Histamine-related disorders exist on a spectrum from simple food sensitivities to complex multi-system immune dysfunction, each requiring specific assessment and targeted treatment approaches.
| Type | Idiopathic MCAS | Common Triggers | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Histamine Intolerance | Deficient DAO enzyme or impaired histamine breakdown | High-histamine foods, gut dysbiosis, certain medications | Often responds well to gut healing and DAO support |
| Primary MCAS | Genetic mast cell abnormalities with clonal populations | Multiple environmental stimuli, unpredictable triggers | Requires comprehensive immune system management |
| Secondary MCAS | Mast cell hyperactivation due to underlying conditions | Infections, stress, environmental toxins, food triggers | Focus on treating underlying conditions and gut health |
| Idiopathic MCAS | Mast cell dysfunction with no identifiable underlying cause | Variable triggers including stress, foods, chemicals | Benefits from comprehensive functional medicine approach |
Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
Neurological and Cognitive Symptoms:
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Symptoms:
Dermatological and Allergic Symptoms:
Systemic and Constitutional Symptoms:
Comprehensive evaluation of histamine disorders requires assessment of both immune function and underlying gut health factors. At Whole Gut Health, we use advanced diagnostics to identify root causes and develop personalized treatment protocols.
Testing options may include:
We customize testing protocols based on your symptom pattern, suspected triggers, and medical history to ensure comprehensive evaluation and optimal treatment planning.
Our Three-Phase Histamine Regulation Protocol Includes:
1. Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
2. Targeted Intervention
3. Rebuilding and Prevention
Dr. Alexandra Shustina, NYC’s and Miami’s premier gut health specialist doctor is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist. She is a gut health specialist with training in conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health. She is an expert in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
At Whole Gut Health, our care is led by experienced functional medicine clinicians with a deep understanding of the gut microbiome and advanced diagnostics. We combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with a functional and integrative lens to give you the clarity and support needed for long-term healing.
Histamine intolerance occurs when the body cannot adequately break down histamine due to DAO enzyme deficiency or gut dysfunction, leading to symptoms from dietary histamine. MCAS involves mast cells becoming hyperactivated and releasing excessive histamine and other inflammatory mediators inappropriately, causing symptoms across multiple body systems. Both conditions share gut dysfunction and immune dysregulation as common underlying factors.
Histamine Intolerance
Primary MCAS
Secondary MCAS
Idiopathic MCAS
Comprehensive evaluation includes multiple assessment approaches:
Testing protocols are customized based on symptom patterns and suspected triggers.
Our comprehensive three-phase histamine regulation protocol includes:
Phase 1: Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
Phase 2: Targeted Intervention
Phase 3: Long-Term Immune Balance and Maintenance
The gut houses the largest population of mast cells and produces significant histamine. Gut dysbiosis leads to depletion of beneficial bacteria that break down histamine while promoting pathogenic bacteria that produce histamine. Additionally, conditions like SIBO and leaky gut can trigger mast cell activation and compromise DAO enzyme function, making gut health restoration essential for effective treatment.
Yes, with comprehensive functional medicine approaches addressing root causes. Histamine intolerance often responds very well to gut healing, DAO support, and microbiome restoration. MCAS requires more complex management but can be significantly improved through immune system balancing, mast cell stabilization, and elimination of triggers. The key is addressing underlying gut dysfunction and immune dysregulation.
At Whole Gut Health, we focus on the gut-immune connection in histamine disorders:
Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist who serves as NYC's and Miami's premier gut health specialist. She has training in both conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health, with expertise in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward histamine balance and immune wellness through comprehensive gut health restoration.
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