Hi Friend,
If you have hit a wall in your Lyme treatment, or if you feel like you are becoming allergic to the world while trying to heal, you are not crazy. You might be dealing with the "Inflammation Loop."
In my last update, we touched on the link between Lyme Disease and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Today, we are going deep. We are breaking down the specific biological mechanisms, why "pushing through" treatment can backfire, and the order in which you should likely address these issues.
Grab a tea (low-histamine, of course) and let’s unpack the science. My 1-1 bookings are still open and I have a few spaces left for new patients, book here
🔬 The Mechanism: How Lyme "Hacks" Your Mast Cells
It is not just that Lyme and MCAS exist together; it is that Lyme bacteria (Borrelia) specifically target mast cells.
1. Toll-Like Receptors (The Security Scanners)
Your mast cells have sensors on the outside called Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs). Their job is to scan for invaders. Research shows that Borrelia bacteria interact directly with TLR2 receptors on mast cells.
What happens: Even if the bacteria are dead (debris), these receptors can stay triggered. This means you can have a massive histamine release even if you are actively killing the bugs.
2. The Bartonella Factor
While Lyme (Borrelia) is the headline act, the co-infection Bartonella is often the true driver of MCAS. Bartonella targets the lining of blood vessels (endothelium), where mast cells live in high numbers.
Clue: If you have "stretch marks" (striae), foot pain, and extreme anxiety/rage along with your allergy symptoms, Bartonella + MCAS may be the culprit.
3. Biofilms
Lyme bacteria hide in protective slimes called biofilms. When you take biofilm busters, you break these open, releasing hidden bacteria and toxins. Mast cells view this sudden release as a massive threat and degranulate instantly.
I have helped patients identify this as a trigger for mcas, if you feel like this rings true for you book here
🛑 Crucial Distinction: Is it a Herx or a Flare?
This is the most dangerous confusion in the chronic illness community.
A Herxheimer Reaction (Die-off): This is caused by endotoxins from dying bacteria. It usually feels like a worsening of existing symptoms (flu-like, joint pain, fatigue). It typically starts 24-72 hours after treatment and resolves with detox.
A Mast Cell Flare: This is an immune hypersensitivity. It involves new or allergic symptoms (throat tightness, flushing, rapid heart rate, panic/anxiety, burning skin). It often happens within minutes to hours of treatment.
The Golden Rule: You can (sometimes) push through a Herx. You should never push through a Mast Cell flare. If your throat is tight or your heart is racing, your body is asking you to stop and stabilize.
🧩 The "Missing Link": The Nervous System & Limbic Loop
You cannot talk about Lyme and MCAS without talking about the brain.
Chronic infection puts the brain's "danger center" (the Limbic System) into a permanent fight-or-flight state. Here is the kicker: Mast cells have receptors for stress hormones.
If your brain is stuck in "danger mode" because of the trauma of being sick:
Your brain dumps stress chemicals.
Your mast cells detect the stress chemicals and release histamine.
The histamine causes inflammation, which signals "danger" back to the brain.
The loop repeats.
This is why many people cannot tolerate antibiotics or herbs yet. Their system is too "loud."
🛡️ The Protocol: The "Sandwich" Method
Integrative specialists often recommend "sandwiching" your Lyme treatment between layers of MCAS support.
Layer 1: Stabilize (2-4 Weeks Before Killing)
H1 & H2 Blockers: Discuss with your doctor combining standard antihistamines (like Zyrtec/Claritin) with H2 blockers (like Pepcid) to block both receptor types.
Natural Stabilizers: Quercetin (taken 30 mins before food), Luteolin, and Perilla Seed Extract.
The Low Histamine Diet: Specifically focusing on avoiding aged and fermented foods (no bone broth, no sauerkraut, no leftovers older than 24 hours).
Layer 2: Nervous System Regulation (The Foundation)
Before swallowing your supplements, do 5 minutes of regulation work.
Tools: Vagus nerve stimulation (humming, gargling), 4-7-8 breathing, or programs like DNRS/Gupta Program. You must convince your body it is safe enough to detox.
Layer 3: The "Low and Slow" Kill
Once stable, introduce Lyme treatments (herals or antibiotics) at micro-doses.
Example: If the bottle says 30 drops, start with 1 drop. Wait 3 days. If no MCAS flare, go to 2 drops.
All protocols are unique, this is a guide only. When I see patients the above protocol is a guide but can vary from person to person, if you feel like this would benefit you, book here
Community Question:
Have you ever had to stop a Lyme protocol because of allergic reactions? What was the one thing that helped you get back on track?
Stay well,
Disclaimer: This newsletter provides education, not medical advice. The relationship between Lyme and MCAS is complex. Please work with a Lyme-Literate doctor before adding supplements or changing medications.
