You might have heard about mast cell activation syndrome and you want to know more about it.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) affects many systems in the body. It is a maladaptive immune response potentially affecting patients with chronic complex illnesses and infections. In the May 2021 issue of NDNR, Dr. Thalia Hale explains how mast cells, which in a normal state help us combat against antigens, can work against us when overstimulated.
What are Mast Cells?
Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that derive from the bone marrow and are a part of the body’s first line of defense. They are most concentrated in areas where cells make the most contact with the outside world (eg, skin, nasal passages, etc). When an antigen enters our internal environment and attaches to a mast cell, the mast cell releases mediators, including histamines, into the environment. These mediators cause inflammation.
What is MCAS? (When Mast Cell Response Goes Awry)
In MCAS, mast cells engage in a maladaptive immune response and release these mediators too often. As a result, patients are constantly inflamed, allergic, and cannot adequately respond to chronic infections. This excessive release of mediators, particularly histamines, contributes to chronic allergies, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and more. Because MCAS affects multiple systems, it can cause an array of symptoms all over the body, such as hives, diarrhea, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and more.
Responding to MCAS
Hale explains how to work up MCAS, pointing out the importance of monitoring inflammatory markers, such as Matrix Metalloproteinase -9 (MMP-9) and identifying triggers for MCA. For more information, and to review Hale’s overview of treatment recommendations, including dietary interventions (eg, avoid high-histamine and fermented foods, and leftovers), environmental/lifestyle and pharmaceutical/nutraceutical interventions, click here to access full article.
What can you do about MCAS? We have testing to help confirm the diagnosis, oral and I.V. treatments for MCAS. Did you know that I.V. Ozone MAH therapy is a front line treatment for MCAS? Did you know that Covid and Covid vaccines can activate MCAS? I.V. Ozone, heparin and regulated estrogen metabolism are key players in MCAS.
Call us and find out how we can address your MCAS. 845 358-8385. www.secondnaturecare.com
Reference: Hale, T. (5 May 2021). Mast Cell Activation: Skin is Just Scratching the Surface. Naturopathic Doctor News & Review, 17(5). 1-5. https://ndnr.com/dermatolog
