Eat for Life

Eat for Life


EP 29: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance with Beth O’Hara, FND

June 21, 2021

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance have been buzzwords for quite some time now, but these conditions are still highly misunderstood and impact 1 in 8.5 people. That’s up to 17% of the general population!

Mast cells are our immune system’s first responders, sensing and communicating back to the brain about incoming pathogens, toxins, injuries, and other stressors.

When these amazingly complex cells are overtaxed and dysregulated, they will respond to anything as a threat, creating inflammation and a buildup of immune mediators like histamine and cytokines that create a wide range of symptoms from hives and itchy eyes to gastrointestinal distress, migraines, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and others.

Today's special guest has been personally impacted by these conditions and is an amazing testament to the power of a functional and holistic approach to healing.

Beth O'Hara is a Functional Naturopath specializing in complex chronic immune conditions related to MCAS and Histamine Intolerance.

She is the founder and owner of Mast Cell 360 Functional Naturopathy, where she looks at all factors surrounding health conditions: genetic, epigenetic, biochemical, physiological, environmental, and emotional. She holds a doctorate in Functional Naturopathy, a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and a bachelor’s degree in physiological ecology. She is certified in functional genomic analysis and is a research advisor for the Nutrigenetic Research Institute.

She designed Mast Cell 360 to be the kind of practice she wished had existed when she was severely ill with MCAS, histamine intolerance, neuroinflammation, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue.

Her mission today is to be a guiding light for others with MCAS, histamine intolerance, and these related conditions in their healing journeys through her Mast Cell 360 Root Cause process.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

  • The role mast cells play in a healthy immune system, and what happens when they never get a break from environmental toxins and psychosocial stress
  • The difference between Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance
  • Why the standard diagnostic criteria and testing leave out a large number of MCAS sufferers
  • Root causes and triggers for MCAS, including GI inflammation and mold, and how modern technology influences them
  • Steps to take now if you suspect you may be struggling with MCAS or Histamine Intolerance

Learn more about Beth O’Hara, FND:

Learn more about Sami:

Resources: