This post describes my experience of using astaxanthin for inflammation and neuropathy with MCAS.
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Table of Contents
What is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. MCAS is serious and disabling and people with MCAS often experience significant and debilitating symptoms daily, including anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.
MCAS is often found in combination with other chronic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Healthcare providers frequently do not know about MCAS, and the tests for MCAS are problematic because they are not uniformly reliable. MCAS can be difficult to manage. Treatments include blocking mast cell mediators with anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers, as well as avoiding triggers.
Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a natural, red-pigmented ketocarotenoid found in various microorganisms and marine animals. Astaxanthin is primarily produced naturally in the freshwater microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and the yeast fungus Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. Animals that feed on these algae, such as salmon, red trout, flamingos, and crustaceans reflect red-orange pigmentation. Astaxanthin is used as a dietary supplement for human, animal, and aquaculture consumption due to its antioxidant and other potential health benefits.
Astaxanthin, a fat-soluble carotenoid, is best absorbed when taken with dietary oils or healthy fats, maximizing its benefits in supplement form.
Benefits of Astaxanthin for MCAS
Astaxanthin offers several important benefits for individuals with MCAS and related chronic illnesses. Its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic (preventing cell death) properties, as well as its ability to modulate the immune system, have sparked increasing interest in astaxanthin as a useful supplement for combating various chronic diseases.
Inflammation – Foremost, Astaxanthin is helpful with inflammation, particularly nerve inflammation. Excessive and prolonged neuroinflammation can lead to disease. Astaxanthin alleviates neuropathic pain by inhibiting the MAPKs and NF-κB pathways (source). Using natural compounds like astaxanthin that target pathways involved in neuroinflammation can help treat various neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Astaxanthin has been shown to inhibit neuroinflammation (source).
Neuroprotective properties – Astaxanthin is also neuroprotective (source), meaning it helps to protect nerve cells against damage, degeneration, or impairment of function. Astaxanthin (AST) has gained growing interest against neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), brain and spinal cord injuries, neuropathic pain (NP), aging, depression, and autism.
Antioxidant properties – Astaxanthin is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet. It is 550 times more effective as an antioxidant than both green tea and vitamin E.
Heart health – Daily supplementation of astaxanthin has been found to lower oxidative stress and in turn, keep our arteries clear and flexible.
Blood sugar regulation – Astaxanthin helps keep blood sugar steady.
Skin and eye health – A study found that long-term supplementation of astaxanthin had a protective effect on the skin, shielding it from environmental damage and inhibiting the formation of wrinkles. Astaxanthin also helps to maintain eye health.
Reduced muscle soreness – Excessive free radicals can cause muscle stiffness and soreness from exercise, but astaxanthin’s antioxidant effects can help minimize these negative effects of a workout. Astaxanthin can also help reduce oxidative stress in the body, including in the muscles, which can contribute to better endurance. One study found that daily astaxanthin supplementation in athletes led to a decrease in lactic acid build-up in muscles after intense exercise, resulting in faster recovery and improved overall endurance.
My experience with Astaxanthin
A friend who suffers from Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) takes astaxanthin for inflammation and has found it is the most effective anti-inflammatory for her symptoms. She suggested I try it.
When I did a little research on astaxanthin I found that it is especially helpful for neuropathy, which is one of my worst MCAS symptoms. Currently, the only anti-inflammatory I can tolerate is plain turmeric capsules. So I wanted to give astaxanthin a try.
I purchased a high-quality brand of 10 mg astaxanthin and started taking one softgel per day in the morning with a fat-containing meal.
I’m always game to try something new, and astaxanthin showed it might be a promising supplement to alleviate some of my most troublesome symptoms. Unfortunately, my neuropathy worsened within two days, so I discontinued taking astaxanthin. But, no harm done! I know I can control my neuropathy by avoiding sugars, so I will continue doing that.
Astaxanthin side effects
Some people with MCAS can’t tolerate supplements made from yeasts, so if you fall into that category you will want to choose a form of astaxanthin derived from algae.
Astaxanthin is generally considered safe as a dietary supplement because it is found in common foods we eat, like salmon and shellfish.
Doses of 4-18 mg daily have been used safely for up to 12 weeks. Taking astaxanthin might cause increased bowel movements and red stool color. High doses of astaxanthin might cause stomach pain. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if you should try astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin contraindications
Astaxanthin may interact with calcium (and foods, drugs, or supplements containing calcium), carotenoids (and foods containing carotenoids), herbs and supplements for the heart, hormonal herbs and supplements, immunosuppressants, and saw palmetto. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting astaxanthin.
How to take Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin can be taken at any time of day, but it is best to take it with a meal containing some fat because it is fat soluble.
The bucket theory
The bucket theory offers a helpful analogy for understanding symptom reactions with MCAS.
Think of your body as an empty bucket that you want to keep from overflowing. Different foods and activities fill your histamine bucket at different speeds but they combine to form the total level of histamine in your body (how full your bucket is). A fuller bucket means you have more histamine symptoms. When you manage triggers, reduce exposure to known triggers, and take medications and supplements to reduce histamine, you can manage the level of your bucket.
Know your typical symptom progression
Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your rescue plan. In this post, I discuss how to determine your symptom progression. Once you know what typically happens in your symptom progression you can design a rescue plan to address those symptoms.
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Sign up for the SSP!
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening therapy based on Polyvagal Theory that helps heal nervous system regulation. Many people with MCAS have nervous system dysregulation stemming from infections, toxic exposures, concussions, and trauma. The SSP is an easy-to-use app where you listen to specially filtered music for 30 minutes each day for a 5-hour cycle. Studies show the SSP has a profound effect on mental health and chronic conditions
You can sign up for the SSP here!
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Rocks and Roots chronicles my journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.
Check out this powerful frequency device
Healy is an individualized microcurrent device I use to reduce inflammation. Check out this post for more about Healy.
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Disclaimer
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.
