630 8th Street, Suite 5, San Francisco, California 94103
What is MCAS?
MCAS definition:
Abnormal activation of the mast cells
Presence of genetically altered mast cells
Excessive or atypical release of many of these cells inflammatory mediators
MCAS Exacerbation:
Poor methylation (genetic MTHFR defects).
Deficiency of intestinal diamine oxidase enzyme (DAO) necessary to degrade histamine in the intestine).
Excess histamine in the intestines promotes intestinal permeability and increases intestinal inflammation.
Deficiency of liver histamine-N-methyltransferase enzyme (degrade histamine in the blood).
Symptoms
DAO deficiency: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Leaky gut syndrome
Gastrointestinal inflammatory condition (irritable bowl disease, colitis, Crohn's disease, and celiac disease). Many drugs are known to cause DAO deficiency including
Anti-depressants, immune suppressants, acid blocking medication, NSAIDs
MCAS Neuro-Symptoms Headaches, brain fog, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, Autism, insomnia, Decreased concentration, confusion, sense of uneasiness, Dizziness, lightheadedness
MCAS Cardiac Symptoms: POTS, tachycardia, Hypertension, Palpitations, Tachycardia
MCAS Intestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, GERD, Heartburn, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Celiac Disease, IBS, Bloating, Cramps
MCAS Allergy Symptoms: Flushing, Urticaria, Angioedema, Food Sensitivities, Anaphylaxis, Rhinits, Throat tightness and swelling, Asthma, Shotness of breath,Chest tightness,
General Symptoms: Muscle pain, Joint pain, Nerve pain, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Weight loss, Weight gain, Delayed healing, Interstitial cystit
MCAS Sequalae
Increased risk of autoimmune diseases
Increased risk of malignancy
Increased risk of infections
Increased risk of infertility
Increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage
MCAS Triggers
Extreme temperatures, Food and drinks containing high histamine including fermented food & sulfites, Exercise, Emotional stress, Physical stress (outer or inner physical stress from vaccines, viruses, bacteria, harsh chemicals, fungus, parasites, nutritional deficiencies, heavy metals, gut dysbiosis), Medications for pain (NSAIDs and narcotics), Strong scents, Pressure or vibration on the skin, Insect bites, Vaccination, Food coloring, Pigments, Make-up, Contract Dyes, Insecticides, Fungicides, Pestiicides
Environmental Triggers: Sun exposure, Ultra-violet light, Barometric pressure changes, Mold, Dust, Heavy Metals, Animal Dander, Pollen,
Foods High in histamine: Alcohol (particularly beer and wine), Milk, Eggs, Fish (sardines, mahi-mahi, smoked fish, mackerel, and anchovies), Shellfish, Canned fish, Vinegar and vinegar-containing foods (mayo, ketchup, chili sauce, pickled, radishes, olives, pickles, etc), Aged cheeses, Nuts, Soured foods (sour milk, sour cream, soured bread, buttermilk
Fruits high in histamine: Over ripe fruits, Dried fruits (prunes, dates, apricots, raisins and figs), Banana, Papyaya, Strawberries, Pineapple, Citrus, Stone fruits, Grapes
Vegetables high in histamine: Eggplan, Avocado, Mushroom, Spinach, Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Over-ripe vegetables
DAO blockers (exacerbate symptoms/inflammation due to histamine accumulation in intestines):Alcohol, Black/Green/Mate tea, Energy drinks
MCAS Testing/Diagnosis in Western Medicine
Serum tryptase (Alpha and Beta) elevated level of 11.5ng/ML or more. Alpha and Beta testing allows for more accuracy.
Serum tryptase could potentially be normal, requiring additional testing.
Plasma prostaglandins D2
Plasma hepaprin levels
Histamine
Chromogranin A
Urine: 11 beta prostaglandin F2/leukotriene E4/ n-methylhistamine