The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance

Mast Cells Explained: Biohacking Inflammation, Allergies, and Brain Fog : 1322

154 snips
Sep 2, 2025
Guest
Tania Dempsey
Dr. Tania Dempsey, a functional medicine physician and co-founder of the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, dives deep into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) with the host. They explore how dysregulated mast cells may cause unexplained symptoms like allergies and brain fog. Key topics include the interplay between mast cells and mitochondria, the genetic complexities of MCAS, and how environmental factors like mold contribute to chronic illness. Practical biohacking strategies are discussed, highlighting dietary shifts, hormonal balance, and managing stress to optimize health.
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INSIGHT

Mast Cells As Inflammatory Landmines

  • Mast cells are innate immune 'landmines' that release many inflammatory mediators and cause cascades when they inappropriately activate.
  • MCAS is primarily an inflammatory syndrome where these cells damage tissues and drive chronic illness.
ADVICE

Remove Environmental Triggers First

  • Identify and remove environmental triggers like mold first because persistent exposures keep mast cells reactive.
  • Remediating exposure is often necessary before other therapies will fully calm MCAS.
INSIGHT

MCAS Unifies Many Chronic Conditions

  • Toxic mold, long COVID, Lyme, and many chronic syndromes share MCAS as a common underlying mechanism.
  • Reframing disparate chronic illnesses as mast-cell–driven unites previously separate patient groups.
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