Lyme Disease and MCAS
Lyme disease and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) are two complex and often misunderstood conditions. But what if they are more connected than we think?
Lyme disease, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, is a tick-borne illness that can become chronic if not treated early or adequately. Chronic Lyme can lead to immune dysregulation, one of which is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) — a condition where mast cells release mediators (like histamine, cytokines, prostaglandins) inappropriately, causing widespread symptoms.
How Lyme Disease Can Cause MCAS
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, can lead to long-term immune dysregulation, especially if not treated early. Here’s how it may contribute to MCAS:
Chronic inflammation: The body remains in a state of heightened alert long after the infection, pushing mast cells into overdrive.
Nervous system involvement: Lyme affects the brain and nerves, creating a feedback loop of neuroinflammation and mast cell sensitization.
Coinfections: Co-existing infections like Bartonella or Babesia can further stimulate the immune system.
Histamine Overload: Poor methylation, detoxification, and gut dysbiosis in chronic Lyme all lead to high histamine and poor clearance.
Gut and detox imbalance: Lyme often disrupts the gut, liver, and methylation pathways—key areas for histamine clearance.
MCAS Symptoms Overlap with Chronic Lyme
Flushing, rashes, hives
Abdominal bloating, nausea, diarrhea
Headaches, brain fog, anxiety, irritability
Fatigue and post-exertional malaise
Palpitations, chest tightness, air hunger
Sensitivities: food, light, noise, temperature
These overlap heavily with MCAS, making diagnosis and treatment tricky.
Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme-Triggered MCAS
Homeopathy offers a gentle, individualized approach that supports immune balance, reduces hypersensitivity, and promotes long-term healing without suppressing symptoms.
Constitutional Remedy
Targets the individual's core susceptibility. Often needed for long-term stabilization and deep healing.
Examples:
Carcinosinum: History of suppressed emotions, perfectionism, allergies, food sensitivities, immune disorders.
Natrum muriaticum: Deep-seated grief, emotional restraint, chronic fatigue, recurrent infections.
Silicea: Poor assimilation, immune dysfunction, low stamina, multiple sensitivities.
Key Remedies for Mast Cell Reactivity
Histaminum: Great for allergic-type symptoms—rashes, flushing, itching, or sensitivities.
Urtica urens: For hives and skin eruptions with stinging or burning.
Apis mellifica: For swelling, redness, and burning better with cold applications.
Sulphur: For longstanding allergic issues with heat aggravation and itchy skin.
Remedies targeting Lyme & MCAS symptoms
Mercurius: For low-grade infection, foul secretions, fatigue, and tremors.
Arsenicum album: For anxiety, GI upset, restlessness, and exhaustion.
Phosphorus: For sensitive, easily overwhelmed people with food intolerance and fatigue.
Lachesis: Left-sided complaints, intolerance to tight clothing, flushing
Nosodes
Borrelia nosode: Useful in chronic Lyme or post-treatment syndrome with lingering symptoms
Lyme Co-infection Nosodes: Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia (based on testing/history)
Nosodes and isopathic remedies should be prescribed cautiously and ideally under supervision.
Detox and Organ Support Remedies
To support histamine clearance and reduce reactivity:
Nux vomica: For detox overload, sluggish liver, and gut issues.
Chelidonium or Carduus marianus: For liver support, especially if food reactions are prominent.
Berberis vulgaris for kidney support
Lifestyle and Adjunct Measures
Avoid known triggers (e.g., mold, high-histamine food)
Use a clean, anti-inflammatory diet
Emotional support is key: trauma often underlies both Lyme and MCAS
