus allowing for clearing of the airways and improved respiratory health.

Probiotics

Histamine intolerance is exacerbated by poor gut health. Gut bacteria play an essential role in supporting healthy inflammatory processes, digestion, and even histamine metabolism. There is evidence that B. Longum aids in breaking down histamine and ammonia, as well as increasing levels of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid responsible for protecting the gut wall. Another powerful probiotic is found in the lactobacillus species. L. Plantarum. This good bacteria has frequently been mentioned as one of the best strains of probiotic bacteria for combating histamine issues.

Other Supplements That Inhibit Mast Cells:

• Luteolin: Enters the brain and inhibits mast cells activation & less phenolic than quercetin
• Vitamin D: Anti-inflammatory
• Rutin: Inhibits histamine release after broken down in the gut

Supplements that support the immune system:

• Curcumin: Inhibits the degranulation of mast cells but it also decreases DAO
• Zinc: Inhibits allergic responses
• Vitamin C: Increases DAO to break down histamine.
• Vitamin E: Inhibits histamine release

Supplements that are antioxidants:

• Resveratrol: Inhibits IgE allergy reactions, very high phenol content
• Green Tea (EGCG): Anti-allergic

If you have or suspect you have MCAS, give us a call at Longevity Health Center. Our practitioners and support staff are here to come alongside you on your healing journey.