How to Restore Key Nutrients in MCAS Patients
When you have MCAS, the chronic stress and immune reactions deplete the body of essential nutrients. This causes the body to be even more reactive, which sends people into a reactivity cycle that is hard to escape. Since I know how it feels to have MCAS and be deficient, I wanted to share the nutrients that made the biggest difference for me.
In this article, I will cover all the nutrients which must be restored if you are battling MCAS. I will also list all the plant-based brands of these nutrients to make sure they agree with the body and provide lasting benefits. After, I will address several common questions about restoring nutrient deficiencies when battling mast cell activation. Scroll down to get started!
How to Restore Nutrients for MCAS
Please note, all of these supplements must be derived 100% from plants for maximum effectiveness. Since it can be tough to find good plant-based brands, I provided them next to the name of nutrient. These are all available within the United States, and many are also available internationally. Take a look below!
Magnesium – Marine Based Mg by Natures Answer
Magnesium is critical for anyone with mast cell activation. It competes with calcium within the cells, reducing the likelihood of mast cell reactions. Also, it increases the production of GABA, which offsets histamine and reduces neurological inflammation. In addition, it is a cofactor in the production of DAO which is an enzyme that is critical for keeping histamine levels in check. If that wasn’t enough, magnesium is also responsible for over 300 enzymatic reactions which are essential to maintaining overall health.
This particular form of magnesium is derived from marine algae and is extremely concentrated. It also contains calcium and other trace minerals to increase the absorption rate. In my experience, this has been far more beneficial over the long term than synthetic forms like magnesium glycinate.
For maximum effectiveness, you must start slow and increase the dose gradually as your body gets used to it. If you start to notice any type of side effects, cut back to the dose prior. Keep in mind, it may take 3 to 6 months to restore a severe magnesium deficiency. Do yourself a favor and stick with it, even if you are feeling much better.
DHA omega-3 – Freshfield Naturals
DHA stabilizes cell membranes and increases the absorption rate of other nutrients. In addition, it reduces mast cell activation and levels of inflammatory molecules like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. It also increases the strength of the intestinal barrier, and feeds beneficial bacteria. Overall, DHA is a great supplement for reducing the production of inflammatory molecules.
This DHA supplement is derived from algal oil. I started off with two gel capsules per day, and worked my way up to 4. This is great to pair with magnesium and enhances the absorption of other nutrients.
Selenium – Triquetra
Selenium is absolutely critical for getting phase 2 detoxification back in order. Phase 2 is the part of the detoxification process which eliminates toxic chemicals. Typically, people with MCAS have impaired phase 2 detoxification due to mycotoxin exposure and/or genetic predisposition.
This particular selenium supplement is derived from garlic and contains all 4 forms. Since the stuff can be extremely potent, I would start off using it every other day until your body adjusts to it. Eventually, you can move up to five days per week or so to see if you feel better. When I moved up the dose, I definitely could notice more steadiness in the way that I felt, and an improvement in my resistance to stress. It also seemed like it made the magnesium work better.
Zinc – Triquetra
Zinc directly inhibits mast cell degranulation which reduces the levels of histamine and other inflammatory molecules. It is also critical for recovery, stamina, and mental acuity. In addition, zinc is important for keeping the immune system strong, so you are at a lower risk of catching viruses. All of these things are important when you’re battling mast cell activation.
This zinc supplement is extracted from guava plants and is definitely one of a kind. I tried various zinc supplements which were synthetic in the past and never had any success. They always produced side effects that were greater than the benefits. I noticed a difference in the way I felt within two weeks of taking this. I started off using it every other day, and then started to increase the frequency until I found the sweet spot.
B12 – Plant Fusion
B12 is essential for breaking down histamine in the body. When B12 levels get critically low, histamine can become significantly elevated. Also, B12 directly affects the health of nerves, which can directly impact the reactivity of mast cells. In addition, B12 is critical for various enzyme reactions in the body which are essential to maintaining overall health.
This B12 supplement is derived from fermented plants and is not synthetic. Unlike other B12 supplements, it provides a relaxation effect, not stimulation or an energy boost. I started with literally an eighth of a pill, 3 to 4 days per week, and noticed benefits. Just be careful with this brand because it is extremely strong. I did notice side effects when I took too much. The max I would take is a quarter pill every other day.
Glutathione – Biotoxin Binder by CellCore
Many of the nutrients listed can indirectly improve glutathione levels. The reality is, using plant-derived supplements to naturally increase GSH production is a better choice than a synthetic glutathione supplement. Another supplement, which can be of great benefit for enhancing glutathione and other detoxification enzymes is broccoli sprout extract. This has been shown in studies to stimulate Nrf2 which leads to the production of over 50 different detoxification enzymes, including glutathione.
This BioToxin Binder supplement also contains humic and fulvic minerals, yucca root, and molybdenum. All of these can potentially enhance the detoxification effect of the broccoli sprout extract. I have found this product to be helpful if I use between 3-4 capsules a few times a week on an empty stomach.
Vitamin E – Whole Earth and Sea
Vitamin E stabilizes cell membranes and reduces the likelihood of oxidative stress. This prevents unnecessary activation of the mast cells, reducing histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. By increasing levels of antioxidants like vitamin E, you become more resistant to oxidative stress, which is a common trigger of mast cell activation.
This vitamin E supplement is derived from sunflower oil, and is quite potent. It produced less of a noticeable effect versus the other supplements, but still seems to enhance mental clarity and sharpness. I would start off using it every other day, and then increase frequency if you desire to do so.
Vitamin C – Triquetra
Vitamin C enhances the breakdown of histamine in the body, and prevents mast cell degranulation. It also protects the body from oxidative stress which is major trigger of mast cells.
This vitamin C is derived from amla fruit and acerola cherries. It also contains rutin and bioflavonoids to enhance absorption. I started with two pills every other day combined with selenium and noticed a positive shift in well-being.
Trace Minerals -Red’s Kitchen Sea Moss
Trace minerals are important cofactors for producing enzymes like glutathione and superoxide dismutase. When levels get low, it can cause a reduction in stress resistance and an increase oxidative/inflammatory burden.
There are multiple sources of trace minerals but my favorite is sea moss. It contains 92 trace minerals and has other beneficial properties. I blended my sea moss with honey and stored it in the fridge, taking a couple table spoons per day, 5 days per week.
FAQ- Nutrient Deficiencies and MCAS
Why are plant-based supplements best for mast cell activation?
Most people don’t realize there is a difference between plant-derived and synthetic nutrients. Unfortunately, 99% of the supplements on the market are synthetic. Though they can provide temporary benefits, synthetic nutrients cannot solve intracellular deficiencies. In addition, most people with mast cell activation eventually have reactions to synthetic supplements. For this reason and others, it is critical to use only plant-derived versions of these nutrients. For the best results, choose the brands that I listed earlier in the article.
What is the most important nutrient for mast cell activation?
The most important nutrient of all is magnesium. It is critical for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and has countless other properties, as mentioned above. Also, you must have sufficient magnesium to resolve deficiencies in many of the nutrients listed. This is why it’s critical to focus on restoring magnesium before moving on to any other nutrients. For more information about how magnesium helps MCAS, click the link provided.
Should I replace these nutrients in a specific order if I have MCAS?
Yes, you must replace the nutrients in the same order they were listed. Start with the magnesium for a few weeks and gradually increase the dose until you are 750 mg to 1000 mg. Once you define the best dose, move on to the next nutrient. Also, keep in mind, you will not be taking these nutrients every single day. For example, B12 would be taken only three times per week, while magnesium would be taken six days weekly. For more information on how to rotate these nutrients, contact me directly.
Is there anything else I should do for MCAS before resolving nutrient deficiencies?
Absolutely! The first thing you should do is transition to a hypoallergenic diet that is focused mostly on plants. This is critical because if you are still being triggered by the foods you are eating, then you are unlikely to restore these key nutrient deficiencies. The reason is that every time you are triggered, you deplete yourself of these nutrients further and reduce the likelihood of absorption.
After addressing the underlying dietary irritants, you should test yourself to ensure you’re not living in a house full of mycotoxins. The most definitive way to accomplish this is by using an IgG/IgE mycotoxin blood test. If you don’t address these things before starting the nutrients, you could have reactions to them or experience far less benefit.
Are there any side effects when using these plant-based nutrients?
Anything in excess can cause problems with someone who has MCAS. With this in mind, you must find a sweet spot for each of these nutrients in terms of dosage and frequency of administration. For example, you may feel tired, sluggish, and cold if you have too much vitamin D in your system.
For this reason, I would start taking each of these nutrients every other day to see how your body responds. Remember, you may be more deficient in some nutrients than others, so you must pay extra attention. This is why I only add one supplement at a time to make sure I understand my body’s reactions.
Conclusion- Restore Deficiencies to Beat MCAS
Nutrient deficiencies are responsible for many of the MCAS symptoms people experience. To truly overcome mast cell activation and repair the damage that’s been done, you must replenish these key nutrients. To accomplish this, you must use plant-derived nutrients and follow the specific order mentioned. If you don’t, you could be doing more harm than good.
To learn more about restoring these key nutrient deficiencies, 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
