Beyond Allergies: Decoding the Mystery of MCAS, Histamine Intolerance, and Mold for a Happier, Healthier You!
Are you ready?
In recent years, a growing number of individuals have reported symptoms that seem unrelated yet are interconnected through an intricate web of bodily functions. Conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Histamine Intolerance, and exposure to mold have garnered attention for their perplexing and often overlapping symptoms. Understanding the connections between these conditions can shed light on their underlying mechanisms and help individuals better manage their health.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
MCAS is a disorder where mast cells are overly sensitive and trigger inappropriate responses throughout the body.
What are mast cells?
Mast cells represent a type of white blood cell distributed throughout the body, playing a pivotal role in the immune system. Functioning as the 'police officers' of the immune system, mast cells identify various triggers and instruct other immune cells on the appropriate response.
In a healthy condition, mast cell mediators initiate protective responses, combating infections and facilitating healing. However, in individuals with MCAS, these mediators are released excessively, leading to diverse symptoms across different parts of the body simultaneously. While typical mast cell triggers involve bacteria, parasites, viruses, stings, and injuries, individuals with MCAS may also react to additional triggers like certain foods and environmental factors.
Here are some common symptoms of MCAS:
Photo Credit: www.MastCellOrganization.org
Histamine Intolerance
Histamine, a chemical involved in the body's immune response, is produced by mast cells and is also found in various foods. Normally, an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO) breaks down excess histamine in the body. However, in cases of histamine intolerance, the body either produces too much histamine or has difficulties breaking it down.
Histamine Intolerance differs from typical food allergies (IgE mediated) or sensitivities (IgG mediated) due to its cumulative nature rather than an immediate reaction. In other words, symptoms are improbable until you exceed the capacity of your histamine bucket.
Here are the most common symptoms of histamine intolerance:
Pruritus (itching, especially of the skin, eyes, ears, and nose)
Urticaria (hives)
Bloating
Hypotension
Tachycardia (increased pulse rate, racing heart)
Symptoms resembling an anxiety or panic attack
Chest pain (difficulty breathing)
Nasal congestion, runny nose, seasonal allergies
Conjunctivitis
Digestive upset (including nausea and reflux/heartburn)
Headaches
Fatigue, confusion, irritability
Foods high in histamine:
Soy sauce
Coconut aminos
Cultured/fermented vegetables, sauerkraut, kimchi
Yogurt
Kefir, kombucha
Aged cheese
Alcohol, especially wine
Vinegar, including apple cider vinegar
Mustard
Smoked, processed, cured, and aged meats
Fish (unless really fresh fish that has been snap frozen immediately after being caught)
Shellfish
Tinned fish
Smoked fish
Bone broth
Leftover meat and chicken
Chocolate
Mold Exposure
Mold exposure adds another layer to this intricate relationship, as certain molds can directly stimulate mast cells and trigger increased histamine production. Mold serves as a potent trigger for both MCAS and Histamine Intolerance, exerting its influence through various disruptive mechanisms.
Mold disrupts and dampens the immune response, interferes with hormonal balance, significantly impacts the nervous system, and obstructs detox pathways. The intricate interplay between these affected systems creates a cascade effect, contributing to complex health issues.
As the body encounters mold, it initiates the "Cell Danger Response (CDR)," prompting the shutdown of various pathways to impede mold's spread. This shift from "fight or flight" to a frozen state results in widespread changes, including reduced activation of Vitamin D, diminished production of glutathione, dysfunction in the methylation pathway, heightened histamine and mast cell activation, heme pathway dysregulation, decreased serotonin and melatonin production, impaired heavy metal clearance, disruptions in the GI tract, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Addressing these upstream issues, especially the root trigger of mold, is essential before delving into interventions targeting specific pathways. While some practitioners may be eager to address issues like methylation or sulfur processing, doing so prematurely, without addressing the mold factor, can exacerbate conditions such as MCAS and Histamine Intolerance, leading to increased inflammation and imbalance within the body. Understanding and prioritizing the root cause, in this case, mold, is paramount for a comprehensive and effective approach to health restoration.
How To Test Your Home For Mold
I recommend Immunolytics but there are others, such as the ERMI and HERTSMI-2. These can be purchased from EnviroBiomics, Mycometrics, and Lis Biotech Laboratories.
However, Immunolytics makes mold testing quick and easy. The Mold Check-Up begins with a DIY Mold Test Kit that is customized for your space and designed to sample rooms, surfaces, and even your pets. Video guides and step-by-step instructions will walk you through the sampling process, understanding the results, and sending samples to their jab for expert analysis.
Lab & Testing Resources
Online Visual Contrast Sensitivity Screening (VCS): A step you can take immediately, and an on-going test to check during the treatment of mold illness.
References:
Frieri M. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2018 Jun;54(3):353-365. doi: 10.1007/s12016-015-8487-6. PMID: 25944644.
Kraft S, Buchenauer L, Polte T. Mold, Mycotoxins and a Dysregulated Immune System: A Combination of Concern? Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov 12;22(22):12269. doi: 10.3390/ijms222212269. PMID: 34830149; PMCID: PMC8619365.
Kritas, S. K., Gallenga, C. E., D Ovidio, C., Ronconi, G., Caraffa, A. l., Toniato, E., Lauritano, D., & Conti, P. (2018). Impact of mold on mast cell-cytokine immune response. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 32(4), 763–768.
Nathan, N. (2018). Category: Mast Cell Activation. Retrieved from: https://neilnathanmd.com/category/mast-cell-activation/