Pain in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance
Do you have chronic pain?
Pain is something that doesn’t get talked about enough when you have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance. But if you have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome or Histamine Intolerance, you probably have pain.
I had severe chronic pain myself related to both Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance. The pain was often debilitating.
I had horrible joint pain related to both oxalates and Ehrlers-Danlos Syndrome. It was so bad I had to use a cane to walk. My muscle pain kept me from sleeping. My periods were so bad, I would be doubled over in pain for the first 2 days. I also had interstitial cystitis (a type of severe urinary pain and burning).
On top of this, I’ve had fractures in 3 places in my spine from being kicked by a horse as a child. And then there is permanent damage from a car accident I was in a few years ago. After this car accident, I couldn’t lie down for more than 45 minutes at a time for 9 months. This meant I couldn’t sleep.
I’ve also had severe post-operative pain. This was from a nodule with dead tissue removed from my foot. Most likely it was from oxalate damage. The dead tissue was wrapped around nerves and had to be dug out. The pain after the surgery was excruciating.
I know chronic pain very well. I also know a lot of tips and tricks for helping pain.
I’m going to talk about these below. I also talk about it on The Pain Solution Summit with my friend, Dr. Pawluk. Don’t forget to sign up →
Pain in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance
There are many types and causes of pain in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance. These include:
- Muscular like injuries or chronic pain like fibromyalgia
- Joint Pain
- Bone Pain
- Abdominal pain as in IBS
- Headaches and migraines
- Pelvic bladder pain
- Heart pain
- Disc pain
- Nerve pain and dysregulated nerve signaling
- Post-surgical Pain
- Tooth pain
Which types of Pain do you have?
Learn more about Mast Cell Activation as a Cause of your Pain and other Problems and many other pain solutions at The Pain Solution Summit with my friend, Dr. Pawluk. You can sign up here →
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome in Almost All Cases of Pain
In almost all cases of pain, we’ll find the mast cells implicated. Mast cells are found in muscles, bones, surrounding nerves, in the GI tract, and in the heart.
The mast cells create mediators, like prostaglandins, involved in pain. Mast cell mediators include histamine, prostaglandins, and interleukins. There are over 200 others that create inflammation and can contribute to pain.
Mast cells are major first responders during pain signaling. Mast cells are also involved in pain regulation as well.
Research has shown that chronic mast cell inflammation contributes to:
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Disc degeneration
- Migraines
- Intestinal inflammation
- Chest pain and heart pain that isn’t from a heart attack
- Nerve pain and signaling
Top Pain Supplements safe for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance
Remember, if you have a medical issue, run all new supplements by your health care practitioner. If you are taking medications, check on interactions with your pharmacist before taking supplements. I strongly recommend if you have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome or Histamine Intolerance, start with very small amounts on any new supplement – really start with sprinkles – and slowly increase.
1. Boswellia Serrata– this supplement is great for joint and connective tissue support. It is also an excellent mast cell support. Regular use of Boswellia can support longer term pain reduction. It may take 2-4 weeks to start to make a difference. It is important that the Boswellia be standardized to be effective. I use Pure Encapsulations Boswellia.* For daily use, I take 1 capsule 2x/day with food. In a flare, I take 2 capsules 2x/day with food. Always take with food or it can bother your stomach.
2. Magnesium – Magnesium is one of the most important nutrients in your body. And almost everyone I see in my practice is low in it. Magnesium is involved in almost 400 different processes in the body. Magnesium is really critical for nerve signaling and muscle function. Magnesium supplementation has also been shown in research to reduce nerve pain. Magnesium is a great tool to address muscle spasms.
Not just any Magnesium will work, though. The oxide form isn’t well absorbed. The citrate form is often made from fermentation, so it can cause histamine reactions. Some people get migraines from the aspartate form. Some people love the glycinate form, and others get anxiety from it. I’ve had the best luck with these two forms:
Magnesium Malate – Magnesium malate can support a decrease in muscle discomfort. It also can support energy. I take in divided doses and dose to bowel tolerance. (This means you want to take the maximum you can take without getting loose stools. Start with 1 capsule 2x/day. Increase by 1 capsule/day until you get loose stools. Then back down just until you have normal stools again.)
Magnesium Threonate – The Threonate form is the only form of Magnesium that can cross the blood brain barrier to affect the brain. I use it to support reduction of nerve pain and restful sleep. I take 3 capsules at bedtime. I also take 1-2 capsules in the morning. For some people, the morning amount can make them groggy. Magnesium Threonate does not usually cause loose stools, so it can be taken easily with Magnesium Malate.
3. Pure Encapsulations Phyto UltraComfort*– a blend of White Willow, Boswellia, Curcumin, and Devil’s Claw – This is more of an as needed supplement than something to take daily. We’ve already covered the benefits of Boswellia. Willow bark, curcumin, and cat’s claw all reduce prostaglandins – compounds made by mast cells involved in pain signaling.
Devil’s Claw has been shown to support musculoskeletal comfort. There is also a little phenylalanine – an amino acid that supports the calming of pain receptors. White Willow is the natural form of aspirin, so don’t use this blend if you are allergic or sensitive to aspirin or salicylates. Otherwise, you may really like this blend. Be sure to take with meals. The usual dose is 2 capsules between 1 and 3x/day, as needed.
4. Pine Bark Extract, also called Pycnogenol, is derived from a Mediterranean pine tree. Studies show this type of pine bark extract works as a mast-cell stabilizer and can help reduce inflammation. It also helps increase Vitamin C absorption and reduces pain. It can thin the blood slightly. So ,avoid this one if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners. If you don’t have a bleeding issue though, Pine Bark Extract is helpful for sleep. Look for a standardized brand, like Pure Encapsulations Pycnogenol.* The recommended amount is 1 capsule. I use this about 2 hours before bed.
5. CBD Oil is an extract of hemp plants. It does not create any mood or mind-altering effects. Hemp derived CBD oil is legally available in all 50 states in the US. CBD Oil can help support healthy sleep cycles and support recovery from exercise-induced inflammation.* It also supports calm mood and management of normal, everyday stresses.*
There are many poor-quality versions of CBD Oil on the market, especially the cheaper ones. CW Hemp makes excellent Organic CBD Oils. I use 6-10 drops of the stronger concentration of CW Hemp CBD Oil Original formula at bedtime. Sometimes I use a couple drops in the morning for extra daytime support. If you are new to CBD oil, I recommend you start with the lower concentration CBD Oil first – CW Hemp 7mg.
Want more information on Mast Cell Activation as a Cause of your Pain and other Problems and many other pain solutions? Join me at The Pain Solution Summit with my friend, Dr. Pawluk. You can sign up here →
More Encouragement for You
- Getting Back to Living Your Dreams if you have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome or Histamine Intolerance
- Using Gratitude to Calm Mast Cells – for those with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance
- Getting Support and Keeping Hope Alive – for people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance
- Could these 3 Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Pain Reduction Support Tips Help You?
- Mast Cell 360 Hugs with Our Words Project for people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance
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will white willow bark for mast cell activation
Hi Sharon, White willow is an ingredient in one of the supplements Beth recommends in the article above (Phyto UltraComfort), which you can learn more about here: https://us.fullscript.com/product_cards/82899/redirect?store_slug=mastcell360. As you’ll see stated above this is something that may be better as a “as needed” supplement rather than something to take daily. But white willow is high in salicylates so if you are sensitive to those this might not be the right supplement for you. Always check with your licensed medical provider to make sure you are choosing supplements that make sense for your individual case.