Arabinogalactan Helpful for Mast Cell Activation (MCAS)
After searching endlessly for supplements to help me beat MCAS, I came across one that was quite unique. This was arabinogalactan, a prebiotic powerhouse that significantly impacts the immune system. Once I tried it for a few months, I knew I had something special. It was subtle, but the benefits compounded over time.
In this article, I will cover the effects arabinogalactin has on the body. In addition, I will discuss how it can help MCAS. This will help you determine if it is a good fit for your current supplement routine. Scroll down to get started!
How Arabinogalactan Helps MCAS
Calms Down Mast Cells
Arabinogalactan can influence mast cells in several ways. By increasing beneficial bacteria, it boosts SCFA levels, which then calms down mast cells. Also, by boosting regulatory T cells, the mast cells become much calmer. Lastly, by strengthening the gut barrier, it reduces the likelihood of triggering events that can irritate the mast cells. If you can eliminate these triggering episodes and take the right supplements, eventually, you can overcome leaky gut. This is absolutely critical for beating MCAS.
Boosts Regulatory T Cells
Arabinogalactan has been shown to stimulate the production of Tregs. These important immune cells are crucial for immune tolerance. The Tregs are responsible for keeping your immune system tolerant to your environmsoent. This is a critical benefit of arabinogalactan because, without immune tolerance, you can’t recover from MCAS. There aren’t many products that affect Tregs, which is why I love it so much. The reality is, if you can control the mast cells/Tregs, you can beat MCAS.
Increases Beneficial Gut Bacteria
Arabinogalactan has been shown to selectively enhance the growth of immune-modulating bacteria like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. If you want to restore your gut health, and calm down the mast cells, you must have adequate levels of these species. Both are critical for resisting pathogens, digestion, immune stability, and overall well-being. If the body is low in either of these important species, inflammation and disease are inevitable. Nearly everyone with MCAS is low in one or both of these KEY species. This is why arabinogalactan can be so important.
Strengthens the Gut Barrier
Since arabinogalactan increases the levels of important bacteria, it boosts SCFAs and reduces the inflammation of the gut lining. The more short chain fatty acids produced, the calmer the gut environment. The calmer it is, the less porous the gut barrier. By increasing the strength of the gut barrier, you reduce the likelihood of food sensitivities and the leakage of pathogens into the blood. Both of these things make the mast cells go crazy. This is the last thing you want if you’re trying to recover from MCAS.
Boost NK Cells/Macrophages
The natural killer cells and macrophages are responsible for eliminating potential threats. If these are increased, you will have less of a pathogenic burden in the blood, calming down the mast cells. In addition, simply by these levels increasing, the mast cells are directed to calm down. They can tell when their top guards wake up after being asleep at the wheel.
Improve Liver Function
Arabinogalactan helps improve liver function because of all of the other benefits I have listed here. By increasing beneficial bacteria, SCFA production increases, which supports liver detoxification. Also, arabinogalactan improves the gut barrier by selectively enhancing the growth of bacteria like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. Strengthening the gut barrier reduces the leakage of bacteria and toxins into the blood, which takes the stress off the liver. This makes it pretty handy for someone with MCAS.
Reduces Inflammatory Molecules
Certain inflammatory molecules send mast cells into a reactive fit. Two of these are TNF-a and IL-6. Fortunately, arabinogalactan has been shown to lower both of these inflammatory cytokines. Due to their impact on mast cells, these cytokines have been implicated in chronic inflammatory disorders like autoimmune disease.
FAQ- Using Arabinogalactan for MCAS
What brand of arabinogalactan is best?
I use the Swanson Vitamins website here in the USA. It contains a patented form of arabinogalactan called “Fiber Aid.” This brand is also accessible internationally on iHerb. Here is the link. If you cannot access this product still, look for a brand with arabinogalactan as the only ingredient. I would also read some reviews to make sure it is good quality.
What have your experiences been with arabinogalactan?
It helped increase the absorption of other supplements, boost stamina, calm down the gut, reduce reactivity, and stabilize appetite. I noticed this within the first couple of weeks of taking it at a heaping tablespoon per day. For smaller doses, I take it with water. Typically, I mix it in smoothies because it allows you to take a larger dose.
What is the appropriate dosage strategy?
It usually will come with a scooper. I started with one scoop mixed with water on an empty stomach. From there, I moved up significantly after realizing I could add it to smoothies. I have put as much as a heaping tablespoon in a smoothie and had no issues. Just remember to start slow and increase gradually over a few weeks.
How long should I take arabinogalactan for?
In my opinion, prebiotics like arabinogalactan should be used in cycles of six months on, and a couple of months off. If you’re taking high doses, it’s important to take it no more than 4-5 days per week. You always want to have a day off here and there. Prebiotics are great for MCAS, but you don’t want to overdo them. The last you need is another sensitivity to develop, so keep them in a rotation.
Are there any other supplements with similar benefits?
Yes, various prebiotics can help calm down mast cells. I think arabinogalactan is one of the best prebiotics, but acacia, apple pectin, inulin, and bee propolis are also good ones. Don’t neglect prebiotics in your MCAS recovery process. You must restore your gut to balance your mast cells. To learn more about which prebiotics are best, click on the link below. It covers the 22 best prebiotics and plenty more.
Conclusion- Arabinogalactan Helps MCAS
When you have MCAS, you MUST use products that are proven to calm the immune system down, boost the good bacteria, and enhance detoxification. Though this can be very hard to find, arabinogalactan is a perfect example of how it is possible. Pair this with other supplements that fit the same criteria and eliminate your irritants, and you’ll be on your way to healing.
If you have questions about MCAS, gut health, or chronic illnesses, get in touch. I am willing to help and blessed to have the opportunity.
Happy healing everyone!
Matt Nedin
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
EndSickness, Founder
Phone: (734) 846-8619
WhatsApp: +17348468619
Email: endsickness@gmail.com
