MASTERING

Immune System Balance

Heal Your Hypersensitivity from
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and
Histamine Intolerance — for Good!
Your immune system is dynamic and vast, constantly working overtime to prevent
illness from taking a foothold in your body. This sophisticated network, made up of cells,
organs, proteins, and tissues, is essential to your health. When this system is out of
balance, however, health problems can crop up — from seasonal allergies to a more
serious condition such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).

Characterized by the inappropriate activation of mast cells, which are responsible for
the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, MCAS is a complex
condition that often goes undiagnosed due to its wide range of symptoms and elusive
nature. The activation can occur throughout the body, leading to a variety of symptoms
that can impact not just your immune system, but also multiple other systems. While the
exact cause of MCAS remains unknown, current research suggests that genetics,
environmental factors, and immune dysregulation may play a role.

Symptoms of MCAS
The symptoms of MCAS and histamine intolerance are far-reaching and can vary
from person to person. MCAS and histamine intolerance are related, but not the
same thing — histamine intolerance involves only the release of histamines by
mast cells, whereas in MCAS cases, multiple mediators* (including histamine) are
released. Common symptoms of MCAS include:

Allergic reactions — itching, Neurological manifestations

rashes, swelling, and inflammation Musculoskeletal problems
Gastrointestinal problems — Dizziness
abdominal pain, diarrhea, and Swelling of the throat and/or
nausea tongue
Cardiovascular symptoms — low Sweating and/or flushing
blood pressure rapid heart rate Bone pain
Respiratory issues Extreme fatigue

*According to the Mast Cell Disease Society, mediators involved in MCAS include
histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, tryptase, interleukins, heparin, and Tumor
Necrosis Factor-α.

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What Throws the Immune System Out of Whack?

An immune system that is out of balance simply cannot work properly. When your immune
system underreacts, you fall victim to all sorts of infectious viruses, bacteria, and other
invaders, leading you to get sick more often and stay sick longer. That is because an immune
system that underreacts cannot keep the bad guys out and cannot defeat them when they
cause infections.

When your immune system overreacts, it sets off a dangerous series of events that are
triggered by the body’s primary “alarm” protein, galectin-3. In this situation, galectin-3’s alarm
signals go into overdrive and do not shut down when a threat disappears, as they should. The
immune system keeps sending out troops even when there is no real enemy to fight, and those
overstimulated immune cells start to attack the body’s own cells, which can:

Lead to hypersensitivity issues and overreactions such as MCAS and autoimmune

conditions
Fuel ongoing systemic inflammation, which can lead to a range of chronic conditions
including type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease
Trigger potentially deadly cytokine storms, which can severely damage organs

Possible Triggers of MCAS

Identifying triggers for MCAS can be challenging, as they can vary widely among
individuals. It is important for people with MCAS to identify their personal triggers
in order to manage their condition effectively. Potential triggers may include:
Heat, cold, or sudden temperature changes
Stress: emotional, physical, including pain, or environmental (i.e., weather
changes, pollution, pollen, pet dander, etc.)
Exercise
Fatigue
Food or beverages, including alcohol
Drugs (opioids, NSAIDs, aspirin, antibiotics, and some local anesthetics) and
contrast dyes
Natural odors, chemical odors, perfumes, and scents
Venoms (bees, wasps, mixed vespids, spiders, fire ants, jellyfish, snakes,
biting insects, such as flies, mosquitos, and fleas, etc.)
Infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal)
Mechanical irritation, friction, vibration
Sun/sunlight

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Boost vs. Balance: What Is the Difference?
Boosting your immune system — especially if you do it every day — is like giving candy to a
toddler. They get that immediate “sugar high,” supplying energy and stimulation, but
afterwards they either pass out from the sugar crash or go into an uncontrolled tantrum.
Similarly, a constant supply of immune-boosting substances can lead to an immune system
that underreacts (like a sugar crash) or overreacts (like a tantrum).

Balancing the immune system, on the other hand, delivers the protection you want. When you
take steps to keep your immune system in balance, it effectively:

Strengthens your defenses

“Trains” your defensive immune cells to respond properly
Neutralizes pathogens
Controls inflammation
Prevents attacks on your own tissues and organs
Stops dangerous overreactions — like cytokine storms — before they start

A well-balanced immune system keeps you healthy and vital. So, if you are not feeling your
best or struggling with chronic hypersensitivities and overreactions, your immune system may
be letting you know that it needs help.

Superfoods for Your Immune System

There are many nutrient-dense, whole foods that can reduce inflammation and
support a healthy immune response. Emphasize organic lean proteins, fruits,
vegetables, sprouted whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. There are a
number of gluten-free grains that are high in nutrition, such as rice, amaranth,
millet, and quinoa. (These are more nutrient-dense and have more anti-
inflammatory power when soaked, sprouted, or fermented.) Choose brightly
colored fruits and vegetables, rich in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and other
beneficial compounds. Also, drink lots of filtered or spring water. Chronic
dehydration can hamper immunity and increase inflammation, aggravating
allergies.

If you have MCAS or histamine intolerance, emphasize foods rich in flavonoids, a

powerful class of health-promoting phytonutrients. The flavonoid quercetin is
particularly helpful for allergies, reducing inflammation, and controlling histamine.
Foods rich in quercetin include red onion, dill, kale, apples, and berries.

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10 Ways to Relieve Allergies Naturally

1 Ease Symptoms with Acupuncture

Acupuncture has a harmonizing effect on the body, and it also helps control excess
histamine production — a key in treating MCAS. Acupuncture works by helping to calm
your body’s sensitivity to allergens and other triggers. Acupuncture can also decrease
the expression of inflammatory proteins. In fact, several studies have shown that
acupuncture helps ease inflammation and helps modulate immune function — both of
which are beneficial for anyone with MCAS.

Developed thousands of years ago in Asia, acupuncture is a comprehensive system of

energetic medicine that affects physical, emotional, and psychological imbalances.
When your energy is in a state of equilibrium, you are more likely to experience a deep
sense of well-being and relaxation.

With all the issues we face as a society today, stress reduction is more crucial than ever.
Proper stress management has been shown in numerous studies to provide significant
health benefits. In fact, stress reduction can help reduce the body’s over-response to
allergens.

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2 Heal Leaky Gut

The gastrointestinal tract is our first line of defense against pathogens and other foreign
invaders, and a large number of immune cells and friendly bacteria reside there,
constantly fighting off harmful invaders.

Unfortunately, however, some people suffer from chronic inflammatory conditions that
make the gut more porous, termed “leaky gut syndrome.” As a result, undigested food,
bacteria, and other foreign particles enter the circulation. The immune system attacks
and releases histamine, the “repair chemical.” Histamine triggers swelling and
inflammation — and it’s one of the chief mediators secreted by mast cells.

Leaky gut syndrome has been linked in many cases to all types of immune overreactions,
as well as to specific food sensitivities. When hypersensitive patients reduce
inflammation in the gut through the elimination of pro-inflammatory foods (i.e., gluten,
dairy, sugar, refined fats) and the addition of anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients,
symptoms are often reduced —and in some cases, reversed altogether.

Gluten
3 Go Against Gluten

Made up of two proteins (gliadin and glutenin), gluten can generate adverse reactions in
a significant portion of the population. In severe cases, gluten sensitivity can cause
celiac disease, a serious autoimmune condition causing extreme inflammatory reactions
to gluten.

While many people only have a mild sensitivity to gluten, the protein can still generate
inflammatory reactions. In addition to intestinal discomfort, the inflammation caused by
gluten sensitivity can strain the immune system, compromise the function of the GI tract
and affect many other organ systems, including the brain. Similar to addressing leaky
gut, many people with MCAS find relief when they eliminate gluten from their diets.

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 Gluten
4 Practice Meditation

Meditation enhances your awareness and your ability to remain clear, calm, and focused
on your life, while enriching your health and wellness. Clinical trials show that meditation
helps reduce inflammation, improve cellular immunity, and support antibody response to
infectious microbes. Sitting quietly for 10–15 minutes per day is enough to experience
benefits.

5 Add Modified Citrus Pectin to Your Regimen

The researched form of Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) supports balanced immune
function in several critical ways:

MCP blocks the alarm protein galectin-3, helping prevent immune system
overreactions such as cytokine storms
It enhances the activity of NK cells, T cells, and B cells so they can work effectively
It detoxifies heavy metals and other substances to reduce their toxic burden on the
immune system
It helps reduce inflammation and maintain healthy cellular function

Learn more about this formula here.

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 Eliminate Problematic Foods to Reduce Your
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Symptoms

Gluten isn’t the only food that can generate inflammation. Many people react poorly to
dairy, soy, eggs, and other commonly consumed foods. Seemingly nourishing foods can
worsen inflammation and other symptoms of MCAS.

Keeping a food diary and/or following an elimination diet can be extremely valuable in
finding foods that will actually heal — not harm — your body. In addition to common
food allergies (e.g., gluten, dairy, soy), here are some examples of other potentially
problematic “health” foods:

HIGH-HISTAMINE FOODS
People with histamine intolerance and/or MCAS can feel worse after eating foods
naturally high in histamine. Some of the worst offenders include avocadoes, fermented
foods, aged cheeses, olives, pickles, citrus, walnuts, soy, gluten, alcohol, spinach, dried
fruits, processed or smoked meats and fish, shellfish (particularly shrimp), and leftovers
(especially meat). In general, the longer food is left out and/or kept in the fridge as
leftovers, the higher the histamine levels — this is especially pronounced in meat. Try
cooking fresh meals every day to combat this problem and control symptoms.

NIGHTSHADES
Foods in the nightshade family are associated with increased joint pain and
inflammation; these include tomatoes, eggplant, potato, and peppers. These vegetables
contain alkaloids, chemicals that can have an inflammatory effect on the body for some
people — keep a food diary to see if nightshades trigger your symptoms.

FODMAPs
FODMAPs — which stand for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides,
monosaccharides, and polyols — are short-chain carbohydrates that can damage the
gut and cause digestive problems in people with IBS, SIBO, and other gut-related
conditions, as well as in people with hypersensitivity issues. They include fructose,
lactose, sugar alcohols, wheat, beans, lentils, onions, and garlic. Work with a holistic
practitioner to customize a low-FODMAP diet if you think this applies to you.

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7 Detoxify from Environmental & Agricultural Toxins

There are thousands of toxins in the environment that find their way into our bodies.
While the relationship between toxicity and allergies is not clearly proven, there is
alarming evidence accumulating regarding the link between environmental toxins, such
as pesticides like glyphosate and heavy metals, and the development of autoimmune
diseases. It is clear that these environmental poisons generate inflammation and can
wreak havoc on the body’s finely tuned neuro-endocrine and immune systems.

For anyone suffering from MCAS or even seasonal allergies, a periodic detoxification
featuring organic, anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce symptoms. Gentle
detoxifying agents, such as modified citrus pectin (more on this below) and alginates
actively remove heavy metals, pesticides, and even radioactive isotopes. Cleansing is a
key practice that can help eliminate harmful substances, reduce inflammation, and help
restore the body’s balance.

Are Allergy Drugs “Drying” Out Your Body & Brain?

It is not surprising that billions of dollars are spent each year on over-the-counter (OTC)
and prescription allergy drugs, including antihistamines (which block histamine
production to reduce symptoms), nasal steroids to reduce inflammation and immune
modifiers. If you take antihistamines for MCAS, allergies, or other symptoms, be aware
that these drugs do come with multiple side effects.

Antihistamines, for example, are notorious for having a ‘drying’ effect on the body,
often leading to dry eye, constipation, dry mouth, and/or urinary retention. Other side
effects include impaired thinking and anxiety. These side effects may be pronounced in
older adults who can have a harder time eliminating antihistamines from the body.

Newer findings suggest that certain antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier.
And they might even raise the risk of dementia. According to a 2019 study,
anticholinergic drugs were associated with a whopping 50 percent higher risk of
dementia. Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl and other
antihistamines, is an anticholinergic. These drugs inhibit acetylcholine, a
neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning, and retention.
8 Tap Into Ancient Herbal Wisdom

One of the most comprehensive supplements for dealing with allergies and immune
system imbalances is a Tibetan Herbal Formula called Padma Basic. This proprietary
blend of 19 herbs — including Icelandic moss and neem — has been shown in several
studies to help combat inflammation, balance immune function, and enhance circulation.
This one-of-a-kind product has also been proven to help treat sinusitis. Learn more
about this formula here.

9 Address Inflammation

Stress, leaky gut and food sensitivities like gluten all fuel chronic inflammation, which in
turn causes these conditions to flare — a viscous cycle indeed. Chronic inflammation
can play a role in numerous life-threatening conditions. We should all be doing
everything possible to keep inflammation in check.

Speaking of stress: Anxiety generates inflammatory hormones, but there are ways to
alleviate this. Meditation, for example, is an ancient discipline that calms both mind and
body. Numerous studies have shown the practice can dramatically influence the brain,
putting our fight or flight reflex at bay and reducing inflammation. Exercise can also help.
Simply taking a brisk 30-minute walk each day can do wonders for stress control,
inflammation, and overall health.

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10 Supplement with Medicinal Mushrooms

In addition to being rich in complex vitamins and minerals, mushrooms contain

carbohydrates such as beta-glucans that have a powerful impact on immunity. They are
particularly useful when fighting overreactions because they don’t simply boost the
immune system, they modulate it. In other words, they can both energize immune cells
or reign in their response, depending on the need.

By balancing immunity, they keep the body from either overreacting or underreacting to
pathogens and other threats. There are numerous medicinal mushrooms that can
provide support — reishi, cordyceps, coriolus, umbellatus, argaricus, and maitake are
standouts for immune balance.

Supplements are an ideal way to reap the benefits of medicinal mushrooms. They are
great if you don’t like to eat mushrooms — or don’t want to eat them everyday. Also,
many medicinal mushrooms are hard to find at local food stores. ecoNugenics
MycoPhyto Complex (available in capsules or powder) contains six mushrooms that are
cultivated on a blend of adaptogenic, immune-balancing herbs. These botanicals infuse
the mushrooms with additional healing compounds.

Learn more about this formula here.

Your immune system faces constant threats — allergens, pathogens, toxins,

unhealthy lifestyles, chronic stress, and more. Working overtime to keep you healthy
means your immune system — and your entire body — needs nourishment,
replenishment, and care, not overstimulation. These harmonizing strategies can
provide the balancing support you need to optimize your defenses, and your long-
term wellness, naturally.

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 The super-nutrient
MODIFIED CITRUS PECTIN
for total-body health.*

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Sources:
Díaz-Alvarez, Laura & Soto, Enrique. (2017). The Many Roles of Galectin-3, a Multifaceted Molecule, in Innate
Immune Responses against Pathogens. Mediators of Inflammation. 2017. 1-10. 10.1155/2017/9247574.
Bonadonna P, Pagani M, Aberer W, Bilo MB, Brockow K, Oude Elberink H, et al. Drug hypersensitivity in clonal
mast cell disorders: ENDA/EAACI position paper. Allergy. 2015 Jul;70(7):755-63.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25824492
Castells M, Austen KF. Mastocytosis: mediator-related signs and symptoms. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2002
Feb;127(2):147-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11919427
https://tmsforacure.org/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33670337/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34265577/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29306937/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26799456/
Eliaz I, Raz A. Pleiotropic Effects of Modified Citrus Pectin. Nutrients. 2019 Nov 1;11(11):2619.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23860110/
Wasser SP. Medicinal Mushrooms in Human Clinical Studies. Part I. Anticancer, Oncoimmunological, and
Immunomodulatory Activities: A Review. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2017;19(4):279-317.

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