Mast Cell Activation Syndrome & Histamine

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) has become a hot topic in functional medicine. Mast cells are an integral part of the body’s immune system. They can be found in areas of exposure such as mucosal membranes, the lining of the GI tract, skin, and airways. Mast cells are responsible for storing important chemical mediators like histamine and others which help to instigate allergic responses. Mast cell disorders arise when there are too many mast cells, or they become hyper-reactive. That being said, these conditions are often misunderstood, and diagnoses are sometimes misused.  In today’s episode, we focus on the role of mast cells and histamine in the immune response. We discuss the different mast cell activation disorders, how to diagnose them, and what you can do about it.   Today on The Lab Report:   3:05      Mast Cell Activation Diseases  5:15      What is a mast cell? Why do we care?   7:05      Symptoms of histamine release   8:40      Histamine intolerance vs. MCAS   11:11     Foods: High Histamine or Low Histamine?   14:25    Non-food related histamine associations  15:30    Diagnosing and treating MCAS   18:00    Question of the Day What Genova profiles can help parse out histamine intolerance v. MCAS?   Additional Resources:   IgE Food Antibodies Profile   IgE Inhalants - Allergy Profile  IgE Mold - Allergy Profile  Methylation Panel  Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report  Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.  Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].   And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.   To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly, visit Genova Connect.   Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.