Dr. Michael Ruscio on SIBO and gut health as drivers of MCAS: Mast Cell Matters with Dr. Tania Dempsey

In this discussion, Dr. Michael Ruscio and Dr. Tania Dempsey explore the role of gut health, specifically small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and dysbiosis, in driving Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Ruscio shares insights into testing methodologies for detecting SIBO, like the SIBO breath test, and discusses the complexities of diagnosis due to issues like false positives and co-existing gut issues such as fungal overgrowth. They emphasize using a patient’s dietary history and symptom patterns to guide treatment rather than relying heavily on tests. Interventions like dietary modifications, including low FODMAP or low histamine diets, probiotics, herbal antimicrobials, and the elemental diet are discussed for managing gut health. Additionally, they touch on the potential impact of dysautonomia on gut motility and suggest possible benefits of thiamin supplementation. The conversation also highlights the role of stress and anxiety in exacerbating symptoms and ways to address this through approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy. They underscore the complexity of treating these interconnected conditions and the importance of a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.