Best Natural Mast Cell Stabilizers for MCAS.When I first realized my symptoms were due to MCAS, I frantically researched for 3 years, looking for the best natural mast cell modulators. After purchasing over 100 natural mast cell stabilizers, I found 16 that were highly effective. Since they were so helpful to me, I wanted to share my experiences with you. Hopefully, with this information, you will be able to heal yourself as well.

In this article, I will list the best mast cell stabilizers for MCAS and provide extreme insight into each of their effects on mast cells. I will then answer several common questions about using these supplements to help with symptoms of mast cell activation. Scroll down, and let’s get started!

Best Mast Cell Stabilizers for MCAS

Please note that all the mast cell stabilizers mentioned below are naturally derived. The reason is, you cannot rely on synthetic supplements, or you will never fully heal. To make it easy for you, I listed the best supplement brands next to the title. Keep in mind, the brand is critical to success. If you choose other brands, I wish you the best of luck. If you can’t access them in your country, try to get the next best plant-based version of that supplement.

Raw Colostrum – Local Farmer

Raw colostrum contains a unique blend of bioactive compounds that have been shown to modulate the immune system. For example, it contains PRP (proline-rich polypeptides), which are known to downgrade inflammatory response and cytokine release. In addition, they inhibit the NF-kB pathway, which slows down the degranulation of the mast cells. This reduces the release of histamine and other inflammatory molecules.

Raw colostrum also contains immunoglobulins (IGG/IGA/IGM) that are known to eliminate pathogens and toxins that can activate mast cells. By reducing the pathogenic burden on the immune system, colostrum decreases the likelihood of mast cell activation or histamine release. If that wasn’t enough, colostrum also helps to strengthen the gut barrier, which prohibits food particles and toxins from entering the blood. This keeps the mast cells from reacting every time you eat.

Lastly, colostrum also feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which produce the short-chain fatty acids that keep the mast cells calm. You can see why I listed this before any other supplements. It has been a lifesaver for myself, my daughter, and many others. Learn about how to find raw colostrum via the article linked, and feel free to visit realmilk.com to look for raw milk farmers in your region.

Bifidobacterium – Probiota Bifido

Bifidobacterium has profound effects on the mast cells. First, it has been shown to increase the strength of the gut barrier and resist pathogens. This is critical to eliminate the possibility of leaky gut. If you develop leaky gut, you will have very angry mast cells in no time. Next, bifidobacterium degrades histamine, which makes the environment more friendly for mast cells. Bifidobacterium has also been shown to produce the short-chain fatty acids acetate and butyrate. The most important of these is butyrate. It has been shown to down-regulate the NFkB pathway, which decreases the reactivity of mast cells.

Lastly, Bifidobacterium increases the number of regulatory T cells, which reduces the production of inflammatory molecules. To summarize, bifidobacterium favors anti-inflammatory signaling, which can greatly influence mast cells. It has been instrumental in my healing from mast cell activation. To learn more about how bifidobacterium helps mast cell activation, click on the link provided.

Magnesium – Aquamin by Nature’s Answer

Magnesium is critical for keeping mast cells calm because it competes with calcium inside the cell. When calcium levels are high, the mast cells are much more likely to react to stimuli by secreting inflammatory molecules. In contrast, when magnesium levels are balanced, the mast cells are calmer when stress presents itself.

There are some other key reasons that magnesium helps with mast cell activation. It is a co-factor for antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which reduce oxidative stress in the body. Also, magnesium boosts the function of regulatory T cells. These are critical for developing immune tolerance to the things we eat, inhale, and stress. When the regulatory T cells are functioning properly, the mast cells are generally stable. Learn more about how magnesium helps mast cell activation in the link provided.

Vitamin D3/K2 – Sports Research

Mast cells actually have a vitamin D receptor on the surface of their cells. When vitamin D3 attaches itself to the mast cell surface, it down-regulates the production of inflammatory molecules like histamine, tryptase, IL-6, TNF-a, and others. In addition, vitamin D3 inhibits key pathways like MAPK and NF-kB, which act like a brake on mast cell hyperactivity. By doing so, it reduces the severity and frequency of mast cell reactions.

Vitamin D also reduces systemic inflammation by promoting regulatory T-cell differentiation. These cells are critical because they secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and TNF-b. These important cytokines create an environment of immune tolerance so that the body stops reacting to things it is exposed to. Also, vitamin D strengthens the intestinal barrier by regulating tight junction proteins like occludin and claudin. This reduces the likelihood of food particles or toxins entering the bloodstream, which is the most significant risk for mast cell activation.

If that wasn’t enough, vitamin D also reduces oxidative stress by regulating the expression of detoxification enzymes like glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Reducing oxidative stress lowers the level of reactive oxygen species, which is a major trigger of mast cells. As you can see, vitamin D is one of the most critical mast cell stabilizers. If you’re going to supplement it, it must be plant-derived from lichen, like in the brand I mentioned.

Fucoidan – Swanson Vitamins

Fucoidan is a polysaccharide derived from seaweed that has various properties that affect mast cells both directly and indirectly. One of the most important actions is inhibiting mast cell degranulation by interfering with calcium uptake into the cell. It also blocks calcium-dependent signaling pathways like NF-kB and MAPK and modulates mast cell IGE surface receptors. This dampens the level of mast cell reactivity to potential triggers.

Most importantly, fucoidan increases the production of regulatory T cells. This increases immune intolerance to food, environment, and stress triggers. Also, fucoidan increases the number of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium, which are known to produce short-chain fatty acids. These critical molecules keep the mast cells calm. With this broad range of effects, you can see why fucoidan made the list of best mast cell stabilizers.

Beta Glucans – Pure Synergy

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and other foods. These important compounds have both direct and indirect effects on mast cells. Mast cells possess receptors specifically for beta-glucans to attach to. When beta-glucans can bind to the cell, they modulate critical signaling pathways like NF-kB, which dictates the release of inflammatory molecules from the mast cells.

In addition, beta-glucans increase the production of IL-10, a critical anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits mast cell degranulation. Also, they promote the differentiation and activation of regulatory T cells. These are critical to maintaining immune balance and tolerance. Lastly, they increase the growth of beneficial bacteria, which produce anti-inflammatory products like short-chain fatty acids. As you can see, beta-glucans have plenty of ways to influence mast cells positively.

Acacia Senegal – Anthony’s

Acacia Senegal contains polysaccharides that significantly boost the levels of beneficial bacteria like lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These important bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which inhibit the NF-kB and MAPK pathways, thereby reducing mast cell activation. In addition, the polysaccharides bind to important receptors in the gut, like the toll-like receptors, which promote immune tolerance.

Another benefit of acacia is it increases the strength of the intestinal barrier. This fortification reduces the likelihood of endotoxins entering the bloodstream. By doing so, it reduces the probability of overactive mast cells. In summary, acacia leads to a gut environment where mast cells are calm and anti-inflammatory compounds are produced. This is what helps it make the list of best mast cell stabilizers. Learn more about why acacia is helpful for mast cell activation in the link provided.

Arabinogalactan – Swanson Vitamins

Arabinogalactan is a polysaccharide that is extracted from the larch tree. It possesses significant prebiotic potential, boosting the levels of beneficial bacteria like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. This increases the production of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which are responsible for blocking key inflammatory pathways like MAPK and NF-kB. This is critical because by doing so, it’s slows down the release of inflammatory molecules by the mast cells.

Arabinogalactan has other benefits beyond the gut, such as helping to regulate mast cell behavior. For example, it has been shown to enhance the activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which increase the secretion of IL-10 and TNF-b. These are the most critical cytokines for suppressing mast cell hyper-activation. Lastly, arabinogalactan stimulates dendritic cells and macrophages, which promotes an anti-inflammatory environment in the body and further suppresses mast cells. This is one of my favorite supplements for mast cell activation. Learn more about how arabinogalactan helps mast cell activation in the link provided.

Apigenin – Swanson Vitamins

Apigenin is a flavonoid in plants like chamomile, celery, and parsley. Its most beneficial property is its ability to block the NF-kB and MAPK pathways which are critical for mast cell activation. By blocking these pathways, apigenin slows the release of inflammatory molecules like histamine, tryptase, IL-6, and TNF-a. In addition, apigenin blocks calcium uptake into the cell, which is necessary for mast cell degranulation.

Apigenin also directly affects regulatory T cells by boosting the release of IL-10 and TNF-beta. These anti-inflammatory cytokines are critical to maintaining an immune environment that suppresses mast cells. Lastly, apigenin has strong antioxidant properties that neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body. This reduction in oxidative stress translates into calmer mast cells, which are less likely to secrete inflammatory molecules.

Baicalin – LiftMode (98% Purity)

Baicalin is a phytonutrient found in skullcap that can stabilize mast cells through its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. First, baicalin has been shown to be extremely effective at blocking the NF-kB and MAPK pathways. As I mentioned prior, these are key targets for reducing mast cell reactivity. Additionally, baicalin also blocks calcium uptake into the mast cells and down-regulates important mast cell surface receptors involved in the IGE allergy response.

Beyond its direct effect on mast cells, baicalin also affects them indirectly. Like many of these other supplements, it boosts the activity of Tregs, causing them to secrete increased levels of anti-inflammatory molecules like IL-10 and TNF-beta. This establishes immune tolerance and suppresses mast cell hyperreactivity. Also, baicalin has strong antioxidant properties that neutralize reactive oxygen species, improving the levels of oxidative stress in the body. By doing so, it creates an environment that leads to calmer mast cells. I love this product because it creates a unique meditative experience.

Naringin – Swanson Vitamins

Naringin is a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, and it has several properties that benefit those with mast cell activation. First, it has been shown to block calcium uptake into the mast cells, leading to lower rates of degranulation. In addition, it has been shown to block the NF-kB and MAPK pathways, which are essential to controlling the mast cells. Also, it suppresses mast cell surface receptors, which are responsible for triggering allergy and sensitivity reactions. This can be critical for reducing the severity of your mast cell reactions.

Naringin also has other properties which can benefit those with mast cell activation. For example, it has been shown to strengthen the intestinal barrier, boost levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and increase gut diversity. All of these things are critical for maintaining a balanced immune response. Last but not least, naringin possesses strong antioxidant properties, which can reduce the levels of free radicals, ROS, and inflammation. This is yet another way in which naringin can provide benefits for those with mast cell activation.

Omega 3 DHA- Freshfield Naturals

Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that can be found in fish and algae. It has various anti-inflammatory properties that help stabilize mast cells. DHA is incorporated into the membrane of the mast cells. It is important for maintaining proper fluidity and permeability of the cell, which regulates the flow of calcium. When calcium levels are modulated, the mast cells are far less likely to secrete inflammatory molecules like TNF-alpha and IL-6. In addition, DHA inhibits critical inflammatory pathways like MAPK and NF-kB. By doing so, it slows down the rate of degranulation by the mast cells.

DHA also serves as a precursor for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that actively resolve inflammatory issues and suppress mast cells. These SPMs down-regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines and up-regulate the release of anti-inflammatory molecules like IL-10, which discourages mast cell overactivity. Lastly, DHA also contributes to the integrity of the intestinal barrier. By supporting the intestinal lining, DHA reduces the likelihood of leaky gut, which is the number one enemy of anyone with mast cell activation.

Bee Propolis – Eco Bee Farms

Bee propolis is a substance bees collect from plant resins, which they use to seal and protect their hives. It positively affects mast cells through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. One of the main reasons it is so beneficial is the phytonutrients it contains, like quercetin, chrysin, galangin, and others. All these directly inhibit mast cells from degranulating by blocking calcium uptake into the cell. In addition, bee propolis inhibits key inflammatory pathways like NF-kb and MAPK. As I’ve stated previously, downregulating these key pathways reduces the rate of mast cell reactivity.

Bee propolis also contains phytochemicals with strong antioxidant properties, allowing them to neutralize reactive oxygen species. This reduction in oxidative stress calms down the mast cells. In addition, bee propolis has been shown to increase the production of regulatory T cells, which are critical to modulating the immune system. Lastly, bee propolis increases the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. This change in the gut environment makes a big difference in the state of the mast cells.

Sulforaphane – BioToxin Binder by CellCore

Sulforaphane is a phytonutrient in broccoli sprouts with significant antioxidant and immune-modulating properties. Its most beneficial property is its ability to stimulate the Nrf2 pathway, a master regulator of detoxification enzyme production. Nrf2 stimulates the production of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and over 50 other detox enzymes. By doing so, it neutralizes reactive oxygen species which is known to trigger mast cells.

In addition, sulforaphane has been shown to inhibit the key inflammatory pathways of MAPK and NF-kB. By doing so, it slows down the release of inflammatory chemicals by the mast cells. If that wasn’t enough, it also increases the activity of regulatory T cells, which are crucial for recovering from mast cell activation. These regulatory T cells release anti-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-beta and IL-10, significantly reducing inflammation in the body.

Last but not least, sulforaphane promotes a healthy intestinal barrier by boosting levels of beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. Doing so prevents the translocation of bacteria and toxins that could aggravate the mast cells.

Luteolin- Swanson Vitamins

Luteolin is a flavonoid found in parsley, chamomile, green peppers, and other plants. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and suppress mast cell activation through its various properties. It accomplishes this by blocking the NF-kB pathway, which is critical in determining mast cell function. This slows down the rate of degranulation, which reduces systemic inflammation. Also, luteolin slows calcium influx into the mast cells and down-regulates the sensitivity of mast cell surface receptors. All of these properties demonstrate its unique ability to affect mast cells positively.

Luteolin also has a few other properties that are helpful for mast cell activation. First, it boosts the activity of regulatory T cells, encouraging them to secrete anti-inflammatory molecules. In addition, luteolin has antioxidant properties that protect the mast cells from reactive oxygen species. Lastly, luteolin tightens the junctions along the gut lining by upregulating tight junction proteins like occludin and claudin. As you can see, luteolin has diverse effects, which can create an environment in the body that favors mast cell modulation.

Zinc – Triquetra

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that stabilizes mast cells through its various unique properties. Most importantly, it controls the influx of calcium into the cells, reducing the rate of mast cell degranulation. When combined with proper levels of magnesium, this can create an environment where the mast cells are much more calm. Also, zinc influences mast cell signaling pathways like MAPK and NF-kB by reducing the expression of histamine synthesis and pro-inflammatory mediators.

Zinc is also a critical cofactor in producing detoxification enzymes like superoxide dismutase. These are critical because these enzymes neutralize reactive oxygen species, which can easily aggravate mast cells. Lastly, zinc promotes the activity of regulatory T cells which are responsible for secreting anti-inflammatory molecules like IL-10 and TNF-beta. As you can see, zinc can be a central part of your recovery from mast cell activation.

FAQ- Best Mast Cell Stabilizers for MCAS

Are supplements the first step to overcoming mast cell activation?

Absolutely not! The first step is modifying your diet so that you are no longer triggering yourself from what you eat. The easiest way to accomplish this is by implementing an elimination diet founded on hypoallergenic foods. By following this process, you can identify which foods agree with your body and those that cause symptoms. Next, you must perform all the necessary mold and mycotoxin tests. If you are struggling with mast cell activation, typically, there is some degree of mycotoxin hypersensitivity. Some people can significantly reduce symptoms by changing their diet and reducing stress, but others require an environmental change. I have seen this in my daughter and plenty of other clients.

After you make the dietary changes, start a slow deep breathing routine for 25 minutes daily and follow it for at least two weeks. At that point, you can begin to introduce one supplement at a time. Remember, to heal from a complex chronic illness, you must be patient, diligent, and committed. You cannot rely exclusively on supplements for your recovery, or you will never get there.

Which of these are the most important for overcoming MCAS?

All of these mast cell stabilizers can offer potential benefits for people with MCAS. My favorites are raw colostrum, bifidobacterium, acacia senegal, arabinogalactan, and magnesium. Often, these are good enough to set the foundation for your recovery. From there, you can try other supplements from the list to expedite the process. Be careful, though. You don’t want to rush your healing, or you may experience setbacks.

Should I use plant-based or synthetic supplements for mast cell activation?

When you have mast cell activation, typically, you have some degree of chemical sensitivity. The reality is, synthetic supplements are inorganic chemicals that are produced in a lab. Eventually, your body recognizes that these are not the real things when they do not fit perfectly on the cell receptors. For this reason, you must use only naturally derived supplements. These are much more likely to contain immune-modulating compounds, and the body recognizes them as the real thing. This is the most common mistake most people make trying to overcome mast cell activation.

What is the best dosing strategy when you have mast cell activation?

When you have MCAS, the last thing you want to do is take the same supplements every day. This is because your body will often create a sensitivity to supplements when it’s under extreme duress. Instead, it’s best to create a rotation with each supplement based on what it is and what it does for you. For example, you may want to take Bifidobacterium five days a week because it is essential. However, you may take bee propolis only three days a week because it is more likely to irritate the body in excess.

Regardless, you do not want to take ANY supplement daily for an extended period. By rotating the supplements, you increase their effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of developing a sensitivity.

What if I am reacting to some of the supplements that are listed?

All of the supplements I listed are natural mast cell moderators. This means they are supposed to stop your body from having an immune reaction. If you have a reaction to any of these supplements, it is often a sign that you are being exposed to mycotoxins. I experienced this myself, saw it in my daughter and many clients. Learn more about how mycotoxins cause MCAS symptoms in the article linked. This will be an eye-opener.

When you are having paradoxical reactions to immune-modulating supplements, that is a clear indicator that an environmental issue is present. In addition, it is typically the predominant cause of the symptoms you are experiencing. This is what I saw in my daughter, who was literally disabled until we moved out of multiple places that were high in trichothecenes. Within 30 days of eliminating exposure, she tolerated all the supplements she was reacting to prior. Learn more about my daughters recovery story via the link provided.

Conclusion – Mast Cell Stabilizers are Best After Making Changes

When recovering from MCAS, mast cell stabilizers can be your best friend, but you must keep a few things in mind. Before using them, you must eliminate all dietary irritants and implement a consistent stress reduction practice. These are the prerequisites to supplementing with anything that stabilizes the mast cells.

This is the key point you must take from this article. If you are still triggering yourself, the supplements will not provide the same level of benefit. By creating a daily routine in which you are not triggered and then adding immune-modulating supplements, you can recondition the mast cells back to normalcy. In addition, you can maintain behaviors that can prevent you from being retriggered. This is why supplements are essential but still secondary to lifestyle changes when you are overcoming MCAS.

If you have any questions about mast cell activation or the supplements mentioned, get in touch. I’m willing to help and blessed to have the opportunity.

Happy healing everyone!

Matt Nedin
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
EndSickness – Founder
Phone: (734) 846-8619
Email: endsickness@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +17348468619