Hello, MC360 friends!
If you’ve spent any time researching MCAS and looking for relief, you’ve probably come across hundreds of supplement recommendations.
Quercetin. Vitamin C. DAO. Perilla seed extract. Magnesium. Probiotics. Curcumin. And the list goes on.
And many of these can be helpful in the right forms and at the right time!
When you are just starting out, or when you are in a flare and need to get your footing back, too many options can feel paralyzing.
So where do you actually start?
While not everyone has both Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Histamine Intolerance, in our clinic, the two go hand in hand the majority of the time. And histamine fuels the fire. It keeps mast cells activated, symptoms flaring, and more histamine being released.
So, our entry points often focus on both histamine support and calming mast cells.
These three supplements are what we reach for most often when someone is just getting started. They’re foundational, well-tolerated by many, and they start to address both the histamine and mast cell pieces.
In this post you will learn:
Our top 3 starting supplements for MCAS and Histamine Intolerance
How each one works (and who shouldn’t take them)
Starting points if you have Salicylate Intolerance
Links to more tips for tolerating supplements when you’re sensitive
Let’s get started!
This post is for informational purposes only. To read our full disclaimer, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
This one surprises people. You probably already have it in your pantry.
Baking soda, also called bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate, is inexpensive and readily available. And for many people, it can help calm a reaction or flare.
Here’s what we know:
**Sodium acts as a natural antihistamine.**It helps stabilize mast cells and can reduce histamine release.**Reactions can cause sodium dumps.**When you’re flaring, your body may lose sodium rapidly. Replenishing it helps stabilize your system.**Sodium bicarbonate lowers inflammation.**Research shows that drinking baking soda in water can reduce inflammatory markers and help shift the immune system toward a calmer state.**It increases blood volume.**Sodium helps maintain the volume of blood in your blood vessels. Which is especially helpful if you struggle with low blood pressure or POTS-type symptoms. POTS stands for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
Now, we can’t say if baking soda or anything else is right for you. It’s important to work with your medical provider who knows your case and health history to decide what is best and to make any changes. You can take this information to talk to them about.
Here’s how we generally use baking soda:
Start slow (some people start with just a sprinkle)
Work up to about ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon in 6 to 8 ounces of clean water
Can work up to 2 or 3 times a day, as tolerated and helpful
Take it at least 30 minutes away from meals, as it temporarily lowers stomach acidity
Because of the high sodium content, plain baking soda may not be right for everyone. People with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease often do better with a balanced electrolyte bicarbonate that includes potassium and magnesium alongside sodium. Or it may not be a good fit for you at all. There is no 1-size fits everybody path. This is part of why it’s so important to work with your practitioner who knows your case to make changes.
A better option for some: TriSalts
TriSalts is a balanced bicarbonate formula that contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium bicarbonates. This can be especially helpful if you have high blood pressure or if you need to balance electrolytes more carefully.
The combination supports the same alkalizing and anti-inflammatory benefits without the sodium overload.
Note:1 teaspoon of baking soda contains about 1,200 mg of sodium. The FDA recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day for adults, and the American Heart Association suggests an ideal limit of 1,500 mg or less. Keep in mind that you also get sodium from food and other supplements.
As always, work with your practitioner to decide what is right for you.
Keep reading to learn about the next two, plus a bonus supplement and free printable quick sheet!
