630 8th Street, Suite 5, San Francisco, California 94103
Histamine Sensitivity, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and NEW Testing Options
Did you know, 99% of the time, patients with histamine sensitivity also have MCAS? There is an incredible amount of misinformation about MCAS and histamine sensitivity shared with the public. The confirmatory testing for MCAS has failed many, leading them to believe that is not their diagnosis. Tryptase is the worst test to diagnose MCAS/histamine sensitivity. Please see testing options at the bottom of the page for more information
Most immune system dysfunction and chronic illness can be traced back to MCAS and histamine sensitivity. Do you have an autoimmune disease? MCAS/histamine sensitivity is often the precursor. Do you have allergies? Many have diagnosed allergies which is a significant indicator for MCAS/histamine sensitivity. It is important to note many allergies are undiagnosed or unknown because allergies are so much more than sinus issues. Do you have anxiety and depression along with your other symptoms of chronic illness? Depression and anxiety are intimately tied to MCAS and histamine sensitivity. Do you have chronic fatigue or chronic pain? Chronic fatigue and chronic pain are very often linked to MCAS/ histamine sensitivity.
- 4 SAAT treatments along with 2 homeopathies for 2 months are recommended for MCAS/histamine sensitivity treatment to ensure 85% permanent resolution of symptoms.
- 1 SAAT treatment for individual allergies results in 85% permanent resolution of symptoms.
We need to reframe what we think about when we think about "allergies" and "histamine". A histamine response often results in a whole host of symptoms thought to be completely unrelated, such as acid reflux, constipation or IBS, body pain, depression, anxiety, cognitive issues/brain fog, ADHD, PMDD, skin issues including eczema, folliculitis, acne, etc., and so much more. Also, many perimenopausal symptoms are due to histamine dysregulation from estrogen and progesterone instability. Perimenopause triggers MCAS "flares". Mold exposure is also an incredibly common trigger for MCAS and histamine sensitivity and it always results in a mold allergy. All symptoms can be treated with SAAT once the patient is no longer being exposed to mold.
MCAS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) are all intimately connected as well. SAAT treatment is highly recommended for these patients.
Many patients with MCAS/histamine sensitivity have complications from COVID-19 and vaccines. There are SAAT treatments for this as well.
My SAAT patients show 85-95% improvement of MCAS and histamine sensitivity symptoms after an average of 4 treatments. Many patients come in as non-believers. I tell them the treatment speaks for itself. They finally find the relief they were seeking for many years through SAAT.
Check out my MCAS podcast intro here: https://ppn-worldwide.simplecast.com/episodes/10393-carmen-call-10-09-24-wellness-clinic-matt
MCAS Definition:
- Immune system dysfunction through abnormal activation of the
mast cells.
- Presence of genetically altered mast cells.
- Excessive or atypical release of many of these cellular
inflammatory mediators.
MCAS Exacerbation:
- Poor methylation (genetic MTHFR defects).
- Deficiency of intestinal diamine oxidase enzyme (DAO) necessary
to degrade histamine in the intestines.
- Excess histamine in the intestines promotes intestinal permeability
and increases intestinal inflammation.
- Deficiency of liver histamine-N-methyltransferase enzyme (degrade
histamine in the blood).
MCAS Symptoms due to DAO deficiency:
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Leaky Gut Syndrome,
Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Condition (Irritable Bowel Disease, Colitis, Crohn's Disease and Celiac Disease). It causes eczema and food and/or chemical sensitivities/intolerance and a whole sequence of immune system dysfunction described further down the list. Many drugs are known to cause DAO deficiency including anti-depressants, immune suppressants, acid blocking medication, NSAIDs, and vaccines.
MCAS Neuro-Symptoms:
Headaches, Brain Fog, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, Autism, Insomnia or Oversleeping, Decreased Concentration, Confusion, Sense of Uneasiness, Dizziness, Lightheadedness
MCAS Cardiac Symptoms:
POTS, Hypertension, Hypotension, Palpitations, Tachycardia
MCAS Intestinal Symptoms:
Nausea, Vomiting, GERD, Heartburn, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Celiac Disease, IBS, Bloating, Cramps
MCAS Allergy Symptoms:
Flushing, Urticaria, Angioedema, Food/Chemical/Environmental Sensitivities/Intolerance, Anaphylaxis, Rhinitis, Throat Tightness and Swelling, Asthma, Shortness of Breath, Chest Tightness, Eczema
General Symptoms:
Muscle Pain, Joint Pain, Nerve Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Weight Loss, Weight Gain, Delayed Healing, Interstitial Cystitis, Chemical and/or Food Sensitivities/Intolerance
MCAS Sequelae:
Increased risk of autoimmune diseases
Increased risk of malignancy/cancer
Increased risk of infections
Increased risk of infertility
Increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage
MCAS Triggers:
It is important to note that ANYTHING can cause a histamine reaction in the body, especially in those with MCAS. Triggers can vary significantly from person to person. These are simply guidelines.
“ You can become allergic to anything under the sun, including the sun itself. ” - Dr. Soliman
General 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 such as COVID-19, bacteria, chemicals, fragrances, fungus/mold in your home/car/office, 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, contact dyes, insecticides, fungicides, pesticides
Environmental Triggers:
Mold, sun exposure, ultra-violet light, barometric pressure changes, 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:
Eggplant, 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:
The tests below are not required for SAAT treatment.
Bioenergetic diagnostic testing is completed in-office at the first treatment.
SAAT treatment is highly effective for patients with HaT, high 24-hour histamine levels, high Heparin levels or high Tryptase levels.
Hereditary alpha Tryptasemia (HaT) testing $300.
A buccal (cheek) swab you can perform yourself at home or in my clinic. It will confirm hereditary/genetic MCAS/histamine sensitivity. This test confirms the "MCAS gene". It is not an epigenetic (gene expression through environmental factors) occurrence. Patients are born with it.
Serum (blood) Tryptase blood test through LabCorp $200 (California residents). Not recommended unless HaT test is positive.
Serum (blood) Heparin blood test through LabCorp $200 (California residents). This blood test is proving to be much more accurate than tryptase testing for MCAS diagnosis.
Mayo Clinic 24-hour urine test $900 (Callifornia residents):
Serum tryptase can often be normal, requiring additional testing listed here:
Plasma prostaglandins D2
Plasma hepaprin levels
Histamine
Chromogranin A
Urine: 11 beta prostaglandin F2/leukotriene E4/ n-methylhistamine