Identifying the Root Cause of MCAS
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is the one of the most complex immune conditions that exists. It leaves most doctors dumbfounded and patients in an endless cycle of reactions which induce various torturous symptoms. Though it is quite difficult to deal with the symptoms of MCAS, the hardest part is not knowing what to do. You feel trapped in this endless cycle of reactions, and just when you think you got it figured out, things change.
In this article, I will explain the typical problems found in MCAS, how histamine fuels the fire, and basic steps on how
to beat it. In addition, I will cite various studies and answer the most common questions people have about mast cell activation syndrome. Refer below to get started:
Common Issues in MCAS Patients
– Gut Bacteria Imbalance (1, 2)
– Chronic Drug-Resistant Infection (3)
– Protozoan/Parasitic Infections (4)
– Phase 2 Liver Impairment (5)
– Gallbladder/Bile Dysfunction (6)
– Low Glutathione/ Nrf2 Expression (7)
– Elevated Plasma Histamine Levels (8)
– Low Glutamine, GABA Dysregulation
– Severe Mineral Deficiencies (9)
– Impaired REM Sleep Cycle (10)
– Various Food Sensitivities
– Reduced Nitric Oxide Levels (11)
– Exposure to Environmental Irritants
– Electro-hypersensitivity Experienced (12)
– Low Levels of SCFA Producing Bacteria
– History of Heavy Metal Exposure/Toxicity (13)
When first looking at this list, it seems rather daunting. Though it may appear this way to some, believe me, MCAS is not permanent. I am living proof that with the right plan and God’s help, anything is possible. How do I know so much about MCAS? Because, I personally overcame mast cell activation and have helped others do the same. Take a look my at before and after picture.
MCAS Explained in Simple Terms
You may be wondering, just how does MCAS really work? To simplify, it involves dysfunctions in several parts of the body, combined with a highly overactive immune response. This autoimmune response is primarily due to an overactive/overabundant mast cell population, low levels of regulatory t cells, and elevated plasma histamine levels. This then leads the immune system to recognize various things as pathogens/irritants when they are not. As you may know, this then leads the patient down a “reaction rabbit hole” which further encourages pathogen replication. Though this is a vicious cycle, thankfully, there is a way out! Refer below for details:
Basic Steps to Eliminate MCAS Symptoms
In my experience, the key to escaping MCAS is following the steps below. In addition, it helps to work closely with someone who has been through it such as myself. Without doing so, you could misjudge various things along the way, which could lead to setbacks. Refer below for details:
1. Follow Low Histamine Diet
2. Restore Key Nutrient Deficiencies
3. Increase Plant Fiber in Diet!!!!
4. Reduce Pathogen Virulence
5. Improve Elimination Channels
6. Remove Environmental Stressors
7. Kill Infection Gradually at Proper Time
8. Balance Gut Bacteria Naturally
9. Identifying Remaining Immune Triggers
10. Remove All that Doesn’t Match with Body
11. Balance Blood PH Level, Live Life in Moderation, and Strengthen Relationship with God
This is a very brief list of the steps to beat MCAS. For a more detailed article on how I personally overcame mast cell activation, read my article “How I Defeated Mast Cell Activation Syndrome“.
Common Questions – Root Cause of MCAS
Does chronic infection often drive symptoms of mast cell activation?
Yes, I have seen this in both myself and my clients. I personally had a protozoan infection and several bacterial infections which I believe triggered my MCAS symptoms. In respect to my clients, it’s extremely common to have a history of chronic infection, gall bladder issues, antibiotic use, and more.
What do you do when you are reacting to everything you take?
This is the most common question I get from my clients. Understanding it is the key to success when battling MCAS. The most important thing is, your plan must be implemented from all angles at once. This means you must start the low histamine diet and stay STRICT on it, while restoring key nutrient deficiencies, balancing the gut inflammation, AND modulating mast cells. This is why it is so important to work with someone who has actually been through, who can help you navigate out of the abyss. Just one mistake can interfere in the healing of the immune system for 3-5 days.
Is it possible to overcome the symptoms of MCAS?
Yes, I am a walking example of this. I have also seen a lot of people beat this condition, as long as they implemented the proper supplements, and followed the correct diet long enough. This is not something that should change your quality of life forever, but the key is working with the right person, and identifying counterproductive actions.
Why do I keep getting worse when I seem to be doing the right things?
Most people are taking supplements that are counterproductive to the stage of healing they are in. In my experience, if you have MCAS symptoms, you should only be taking MAST CELL MODULATING SUPPLEMENTS. Once you get the immune system under control, than you focus on the next stage of healing. The reality is though, unless the supplement is PLANT DERIVED, and has been PROVEN SCIENTIFICALLY to modulate immune function, it’s worthless when battling MCAS. Other than the supplements, the main deterrent to success is reluctance to follow the low histamine diet. .
What is actually causing the symptoms of mast cell activation?
In my experience, there is typically a localized gut infection that has become systemic, triggering body-wide inflammation and impairing the detoxification process. This could be caused by pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, fungi and other organisms. These infections then create byproducts that alert the immune system. The mast cells and t helper cells (th2) then increase their activity, and soon become overpopulated, while regulatory t cell count reduces. This then leads to a system inflammatory cycle which is hard to escape, just as the pathogens have intended.
Do you provide coaching for people with MCAS?
Yes, this is what I help people with more than anything. My time may be limited due to current client load, but if you are struggling with this condition, do yourself a favor and at least reach out to me. I would be happy to give you a 15 minute free consult.
Summary- Root Cause of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
To simplify things, MCAS is aggravated by anything that increases histamine in the body. The mast cells are primarily triggered by dietary, stress and environmental irritants. The important part to remember is, if you reduce dietary histamine, take the PROPER supplements, remove the infection, and live life in moderation, you can beat this.
Despite all this, it is still important to live a low histamine lifestyle for an extended period of time to recondition the immune system. Though it may be a temporary inconvenience to live this way, it’s a far cry from dealing with MCAS for the rest of your life.
Feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks for reading, and happy healing everyone!
Matt Sikora
EndSickness.org
Phone: (734) 846-8619
Email: endsickness@gmail.com
