At 542 pages and referencing over 1200 academic articles, this book is the longest and most thorough resource on mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) to date. Allergies and anaphylaxis are on the rise, alongside gastrointestinal problems, skin issues, fatigue, orthopedic pain, neurological symptoms, and just about everything in between. Patients are coming out of the woodwork with chronic, debilitating, often invisible illness. Recent research estimates that 14%-17% of the population may have mast cell activation disease. Much of the medical community has never heard of the condition, and existing mainstream treatment tends to focus predominantly on pharmacological management. However, once a patient has reached a stable baseline, there are a number of other individualized approaches that can guide patients to successfully address the underlying root issues. This book includes: 1) an in-depth overview of mast cell activation disease, with a focus on mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS); 2) a patient story describing life with MCAS; 3) a detailed literature review and current hypotheses for disease origins; 4) a practical guide of clinical considerations for diagnosis; 5) a chapter devoted to comorbid conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, Lyme disease and much more; 6) several chapters devoted to mainstream and natural treatment options, dietary considerations, and strategies for holistic healing; 7) content from dozens of interviews with prominent MCAS experts, including specialists in allergy/immunology, hematology, functional medicine, naturopathy, psychology, nutrition, gastroenterology, physical therapy, clinical research, and more! Whether a patient, medical practitioner, or family member/friend, this book empowers readers and provides patients with concrete steps to move forward in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of mast cell activation syndrome.

The “trifecta” refers to three conditions that commonly occur together: mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and the hypermobile type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). These three conditions are gradually becoming more recognized in the mainstream medical world as more and more patients find themselves struggling with debilitating and often mysterious symptoms. However, recognizing these conditions is only the first step on the healing journey. With the right approach and toolbox, patients can reverse many of these symptoms to find lasting vitality. Written by a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has additional certifications in functional medicine and nutrition and extensive experience in working with these conditions, this book serves as patient guide that empowers individuals to put all of the puzzle pieces together as part of an individualized healing plan. Part One (3 chapters) is an overview of the three trifecta conditions, and Part Two (9 chapters) outlines the important pillars of an essential plan to address any (or all) of these conditions holistically. The book wraps up with a chapter of patient case stories. Accompanying the purchase of this book is access to a free 20-page PDF document that serves as a customizable workbook for readers to use as they read along. The Trifecta Passport dives into topics such as nervous system regulation, mold and other biotoxins, nutrition, exercise, detoxification, mental/emotional health and trauma, structural/musculoskeletal issues and the many underlying root issues (related to hormones, bacterial/viral load, gut health, etc.) that can trigger or exacerbate these conditions. This resource unpacks many different tools and practical treatment options that should be on the radar of patients living with these (and other) chronic conditions. When faced with these labels, it can be overwhelming to weed through all the resources out there to figure out how to move forward with a comprehensive and personalized road map. By helping readers put it all together in an organized manner, this book is a great resource for any patient with chronic illness as well as the caregivers and doctors who support them.

In 2008 Dr. Afrin started coming to understand that a newly recognized type of mast cell disease, now called mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), was the underlying diagnosis in many patients he was seeing who were each suffering large assortments -- quite different from one patient to the next -- of chronic multisystem inflammatory illnesses of unclear cause. Dr. Afrin soon gained experience that MCAS is far more prevalent than the only mast cell disease previously known to medicine (the rare disease of mastocytosis) and that most MCAS patients, once accurately diagnosed, can eventually find significantly helpful medications targeted at the disease. The frequency and magnitude of the improvements Dr. Afrin has seen -- even the relief that comes from finally having a unifying diagnosis other than "psychosomatism" -- have spurred him to focus in this area, not only tending to the needs of his patients but also pursuing research to advance our understanding of the disease and helping to educate other professionals who in turn can help even more of the many people who have long been suffering not only the symptoms of the disease but also the natural concern of not understanding why one would be so "unlucky" to have acquired so many medical problems. As it turns out, such patients are not so unlucky and truly have just one root issue (and a very common one at that), which has the biological capability to develop, directly or indirectly, into most or all of their previously diagnosed problems. There is a great deal yet to learn about this, but even with just the present very limited understanding, the opportunity to diagnose and help patients with MCAS seems to be enormous and Dr. Afrin felt a description of the disease, written for the general public, might help lead some MCAS patients on a journey to diagnosis and improvement sooner rather than later. Dr. Afrin hopes this book will help people who might have, or do have, MCAS. A portion of the proceeds of purchases of this book will go to support research and education in this area.

Follow Pam through an intriguing tale of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. At the age of 40 she developed many allergies to foods, medications and even her husband! She became salicylate sensitive and histamine intolerant overnight. Suddenly, she found herself unable to live in her home, and unable to eat most foods. Pam had severe reactions to many foods and medications and yet every allergy test came back negative. Mast cell disorder - the rare disorder that never follows the rules. She has created this guide for the patient by organizing and consolidating the relevant information that is scattered about the web. She has also created this guide for the family and friends of the patient, to help them to understand the bizarre symptoms and what they can do to help. It is a humorous look into the lives of the people who are the exception to the rule.

Histamine is an important mediator of allergic diseases, but knowledge of histamine as a cause of numerous non-allergic symptoms and signs is limited. This book offers wide-ranging coverage of histamine intolerance. There is extensive background discussion of the origin of histamine, its content in food and alcoholic beverages and intolerance to red wine. Diagnosis of histamine intolerance is explained and the various symptoms of histamine intolerance are clearly described. Subsequent chapters cover the relation of histamine to a wide variety of conditions, including drug intolerance, atopic dermatitis, seasickness and osteoporosis. This book will prove of value in clinical practice by facilitating differential diagnosis, which is by no means straightforward given the multiplicity of symptoms of histamine intolerance and by assisting in the selection of therapeutic measures.

Are you overly flexible or double-jointed? Perhaps you are the clumsy and tired person in your group of friends, often nursing an injury of some sort. If you are nodding in agreement with raised eyebrows and a knowing smirk on your face, then there is a chance you are hypermobile. Hypermobility affects a whopping 10 to 25 percent of the population (meaning it’s more common than being left-handed, standing over six feet tall, or having a third nipple), and it can cause symptoms ranging from minor discomfort to debilitating pain. Hypermobile people’s bendiness and tendency toward anxiety often lead them to yoga, where they find that they are at last praised for their physical ability and given tools to manage their hypersensitivity. However, the way yoga is taught frequently leaves this population susceptible to severe injuries, and they end up being told by medical professionals to avoid yoga. In this epic new book, fitness experts Adell Bridges and Celest Pereira redefine how to manage hypermobility, providing a practical roadmap that will enable you to harness your bendiness and feel fantastic. They reinforce the importance of stability, correct posture, and a healthy lifestyle, showing how, if managed properly, hypermobility is not debilitating but a superpower that you can use to live an extraordinary life. Too Flexible to Feel Good teaches you how to adapt your everyday habits such as your biomechanics and your diet to support and nourish your flexible body. This book also features: • Practical tips on how to hold your body for optimal results during training • Tools to help build awareness of your joint position in everyday life • Strategies for busting anxiety • Exercises that can improve your biomechanics • Diet and sleep considerations Too Flexible to Feel Good is also an invaluable resource for yoga teachers, fitness instructors, and medical professionals, helping them develop a deeper understanding of how best to help this population.

Uncover the Root Cause of Your Health Issues and Heal Your Body for Life Millions of people suffer from allergies, migraines, skin issues, sleep disturbances, digestive ailments or anxiety due to undiagnosed histamine intolerance. Dr. Becky Campbell, who has years of experience in the field and who suffers from histamine intolerance herself, has created a revolutionary four-phase program to heal your body naturally. What makes her approach different—and more effective for lifelong results—is that it looks for root causes and offers a well-rounded, holistic treatment plan that addresses diet, environmental toxins, lifestyle and more. To help you uncover why your body is not processing histamine correctly, Dr. Campbell explains the eight most common factors and how to address them. Then she gives you a plan that includes a low-histamine diet, liver care, gut support and direction on how to safely reintroduce the foods that were once making you sick. Along with her wealth of delicious recipes, she also includes information on supplements, ways to reduce stress and much more. Invest in your health and use The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan to heal your body for good.