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15 Natural Anti-Histamines & Mast Cell Stabilizers

9/24/2018

16 Comments

 
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In functional medicine, we always want to be looking upstream and trying to gather as many clues and evidence through testing and intake to determine what is at the root cause of the chronic symptoms in question.

We then work to treat and resolve the underlying problem(s) and this helps to reduce symptoms and restore health long term. But what happens when someone is reacting to or not tolerating the treatment needed to resolve their root cause problems?

This is the biggest challenge I see for those who have MCAS and histamine intolerance.  Their immune systems are so hyper-reactive and overly sensitive that they will often have trouble tolerating the treatment needed to resolve the root cause issues like parasites, lyme, SIBO, retroviruses, or mold. 

I experienced this personally when I was being treated for Lyme disease and mold illness aggressively for 2 years before knowing that MCAS was playing a role in my symptoms. My MCAS manifested as extreme body pain, even after 2 years of Lyme disease treatment my pain wasn't getting any better, in fact, it was getting worse!!  I also found myself becoming very sensitive and reactive to foods, smells, chemicals, EMF's, and even most of the medications and supplements that were treating my illness.  I could not tolerate treatment and was just getting sicker and feeling worse. 

​Figuring out I had MCAS and adding in both pharmaceutical and natural anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers was a game changer for me. My pain levels dropped slowly, my energy improved, my rashes disappeared and my food reactions lessened. Overtime I finally started to be able to tolerate the treatment I needed to resolve my root 
causes. 

After my personal experience and professionally working with lots of mast cell clients, I now understand that its imperative to get the immune system to calm down and be less reactive before you will be able to tolerate treatment for and resolve what's at the root cause of your MCAS.

My practice is now close to 80% MCAS patients and every client is unique in what combination of anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers work to calm down the immune response and be less reactive.

I use special lab testing to help give me clues about each clients bio-individual triggers, metabolism, and root cause issues. This helps me make educated recommendations in the area of natural anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers that will work for each personal individually. 

There are some nuances to choosing the right combination of supplements and it often takes some trail and error. This is why I highly recommend working with a practitioner who knows and understands this well to help guide your choices.

You will want to choose clean formulations with minimal or no fillers and avoid magnesium or vegetable stearates.  I suggest single active ingredient items so that you know what is helping or hurting you.

Lastly, never try more than one of these at the same time.  Always try anything that is new to you alone with no other changes or adjustments in food or medications, titrate up to the recommended dose slowly and then add the next item. I typically recommend a 3 day trial before increasing the dose or adding the next supplement. 

Here are the natural options that I use most in my practice...
15 Natural Anti-Histamines & Mast Cell Stabilizers:
  1. Quercetin - a bioflavonoid that is likely the most used and well known anti-histamine and natural mast cell stabilizer. It is sourced from either citrus or onion & garlic family.  Tip: People who have salicylate intolerance will often not tolerance quercetin well. The typical recommended dose is 500 mg prior to each meal. Pure Encapsulations, Allergy Research Group, and Designs for Health are my go-to brands for this. 

  2. Luteolin - a bioflavonoid that is usually extracted from artichokes that is a potent mast cell stabilizer and natural anti-histamine. I often recommend the following products that contain luteolin: Neuroprotect and Mirica.

  3. Pycnogenol - is pine bark extract, another bioflavonoid that can be effective as a mast cell stabilizer and anti-histamine. This is often a good choice when quercetin and/or luteolin are not tolerated well which is fairly common. 

  4. Stinging Nettles Leaf- has been shown to inhibit leukotriene release from mast cells. Leukotrienes are a mediator that often gets triggered from salicylate and phenol sensitivity. Taking 250-500mg prior to each meal can help to lower reactions. 

  5. Vitamin C - can be effective as an anti-histamine, however I find that ascorbic acid products are not often well tolerated by MC patients. So I typically recommend getting a supplement that offers natural sources of Vitamin C like: Allergy Research Group Cassava C, Camu Camu, or Australia's Kakadu plum. I recommend Bushfoods Kakadu plum freeze-dried, wild-harvested powder. 

  6. Evening Primrose Oil - has been shown to lower prostaglandins which are another mediator that gets released from mast cells. A good dose is 1,500mg daily taken at bedtime or with dinner. 

  7. DAO Enzyme or Xylanase Enzyme - while these enzymes are not mast cell stabilizers or anti-histamines, they do help to break down histamine and phenol based compounds in the gut and can be effective in reducing reactions to foods especially.

    DAO is used for those who have histamine intolerance and a mutation on their DAO or HNMT enzymes. I like Umbrellex brand DAO.

    Xylanase is an enzyme used to help break down phenol based compounds like salicylates that many mast cell people are reactive to. The brand I like is Kirkman Phenol Assist or Houston Enzymes No-Fenol. 

  8. Milk Thistle - is a natural mast cell stabilizer, also helps to support liver and gallbladder detox.  This is not recommended for those that have a ragweed allergy. 

  9. Butterbur - this is a natural anti-histamine that works similarly to H1 blockers Zyrtec or Allergra. This can be especially helpful for brain related symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and migraines. 

  10. Feverfew - this is a natural mast cell stabilizer that supports healthy mucous membranes and can improve cranial blood vessel integrity. It can be very effective for headaches and migraines related to mast cell and histamine issues. Good formulations are: Ecological Formulas, Wise Women's Herbs, and Vital Nutrients. 

  11. Baikal Skullcap - This herb can be very helpful in lowering neurological inflammation. It is a natural mast cell stabilizer and helps to de-activate retroviruses which I find to be a big root cause of MCAS.  Start with 2 drops, twice daily and increase by 1 drop every week, this is powerful so go slow. I like Wise Women's Herbs or Herb Pharm brand tinctures

  12. L. theanine or GABA - l. theanine is an amino acid that is a precursor to GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. While these are not directly natural anti-histamines, they do help to calm and balance the nervous system which in turn helps to lower MCA. 

  13. Chondrontin Sulfate - this has been shown to have powerful mast cell stabilizing properties and works very effectively to lower UTI occurrence and Interstitial Cystitis  flares (which are tied to MCA) because it protects the lining of the bladder mucosa. Avoid this if you have sulfur intolerance.  

  14. Licorice Root or DGL - either of these forms of licorice root can provide natural anti-histamine support, they work on H2 receptors and can be helpful for symptoms like: flushing, GERD/reflux/heartburn, and throat inflammation. 

  15. Aloe Vera - this medicinal plant is a potent mast cell stabilizer. It can help with IBS related symptoms especially. Avoid this if you are salicylate intolerant as it is high in salicylic acid. 

These are my go-to natural mast cell stabilizers, which for some people can be used in combination with pharmaceuticals like ketotifen, chromolyn, singular, and over the counter anti-histamines like Benadryl. I highly recommend working with an experienced practitioner who can help you choose the products that meet your needs best.

Always keep in mind these anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers are not going to fix the underlying, or root problem(s) that are causing the MCA symptoms. They will simply help to lower reactions and calm the immune response down so that you can start to treat the underlying reasons your mast cells are over-stimulated in the first place. 

In the coming weeks, I will be doing a blog on the Common Root Causes of MCA and Histamine Intolerance. So I hope you tune in again soon!

If histamine intolerance and mast cell activation are a topic of interest to you, check out my FREE ONLINE WEBINAR coming up this Saturday, 9/29 at 10:30am MT. Click the image below to register and reserve your spot today. 
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References:
  1. SharmaSC, Sharma S, Gulati OP, “Pycnogenolinhibits the release of histamine from mast-cells,”PhytotherRes. 2003 Jan;17(1):66-99
  2. Kimata M, ShichijoM, Miura T, Serizawa I, Inagaki N, Nagai H. Effects of luteolin, quercetin and baicalein on immunoglobulin E-mediated mediator release from human cultured mastcells.ClinExpAllergy. 2000b;30:501–508. [PubMed]
  3. Park HH, Lee S, Son HY, Park SB, Kim MS, Choi EJ, et al. Flavonoids inhibit histamine release and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mast-cells. Arch Pharm Res. 2008;31:1303–1311.[PubMed]
  4. Kim B-R, SeoH-S, Ku J-M, et al. Silibinininhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway in HMC-1 human mast-cells. Inflammation. Research. 2013;62(11):941-950. doi:10.1007/s00011-013-0640-1.
  5. ChapowalA. PetasitesStudy Group. Randomisedcontrolled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. BMJ 2002;324:144-6.
  6. Hayes, N. A. and Foreman, J. C. The activity of compounds extracted from feverfew on histamine release from rat mast-cells. J Pharm Pharmacol1987;39(6):466-470
  7. Hsieh et al. Baicalein inhibits IL-1ß- and TNF-a-induced inflammatory cytokine production from human mast-cells via regulation of the NF-?B pathway. ClinMolAllergy. 5: 5. 2007.
  8. TheoharidesTC, Patra P, Boucher W, et al. Chondroitin sulphateinhibits connective tissue mast-cells. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2000;131(6):1039-1049. doi:10.1038/ sj.bjp.0703672.
  9. Ro JY, Lee BC, Kim JY, et al. Inhibitory mechanism of aloe single component (alprogen) on mediator release in guinea pig lung mast-cells activated with specific antigenantibodyreactions. J PharmacolExpTher. 2000;292:114–121. 73.
  10. Kim B-R, SeoH-S, Ku J-M, et al. Silibin ininhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway in HMC-1 human mast-cells. Inflammation. Research. 2013;62(11):941-950. doi:10.1007/s00011-013-0640-1.
  11. Kim NH,JeongHJ, Kim HM. Theanine is a candidate amino acid for pharmacological stabilization of mast-cells. Amino Acids. 2011;42:1609–1618.
  12. Theoharides,TheoharisC., and Leonard Bielory. “Mast-cells and mast-cell mediators as targets of dietary supplements.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 93.2 (2004): S24-S34.
16 Comments
Sharon Carpenter
9/28/2018 01:19:35 pm

Billie, your info is short and powerful. I really love what your putting out and gain from the knowledge. I like it better than Chris Kresser.
Great job.

Reply
Billie Shellist
10/1/2018 11:37:25 am

Thanks for the great feedback Sharon!

Reply
Justin
11/19/2018 03:14:36 pm

Do you have a recording of the webinar?

Reply
Billie Shellist
11/21/2018 07:21:56 am

Hi Justin, Yes I do have the webinar recorded. Here is a link to listen to the recording:https://www.functionaldiagnostichealing.com/mcas-webinar-recordings.html

Reply
S
12/29/2019 10:14:35 pm

Did you ever make that blog post about common root causes of MCAS/Histamine Intolerance?

Reply
Billie Shellist
12/30/2019 06:16:52 am

Hello S - I dont have a blog, but do have a recorded webinar on MCAS that includes a complete discussion on the root causes. Click this link here to check that out:https://www.functionaldiagnostichealing.com/mastcellactivationwebinar.html

Reply
Penny Jean Wilson
5/16/2020 02:16:23 pm

Billie,
I have been doing a ton of research into mast cell stabilizers in covid 19. I would love to share some info with you. I am a retired ccu nurse with mast cell activation disorder and eosinophilic asthma with multiple respiratory failures so I was at huge risk for critical covid19 infection and boy did I get it. I vlogged my entire journey on facebook and have now dedicated most of my time to track this little virus down to it's first actions when it enters the lungs....as far as I can tell...mast cell activation. This mast cell activation normally would be exactly whats needed to fight this thing, but the virus exploits the chemicals created in the mast cell reaction to prime the cells for entry and to damage dendritic cells so they can't sound the alarm for help. Then the virus sets up house like a non-paying unevictable tenant. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Reply
Billie
5/17/2020 06:41:25 am

HI Penny,
I'd love to hear more about your story and the information you've learned. Please email me at functionaldiagnostichealing@gmail.com

Reply
Amy Plath
5/26/2020 06:05:39 am

Penny - I would love to hear your ideas, too. Can you link your vlog or possibly contact me at plathtones@gmail.com. Many thanks!

Reply
Sarah
8/4/2020 08:18:37 pm

Penny, I'd love to hear more from you about this as well. My medical training is limited (emergency medicine) so I don't have near the insight that you do. But I have MCAD and have contracted COVID twice. It has been quite the journey, to say the least. And the mast cell impact has been substantial. I searched for you in Facebook, because I'd love to see your vlogs, but wasn't able to find you. And you don't seem to be in the MCAS/COVID Facebook group either. If you're willing, would you reach out and share your vlog? I'd like to compare stories. venmk@hotmail.com is the best way to reach me.

Reply
christopher tishlias
1/11/2021 11:39:58 pm

Hi Pennie,

I have MCAs and got Covid as well in March & am still dealing with the suffering from that. Would love to share stories, info, & guidance. ctishlias@yahoo.com

Reply
Ann
9/8/2020 02:53:21 pm

I purchased herpes herbal medicine and received it within 7 days and used it as prescribed, I tested negative within 3 weeks use, do not loose hope to contact him early If you need help meet him on his email address dr,chalaherbalhome@gmail.com

Reply
Devon
9/22/2020 09:04:09 am

Do you treat children?

Reply
Amy Smith
11/14/2020 12:55:22 pm

I desperately need help with histamine intolerance/possibly mast cell activation syndrome. I am fighting for my life right now, and I need help figuring out what to do to get better. I need help immediately please. I have been to four doctors, the ER, tried multiple approaches, and I am not getting better. i seem to be sensitive to everything. I know that you are booked up, but I am begging for help. I know that you want to help people...please help me. I would love to have a consultation as soon as possible. I am just struggling so much! Thank you for your time and consideration!

Reply
Babsi
1/5/2021 08:50:58 am

Which of these natural antihistamines can be taken with salicylat intolerance?

Reply
Billie Shellist
1/6/2021 07:55:30 am

If you are salicylate sensitive, the items I recommend starting with are DAO, No-Fenol Enzymes, Nettle Leaf, Vitamin C, Pycnogenol, Baikal Skullcap, L-theanine and GABA. The ones you are less likely to tolerate would be quercetin and luteolin.

Reply



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    Billie Shellist, FDN-P

    I practice functional nutrition, an approach that allows me to look at your entire health history and help you find the "root causes" of your chronic health complaints.  

    ​This cuts out the trial and error process and helps you get real symptom relief and resolution!


    Food is medicine and knowledge is power -I hope you enjoy my anti-inflammatory recipes which are gluten, dairy, and soy free as well as very low grain and sugar.  

    If you'd like to heal from the root cause(s) of your chronic symptoms,  try starting with a complimentary 15-minute consultation.  Click here to request your free session.


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