In an exclusive interview, Dr. Bruce Hoffman, a highly respected physician specializing in treating complex chronic illnesses, shares valuable insights on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Histamine Intolerance. Dr. Hoffman highlights that MCAS is a condition where mast cells, a type of white blood cell, become overactive and release inflammatory mediators throughout the body. This can cause a wide array of symptoms in many different organ systems.
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance are being recognized as major contributors to many gut conditions, including gastritis, SIBO, candida, and leaky gut. In this interview with Dr. Bruce Hoffman, a physician who treats complex chronic illnesses, we discuss MCAS’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
According to Dr. Hoffman, recent research suggests that MCAS may be present in as many as 17% of the population and is associated with a wide range of neurological and somatic symptoms. When mast cells become overactive in MCAS patients and release over 1000 inflammatory mediators throughout the body, this can create a domino effect of symptoms in many different organs.
Dr. Hoffman explains that many variables can trigger MCAS, including mold, environmental toxins, hormones, food and early developmental stress. The gut-histamine connection is important because dysbiosis in the gut microbiome can cause mast cell activation and histamine sensitivity.
Here are the key points from Dr. Hoffman on MCAS and Histamine Intolerance:
• MCAS is a complex condition that can cause symptoms in many different systems of the body.
• MCAS is associated with gut conditions like gastritis, SIBO, candida, and leaky gut.
• MCAS can be caused by a combination of factors, including environmental toxins, mould exposure, hormones and early developmental trauma.
• A negative histamine blood test doesn’t rule out MCAS.
• Treatment for MCAS often involves a combination of dietary changes, stress management, gut balancing, supplementation and medication.
Dr. Hoffman explains it all here. If you have more questions, contact a healthcare professional.
Dr. Bruce Hoffman
Dr. Bruce Hoffman is a physician who treats complex chronic illnesses. He is a frequent conference speaker and co-authored “Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global “consensus-2” with other leaders in the study of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome like Dr. Lawrence B. Afrin.