Detoxing with MCAS needs to be specialized to your constitution. From genetic testing, I know that I carry gene variants that make it more difficult for my body to detoxify. Yet I feel better when I have less inflammation and less toxic load on my body. I’ve run into problems trying to detoxify because the typical methods of detoxification can cause mast cell activation.
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Table of Contents
Who is Betsy Leighton?
I’m a writer, blogger, and healer dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their innate peace and wholeness by healing nervous system dysregulation. My personal experience with chronic illness called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) shapes my work, and my content offers tools to empower those with chronic illness to improve their well-being and take charge of their health.
I created the Sacred Self-Healing Method and am a trained and certified Safe and Sound Protocol provider, an author, blogger, and A Course in Miracles Teacher. I hold a Master of Divinity in Spiritual Counseling and am a trained spiritual mentor, with certificates in sound healing, aromatherapy, nutrition, and Sacred Deathcare. I offer a self-study certificate program in the Sacred Self-Healing Method, provide spiritual counseling and coaching, courses, and supported subscriptions for the Safe and Sound Protocol.
What is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. It can cause severe, disabling symptoms every day, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
The common triggers for MCAS are infections, toxic exposures including mold exposure and EMFs, trauma, concussions, and stress.
MCAS often occurs with other chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Managing MCAS is challenging because many healthcare providers are unaware of it, and diagnostic tests can be unreliable. Treatments include antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers in the form of medications and supplements, along with avoiding triggers. Check out this post on managing MCAS.
What is detoxification?
Detoxification is the process of excreting bioaccumulated toxins from muscles, adipose tissue, and organs.
The most common toxins in humans are:
- Heavy Metals (found in mercury from fish, cadmium from automobile exhaust, lead from old paint, and arsenic, to name a few)
- BPA – Bisphenol A (an endocrine disruptor found in paper receipts, plastic containers, food packaging, and beverage can lining that I discuss in this post)
- Phthalates (a hormone disruptor that lowers testosterone found in soft plastic, beauty products, soaps & creams)
The problem with detoxing with MCAS
In my pre-Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and pre-thyroid nodule diagnosis life, I used to enjoy a beautiful daily beet-lemon-kale-ginger-cucumber raw juice every morning. Unfortunately, beets are very high in oxalates, citrus and ginger can liberate histamine, and plain kale and cucumber really don’t cut it for me.
Before that, when I followed the GAPs protocol of healing, I ate bone broth and homemade ferments every day (both are incredibly high in histamine). Alas!
Other detox protocols that worked for me in the past, like binding with activated charcoal, clay, modified citrus pectin, or chlorella, were also problematic. Once my MCAS was in full swing, I found that I couldn’t skip my antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, and I couldn’t risk having a binder mop up the effectiveness of those medications. So binders are off the table.
As well, the liver detox herbs that I used to take now cause MCAS reactions; detox foot baths cause me huge Herxheimer reactions now; I can’t tolerate any of the herbal detox preparations I used to use; I used to use homeopathic detox remedies, but because I am using a constitutional homeopathic remedy, that is contraindicated; I can no longer eat legumes and many fibrous foods due to MCAs; I can’t do essential oils anymore due to MCAS reactions; I have heat intolerance now and can’t get into a sweat as comfortably as before; so I am always looking for ways to sneak detox and drainage into my routine.
Organs involved in detoxing with MCAS
We are increasingly exposed to various toxins, particularly harmful ones like mold toxins, which require detoxification.
Your body’s detoxification, or elimination, organs are responsible for managing this toxin load:
- Liver: Transforms toxic substances chemically, making them less harmful and more water-soluble for excretion via urine and stool.
- Kidneys: Filter the blood, removing wastes through urine.
- Intestines: Eliminate wastes in the form of feces.
- Skin: Excretes wastes through sweat.
- Lungs: Remove wastes via exhalation.
While these organs work to detoxify your system, they can only process a finite amount of toxins at one time. This limit is referred to as your toxin load.
What can you do?
Fortunately, there are many ways to detox when you have MCAS. By watching your symptom progression, you can make sure you are not exceeding your toxic load.
Suppose you used to be able to jump into a new detox routine. In that case, you may instead need to start slowly, log your symptoms carefully, and proceed with caution until you know you tolerate any of the following detox ideas.
The bucket theory
The bucket theory simplifies understanding symptom reactions with MCAS. Imagine your body as an empty bucket you don’t want to overflow. Reactions to various stimuli fill the histamine bucket at different rates, forming the total histamine level (how full your bucket is). More histamine means more symptoms. By managing triggers, reducing exposures, and taking medications and supplements, you can control your bucket’s level.
Know your typical symptom progression
Understanding your symptom progression during a flare is key to developing your rescue plan. This post discusses how to recognize symptom progression so you can be prepared to address them.
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Homeopathy for detoxing
I discuss homeopathy for MCAS and chronic illness in this post. I use Energetix homeopathic remedies for many facets of MCAS, from sleep to addressing infections to detoxing.
Energetix homeopathic products are prepared according to the HPUS (Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States) and formulated to address a wide range of modern concerns effectively. The pleasant-tasting liquid form of Energetix remedies is easy to dose and use.
Energetix makes three types of homeopathic remedies: Paths, Tones, and Chords.
- Paths – Product names ending in “Path” are for symptoms related to weakness or imbalance in systems, organs, glands, or tissues.
- Tones – Product names ending in “Tone” are for symptoms related to congestion or stress in systems, organs, glands, or tissues.
- Chords – Product names ending in “Chord” are for symptoms related to systems, organs, glands, or tissues that are compromised or overburdened by toxins.
With Energetix remedies, you are best off combining a Chord with a Tone; the Chord addresses toxicity in the body, while the Tone provides drainage support to excrete the toxins. Paths can be taken without the support of a Tone.
Here is my list of go-to Energetix Remedies for detoxing when you have MCAS or other chronic illnesses.
Isopathic Phenolic Rings support those with multiple sensitivities
MycoCan-Chord is for symptoms of Candida mold toxicity
Para-Chord is for addressing parasites
Viru-Chord helps clear viral infections such as EBV
Neuro-Chord is helpful for neurotoxins
Hepata-Chord pairs with Hepatic-Tone, and is for general liver toxicity
Tox-Chord is for chemical toxicity
Drainage Tone supports detox pathways
Lymph-Tone II assists with detoxing chronic issues
Lymph-Tone III is helpful in detoxing issues due to hypersensitivities and neuropathy
It is important to pair Chords with Tones. If you would like help choosing remedies for your specific situation, please schedule a session with me for individualized support. Click here to schedule a session.
Chi machine for detoxing with MCAS
A bodyworker I saw when I was in severe pain and couldn’t walk a block recommended that I try a chi machine. My practitioner had a paralyzed patient who received a lot of benefits from using a chi machine, and he thought it would help me with lymph drainage and detox while passively moving my body.
A chi machine is a device that mechanically swings your legs back and forth rhythmically. The action pumps lymph in your body, just as exercise does. To use a chi machine, you lie on the floor with your ankles resting on the chi machine’s two saddles. The chi machine operates on a timer, so you can turn it on and relax while it works, and it will turn itself off.
I have never been able to tolerate more than a few minutes of the chi machine. It stirs up your energy (Chi or Qi is the term for energy in traditional Asian healing). When the machine stops, I feel a rush of energy similar to the neurological energy waves I experience from MCAS. So, the feeling is not entirely pleasant. But with 1-2 minutes of using the chi machine 4-5 days a week, I do feel a difference in my body. I feel more fluid and less stagnant, I have less stiffness and more energy.
Often, chiropractors and body workers have chi machines for use, so you might be able to try a chi machine before purchasing one. Start with just 30 seconds on the first day, then wait a day before trying it for a little longer duration. Some people work up to using it for 45 minutes to an hour, but, as I say, I only tolerate 2 minutes at most.
Detox baths for detoxing with MCAS
Epsom Salt baths are excellent for detoxification, but the heat can be triggering for those with MCAS. If you can tolerate hot baths, then great! If not, try a cooler water temperature.
Epsom salt and baking soda can be added to the bath to assist with detoxification. I use 1/2 c. of each in my daily detox bath. I used to enjoy using up to 2 cups of both Epsom salt and baking soda, but found with MCAS I needed to take it easier.
Dry body brushing for detoxing with MCAS
Dry body brushing before bathing is an excellent way to prepare your body for detoxification. The skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a significant role in detoxification.
To use a dry brush, gently brush the skin surface toward the heart. Avoid sensitive areas, broken skin, or areas where you might be likely to break out in hives from MCAS. Start with just brushing part of the body, for instance, the legs.
Sauna for detoxing with MCAS
An infrared sauna is terrific for reducing inflammation, which can be an issue for those with MCAS. The infrared sauna I love is the Clearlight Sanctuary 2 (I’m not affiliated with them), which is also low in EMFs. The “2” refers to how many people it is supposed to fit. I’m 5’2″, and I can just fit lying down on the seat with my legs up the wall. That way, I can relax, get the benefit of an inverted pose (for blood return to the heart), and I can even fall asleep. In addition to assisting with inflammation, infrared saunas also facilitate detoxification through sweating.
Saunas are a bit controversial for those with MCAS because heat can be an issue for those with heat intolerance. Too much detoxification too quickly can cause Herxing. If you want to learn more about safe detoxification with an infrared sauna, this comprehensive article from a trusted source covers ways to mitigate the issues that can accompany detoxing.
My MCAS detox story
When I was at the height of my MCAS symptom flare, I was not able to do any of these detox measures. Gradually over the last two years, I have implemented all of these things, starting one at a time, going slowly, and logging my symptoms to make sure I was not exceeding my toxic load.
It’s been a lot of trial and error. Because I no longer tolerate herbal supplements in alcohol, my functional practitioner has been creative about suggesting new detox supplements for me to try. After wasting $$$ on supplements I couldn’t tolerate, she has generously given me samples from her own supply so I can try them before I buy. And on average, I only tolerate about a tenth of what she suggests. See this post on supplements for MCAS.
So, while I’ve stabilized my mast cells and histamine response, I’ve gradually gotten liver support on board. After using the sauna for 50 minutes, I restarted with just 1 minute and progressively increased to 15 minutes per day. As I mentioned, I can only tolerate 1-2 minutes of the chi machine per day, and I’m okay with that. I do dry body brushing followed by a detox bath before bed each night. At some point, I want to try using binders again, but I still need to keep continuous antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers in my system, so I’ll wait on that.
Check out these circadian health tools!
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Sign up for the SSP!
I’ve found the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) to be the most helpful bottom-up healing strategy if your nervous system has been overloaded with toxic exposures, including mold or non-native EMFs, chronic infections, concussions, stress, or trauma. The SSP is a passive listening therapy that helps heal nervous system dysregulation. Many people with MCAS and other chronic conditions have nervous system dysregulation stemming from infections, toxic exposures, concussions, and trauma. The SSP is an easy-to-use app that lets you listen to specially filtered music for 30 minutes each day as part of a 5-hour cycle. Studies show the SSP has a profound effect on mental health and chronic conditions. Here’s a short podcast describing the Safe and Sound Protocol.
You can sign up for the SSP here!
Heal your mind!
While the SSP is a bottom-up, somatic therapy for healing the nervous system, the Sacred Self-Healing Method I offer is a top-down nervous system-healing modality that focuses on cognition, attention, perception, and emotion, using the mind’s higher functions. The SSP and the Sacred Self-Healing Method complement each other and together produce lasting results. Here’s a short podcast on my self-healing practice.
I provide one-on-one in-person and remote chronic illness and caregiver coaching, as well as Sacred Self-Healing Sessions based on the Sacred Self-Healing Method, a proven, novel co-creative healing modality detailed in my Books.
Order my books!
Here’s a short podcast highlighting my five books.
My latest book, Living In The Light: Healing with Forgiveness, Sound, and Light, is all about the tools that have been most helpful for me to heal: forgiveness, sound, through nervous system retraining using the Safe and Sound Protocol, and light, through entraining my circadian rhythm with the energy of the sun. Living In The Light is available here!
Rocks and Roots chronicles my solo backpacking journey on the Superior Hiking Trail and my efforts to overcome nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to complete the 328-mile hike successfully.
The Sacred Self-Healing Method ebook is available here and in most ebook retailers!
The Sacred Self-Healing Workbook is available for purchase here!
Betsy’s first book, Sacred Self-Healing: Finding Peace Through Forgiveness, is available here
Companion Recordings
The companion audio recordings of chants, guided meditations, and sound healing demonstrations that accompany the Sacred Self-Healing Method are available for free on my YouTube channel here
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Disclaimer
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure, or treatment.
