Healing from Within: Addressing Mast Cell Activation, Gut Health, and Nervous System Balance
By Amy Nutter, MSN, ACNP, BC, IFMCP,
Lynda Sherland, CRNP, FNP-C, IFMCP,
Dr. Jennifer Patterson, DO, MMH, CHt and
Dr. Georgia Tetlow, MD, ABOIM, ABPMR, IFMCP
In this blog, we delve into the intricate relationship between mast cell activation and food sensitivities and how you can address these issues effectively. We also address the effect of these specific inflammation pathways on the central nervous system, and how addressing inflammation can transition the nervous system into a more relaxed and symbiotic state.
Signs of Chronic Inflammation and Mast Cell Activation
Have you been experiencing itchy rashes, hives, redness or swelling - perhaps associated with body aches or skin breakouts? Have you had abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, or bloating, or wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing? These symptoms may point to chronic inflammation, particularly mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), the focus of today’s blog.
What is Mast Cell Activation?
Mast cells act as the body's sentinel cells, similar to policemen or soldiers, deploying inflammatory molecules to fend off invaders. These cells trigger cytokine cascades, causing itchiness, inflammation, redness, and swelling. These symptoms were originally intended to alert you that something was wrong. Located primarily in mucus membranes and the digestive tract, the job of the mast cell is to not only detect threats, but protect you immediately by releasing inflammatory mediators in a process known as degranulation. The cell releases granules containing histamine - literally and directly depositing this allergic reaction chemical at the location where a threat has been detected. Mast cells sound the alarm in response to environmental sensitivities or hidden infections. As food sensitivities become more common, food has become a more frequent trigger for mast cell activation.
Managing Mast Cell Activation
To calm mast cell activation, you can take several steps:
Dietary Adjustments: A low-histamine diet may help reduce histamine load. At Philadelphia Integrative Medicine, we carefully manage dietary restrictions to avoid unnecessary limitations for our patients. We use Diamine oxidase (DAO) enzymes as needed to break down food-derived histamine in the digestive tract, as well as oral immunoglobulin that binds and neutralizes antigen/antibody interactions. We have more and more new patients with a surprising number of self-imposed dietary restrictions. There is always a way to achieve a diverse and delicious diet. Many patients come and see us to receive help to do so.
Supplements: DAO enzymes and histamine blockers can help lower histamine levels. Natural antihistamines include vitamin C, local raw honey, probiotics, astragalus, and stinging nettle. Mast cell stabilizers such as quercetin, resveratrol, luteolin and curcumin can also prevent mast cells from degranulating prematurely.
Root cause: histamine pathways are activated for a reason. That can mean intestinal dysbiosis (unwanted organisms), chronic systemic infections, environmental mold or other causes. Our role as your health-care partner is to find out “why” and we continuously update our methods so they are as streamlined and affordable as possible. We offer insurance reimbursed blood work to screen for evidence of environmental mold exposure – so you can skip an expensive mycotoxin test if you don’t need it. We have just partnered with a new insurance reimbursed lab that can screen for Lyme, Lyme co-infections and many other stealth infections at very low cost to our patients.
Chronic Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
When mast cells are consistently triggered, they may not return to baseline levels, leading instead to ongoing degranulation and inflammatory mediator release. If triggers are chronic or your system is continuously activated, mast cells can become hypersensitive, and get stuck in a state of overproduction. Persistent mast cell activation can, in some individuals, affect the central nervous system, leading to chronic anxiety, sleep disruption and insomnia. At Philadelphia Integrative Medicine, we look for why mast cell activation is happening, and address the root cause. We also offer the latest generation in food sensitivity testing and emphasize both eliminating problematic foods and reintroducing a diverse range of foods to support gut healing.
Addressing Stress and Gut Health
Managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, increasing exercise and sweating, improving detoxification and eliminating the root cause are crucial in treating mast cell activation. Addressing gut health is foundational and we frequently use comprehensive diagnostic stool studies to personalize treatment plans. A stool study can show why mast cells are activated and what to do about it!
Both chronic mast cell activation and imbalanced gut health can contribute to an activated internal nervous system. If you're struggling with persistent emotional ups and downs, it may help to look deeper. No matter why you seek care, we recommend investigating and addressing potential gut imbalances, including removal of unwanted bacteria, fungi, parasites and other gastrointestinal microbes, while promoting the healthy beneficial flora so the “bad guys” don’t come back. Additionally, as we consider environmental factors we also investigate past exposures to mold, as these can play a significant role if the gut has not been sufficiently in balance to detox mycotoxin. At Philadelphia Integrative Medicine, we ensure that mold and other environmental factors are thoroughly evaluated as part of our comprehensive approach to your health.
Partner with Us for Comprehensive Care
We invite you to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and find effective solutions. Join us for a free consultation or return to care to continue your journey towards improved health.
For personalized support and to explore these issues further, please reach out to us at Philadelphia Integrative Medicine. We’re here to help and support you to feel fully well.