Mast Cell Activation Treatment
bri·o - the quality of being active, alive, spirited, and vigorous
Mast Cell Activation Treatment
bri·o - the quality of being active, alive, spirited, and vigorous
Holistic Mast Cell Activation Treatment in Scottsdale, Arizona
Mast cells are a part of the human immune system and protect against foreign invaders. Mast cells are concentrated in areas where the external environment comes into contact with the human body, such as the skin, the lungs, the mucous membranes inside the nose, and the gastrointestinal tract. In normal circumstances, mast cells release various compounds called mediators in response to foreign substances to keep us safe.
In mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), there is an inappropriate release of the chemical mediators that can cause inflammatory symptoms anywhere in the body. Many people (including physicians) mistakenly refer to these symptoms as histamine intolerance, when MCAS is the cause.
Mast cells are types of white blood cells that release up to 200 signaling chemicals, or mast cell mediators, into the body as part of an immune system stabilizing defense response against foreign invaders (parasites, fungi, bacteria, or viruses), allergens, and environmental toxins.
We need mast cells to protect us from infection, heal wounds, create new blood cells, and develop immune tolerance. However, in conditions in which these cells are dysfunctional or overactive, they can cause serious issues.
Mast cells are found in most tissues throughout your body. In particular, they are found in tissues that are in close contact with the environment such as your skin, airways, and gastrointestinal tract. Mast cells are also found in your cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems.
What Causes Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
For some people, mast cells are more prone to release the mediator contents. However, for many, there is an underlying cause (or causes) that increases the risk of developing mast cell activation syndrome. Common causes of mast cell activation syndrome are:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Fungal infections
- Heavy metals
- Herbicides
- Mold illness
- Allergens – food and environmental
- Genetically predisposed
Common Triggers of Mast Cell Activation Are:
- Heat
- Stress
- Exercise
- Physical trauma
- Alcohol
- Foods
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
- Odors
- Insect stings
Mast Cells Release Chemical Mediators
Inside of each mast cell, there are tiny sacs called granules. Granules contain up to a couple of hundred chemical mediators that get released when a trigger such as an allergen or toxin binds to a mast cell. Histamine is the most common mediator released from mast cells in response to an allergen such as pollen. Other mediators include tryptase, heparin, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines. Different mediators can cause a unique physiological reaction to surrounding tissue. For example, tryptase is a proteolytic enzyme and can break down nerve endings.
Who Is At Risk for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
Since mast cells are present in all humans, there is the potential for anyone can develop mast cell activation syndrome. People who have developed immune dysfunction from chronic infections, toxin exposure, repeated allergen exposure, and individuals with genetic variations are at an increased risk of developing MCAS.
One study reported on over 400 patients with MCAS and identified the prevalence of specific characteristics. Women made up 69% of patients with mast cell activation syndrome, and 75% were Caucasian. The most frequent age at onset of symptoms was nine years old, and in most patients, it took 30 years to get a diagnosis of MCAS. This implies people with MCAS may spend a good portion of their life without a proper diagnosis. Other surveys have confirmed females have an increased incidence of MCAS.
Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
After receiving a diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome in adulthood, many people realize the symptoms they have experienced since childhood were related to MCAS. It is common for children (and their parents) to be told by their pediatrician they will “outgrow” their symptoms. Because mast cells are located throughout the body and contain over a hundred inflammatory compounds, symptoms can occur in every organ system. This multi-symptom, multi-system involvement, and because mast cell activation syndrome is not well-recognized, creates an extreme challenge for physicians to diagnose.
The most common symptoms of mast cell activation syndrome are:
- Systemic – fatigue, sensitivity to food and medication
- Respiratory – nasal congestion, shortness of breath, throat swelling
- Neurological – headaches, migraines
- Mental/emotional – decreased concentration, memory; anxiety, depression
- Musculoskeletal – aches, bone pain, osteoporosis
- Digestive – nausea, vomiting, heartburn (GERD), diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- Skin – flushing, itching, hives, temperature dysregulation
- Cardiovascular –high and low blood pressure, lightheadedness, racing heart, hypercoagulation
- Respiratory – shortness of breath, asthma
- Genitourinary – irritable bladder, interstitial cystitis
Lyme Disease is Associated with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can contribute to mast cell activation syndrome. The mast cell reaction is an immune response in an attempt to protect the human from the pathogen.
When Lyme disease – or other infections – and mast cell activation syndrome are present, MCAS is part of the immune dysregulation and contributing to symptoms. A research study confirmed the bacteria that causes Lyme disease triggers mast cell degranulation.
Mold Exposure can Cause Mast Cell Activation
Human exposure to environmental molds and their toxins (mycotoxins) causes immune dysfunction and immune suppression. Mold and mycotoxins are also involved in mast cell activation syndrome. Suppose someone is experiencing any MCAS symptoms and has been exposed to a water-damaged building or environmental mold. In that case, it is critical to test for mold illness properly. Addressing mold toxicity helps to improve the outcome of mast cell activation syndrome.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Diagnosis
The clinical symptoms of mast cell activation syndrome should clue the physician in to order laboratory tests to confirm this suspicion. Multiple diagnostic criteria for mast cell activation syndrome have been proposed by mast cell researchers, physicians, and organizations.
The greatest challenge in diagnosing MCAS with laboratory testing is the proper handling of blood and urine samples. The samples require constant chilling to maintain stability. A 24-hour urine sample is collected at home before the blood draw. It is kept in the refrigerator and transported in a cooler to the lab. The laboratory phlebotomist also needs to be aware of keeping the samples chilled at the time of the blood draw. Proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Prilosec, etc.) and NSAIDs (Advil, Tylenol, etc.) need to be avoided five days before testing.
Even if the specimens are handled properly, it can be challenging to see even one mediator elevated due to the timing of mast cell degranulation. One approach is to collect the samples during a flare of MCAS symptoms.
The diagnostic workup for MCAS includes:
- Tryptase, serum (chilled)
- Chromogranin A, serum (chilled)
- Prostaglandin D, plasma (chilled)
- Histamine, plasma (chilled)
- Leukotriene E4, random and 24-hour urine (chilled)
- N-methylhistamine, random and 24-hour urine (chilled)
- Prostaglandin DR, random and 24-hour urine (chilled)
Is It Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
Mast cells are located throughout our bodies and are an essential part of our immune system. There has been an increased awareness and – likely incidence – of mast cell activation syndrome in the past decade. If you have symptoms consistent with MCAS, it is necessary to get properly tested for the above mediators. There may be underlying causes of mast cell activation syndrome for many people, including toxins, mold exposure, infections, and other environmental exposures. It is important to identify the potential causes with proper testing to improve symptoms and improve the outcome of treating mast cell activation syndrome.
We know how difficult it can be when you’re deciding which doctor to finding answers for your health If you have any additional questions or would like more information about our services and natural treatment options, give us a call at 1-866-379-8381 and speak directly with a patient care coordinator to learn more about your treatment options at Brio Medical.
Brio Medical is located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, just 15 minutes away from Downtown Phoenix and the Phoenix International Airport (PHX).
Brio-Medical treats all forms of cancer, Lyme Disease, environmental disease, autoimmune, and chronic degenerative diseases such as chronic infections, auto-immune disease, and fine-tuning the body to slow the aging and degenerative process of the body.
We have a proven track record of successful diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases, dysfunctions, and traumas. We offer a specific preventative wellness program to fight early signs of disease and aging for those individuals who strive for healthy living and improved longevity.
To view all the conditions we treat, visit the Conditions We Treat page or click on one of the links below:
- Integrative Oncology
- Lyme Disease
- Mold Toxicity
- Tick-borne Coinfections
- Environmental Disease
- Autism
- PANDAS / PANS
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)
As the premier integrative wellness center in Arizona, Brio Medical specializes in offering a hybrid of both conventional and alternative treatments to provide patients with a variety of non-toxic and science-based treatments leveraging research from around the world.
Most typical cancer, Lyme Disease, and environmental disease protocols attack other aspects of the patient’s health and cause multiple complications, some of which are very serious and debilitating, it is our philosophy that in order to strengthen the body, enhance the immune system, and the natural disease-fighting aspects of the patient while starving cancer and creating a host environment that is not conducive to the growth of reproduction of the cancer cells, spirochetes, or other biological threats. We stress the concept of “biochemical individuality”, where no two patients are treated identically.
At Brio Medical we are proud to offer the most comprehensive options for treatment at the most competitive prices in the integrative medical industry:
- IV Therapy
- Hyperthermia
- High Dose Vitamin C
- Mistletoe Therapy
- Ozone Sauna
- Emotional Healing
- Oxygen Therapy
- PEMF Therapy
- Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation
- Regenerative Medicine
- Chelation Therapy
- BEMER Therapy
- Biophotonic Therapy
- Red Light Therapy
- IV Glutathione
- IV Phosphatidylcholine
- IV Hydrogen Peroxide
- IV NAD+
Call us today at 1-866-379-8381 or sign up for a free case evaluation to speak with a patient care coordinator to review your treatment options and learn if you qualify for the Brio Medical insurance deposit program, where you only pay a deposit for the full treatment protocol sign up for a free consultation.
Brio Medical is an outpatient facility. If you choose to do treatment with us, you will come into our clinic to receive your treatment and then leave. If you do not live in the area, we work with preferred hotel partners near our clinic where you may stay during your treatment, as well as provide transportation to and from the clinic for your convenience.
Brio Medical works with patients and their families receive discounted rates and many provide shuttle service to and from our center. To learn more please visit the Lodging and Accommodations page to help plan your journey to healing in Scottsdale, Arizona.
At Brio-Medical, we realize that not everyone has the financial means readily available for a long-term treatment plan. We also know that most insurance companies don’t cover healthcare costs for integrative treatments received from non-participating medical providers.
We want you to know that there is plenty of financial help for patients seeking treatment. You still have the option to choose the treatment that resonates with you.
To view all of the financial resources, visit our dedicated FINANCIAL RESOURCES page.
Medical Bill Gurus
Medical Bill Gurus is a 3rd party medical billing and patient advocacy service that specializes in helping patients secure insurance reimbursements for treatments received at non-participating medical providers.
To qualify for insurance reimbursements, patients will need to have a private PPO insurance policy with qualifying out-of-network coverage that is provided through an employer, health sharing, or other group entity administered insurance plan.
Much attention in recent years has focused on dietary considerations in chronic disease – yet, just as there I no one-treatment fits all therapeutic approach to cancer or Lyme Disease, neither is there one diet fits all. We must be attentive to individuality in the diet as we are to individuality in therapy.
Brio-Medical uses an integrative approach to the treatment of cancer, Lyme Disease, anti-aging, and other chronic illnesses. Our integrative treatment protocols combine the best of conventional and alternative modalities based on the recovery of the biological performance of each patient. We take a holistic approach to healing, treating the body, mind, and spirit, to treat each patient on an individual level with our personalized medical protocols.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Alarcio provides comprehensive care for patients, especially children, who suffer from neurologic disorders such as seizures, neuromuscular disorders, sleep problems, headaches, cerebral palsy, and many other neurologic conditions.
Dr. Alarcio earned her medical degree from the University of the East College of Medicine in the Philippines and completed her pediatric residency and first year of neonatal intensive care training before migrating to the US. She then completed a second pediatric residency at King Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, and her Child Neurology Fellowship at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Patients love Dr. Alarcio’s gentle manner, expertise, and promising approach to healing “all of you, not just part of you.”
Dr. Alarcio graduated from Medical School at the University of the East College of Medicine in 1988. Then she completed her residency at the University of California at Los Angeles Harbor Medical Center. Afterward, she finished her fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where she focused on pediatric neurological conditions.
Dr. Alarcio has since been recognized as a top doctor in Pediatric Neurology in 2014 and 2017. She has published academic work entitled The Brain, the Immune System, and Encephalopathy. In 2014 Dr. Alarcio was featured as a leading physician speaker at the West Coast PANDAS/PANS Symposium as well as the FACES Encephalitis Conference in La Jolla, California.
As you begin your journey to healing, it is natural to feel overwhelmed or anxious about your decision to receive treatment away from home. When you are ready, a patient care coordinator is awaiting your call to go over your treatment options and help you plan a trip to visit the Brio Medical clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. To help you start your journey, we have provided links to patient resources below to help guide you on how to become a patient.
Dr. Mitchell first realized his strong passion for helping people through the wellness field while working at a drugstore in high school. That experience inspired him to earn a graduate degree in pharmacy and help people for more than 24 years. While practicing as a compounding pharmacist and consultant pharmacist, Dr. Mitchell learned that many of the drugs dispensed for treatment were ultimately harming patients by suppressing their symptoms while allowing the underlying cause of illness to remain untreated. With this epiphany, Dr. Mitchell decided to pursue medical school and provide patients with the best of both naturopathic and conventional medicine. He completed his medical degree from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mitchell’s first experience in using natural, restorative healing came before he even entered medical school, when he helped both his wife Ann and a family member with debilitating illnesses. His wife suffered from a painful back injury for years and was told by the “best doctors” that only drugs and surgery would help. At 20 months old, the family member was diagnosed with autism and was told that there was nothing doctors could do to reverse the disorder. His love for these members of his family kept him from accepting these answers and urged him forward to find alternatives, which included DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) training education.
While in school to earn his NMD, Dr. Mitchell trained under leaders in environmental medicine and autism, including Walter Crinnion, ND, Jessica Tran, ND, William Rea, MD, and Elizabeth Mumper, MD. Through that work, Dr. Mitchell developed his own treatment protocols and was able to further reverse the autism disorder and allow his family member to recover, develop, and thrive as a neuro-typical child at home and in the public classroom. Dr. Mitchell’s wife Ann recovered and was able to return to work following orthomolecular nutrient therapy and lifestyle changes.
The philosophy behind the Brio-Care System is the synergistic intersection of alternative and conventional medicine based on the principle that a healthy body does not develop the disease with an intact immune defense system.
We believe that healthcare for each person is unique, and the approach to maintaining and improving health and healing should be holistic, treating the mind, body, and spirit. Our approach seeks to restore and strengthen the biological capacities of the body to renew, repair, and heal, with specific emphasis on the immune system. Our treatments are designed to “kick start” self-renewal and healing.
Watch the video below from the Founder of Brio Medical, Rusty Roberts, and his personal story of his mom's experience with chemotherapy and healing from cancer holistically that inspired him to start the Brio Medical integrative wellness center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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Brio-Medical Treatment Philosophy
Guiding Principles To Hope And Healing
All Treatment Programs Are Individualized. One Size Does Not Fit All! The Treatment Plan Designed For You Will Be Based On Personal History, Physical Exam, Labs, Imaging, Medications, Allergies, And Your Overall Health. When You Are Seriously Sick You Need Serious Help. Brio-Medical, Combines Natural Supplement IV’s Along With Specialized Equipment To Boost The Bodies Ability To Respond To Disease And Injury. This Is Where Hope Is Restored Thanks To Our Highly Trained Staff And Our Unique Combination Of Treatments & Therapies.
Principle 1:
Your Biology Is Controlled By Your Thoughts
All Treatment Programs Are Individualized. One Size Does Not Fit All! The Treatment Plan Designed For You Will Be Based On Personal History, Physical Exam, Labs, Imaging, Medications, Allergies, And Your Overall Health. When You Are Seriously Sick You Need Serious Help. Brio-Medical, Combines Natural Supplement IV’s Along With Specialized Equipment To Boost The Bodies Ability To Respond To Disease And Injury. This Is Where Hope Is Restored Thanks To Our Highly Trained Staff And Our Unique Combination Of Treatments & Therapies.
Principle 2:
Eat Healthy Food
That Is Organic, Non-Gmo, Whole Foods. This Also Includes Avoiding Refined Sugars Like Sodas, Cakes, Candies, And Anything With High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). HFCS Is A Genetically Modified Product. Fruits Are Acceptable But Juice Should Be Limited To Leafy Green Vegetables With A Granny Smith Apple To Taste. The Idea Is To Avoid A Spike In Blood Sugar And Subsequent Strong Insulin Response.
Principle 3:
Drink Plenty of Water
The Body Consists Of About 60-70% Water. Water Loss By The Body Is Termed Sensible, Loss From Urine And Stool Or Insensible, Loss From Respiration And Evaporation (Sweating). Water Is Lost By The Body All The Time Which Is Why It Needs To Be Replenished. The Body Needs Water For Digestion, Excretion, Absorption, Circulation And Regulation Of Body Temperature.
Principle 4:
Get Some Sleep
The Majority Of Americans Suffer From Sleep Deprivation Which Causes Mental, Emotional And Physical Fatigue. Sleep Debt Has An Effect On The Immune System And Healing. Research Has Shown In Mammalian Models That Animals Who Get More Sleep Have Higher Levels Of White Blood Cells (WBCs) Which Are Paramount To An Immune Response. Inadequate Sleep Is Also Associated With Breast, Prostate And Colon Cancers.
Principle 5:
Detoxification
Most Cancers Take Years To Form. The Standard American Diet (SAD) Including Alcohol Creates An Acidic And Inflammatory Environment In The Body That Leads To A Number Of Health Issues Including Diabetes. Then Take Into Account A Daily Bombardment Of Environmental Toxins (Toxicants), Such As Cigarette Smoke, Diesel Fuels, Pesticides, Herbicides, Pollution, Toxic Metals, And GMOs, Etc That Further Elevates The Total Toxic Burden Of The Body. No Wonder Chronic Illness Is On The Rise!
Principle 6:
Supplementation
Specific Nutrients, Vitamins, Minerals, Fatty Acids, Adaptogens, Botanicals, Etc That Are Used To Replete The Body From Depleted States. As The Immune System Becomes Strengthened And The Toxic Burden Reduced, The Body Can Start To Heal. Quality Of Supplements Vary, So Discuss With Your Naturopathic Or Integrative Practitioner Before Purchasing.
Principle 7:
Exercise
There Are So Many Benefits To Exercise And Movement. Exercise Makes You Feel More Energetic And Healthier And It Positively Impacts The Immune System. Exercise Eases Depression And Anxiety And Reduces Chronic Stress By Slowing Down The Release Of Stress Hormones.
Principle 8:
Balancing The Milieu
This Is The Internal Terrain Of The Body. Our Body Hosts White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells, Hormones And Even Microorganisms To Name A Few. For Example, Bacteria Is Needed In The Gut To Promote Digestion And Metabolism Of Food And Produce Vitamins B12 And K. These Good Bacteria Are Killed By A Number Of Things Including Antibiotics, Anesthesia, And Heavy Metals Which Can Lead To An Overpopulation Of Pathogenic Bacteria And Even Candida In The Gut. Balancing This Terrain Is Important Because Everyone Always Has Cancer Cells. Fortunately We Also Have Mechanisms In Place That Such As Tumor Suppressor Genes That Protect Cells. Balancing The Body’s Internal Environment Is Done By Incorporating The Above Principles And Letting It Becoming Your Lifestyle.
Principle 9:
IV Therapy And Specialized Equipment
When You Are Seriously Sick You Need Serious Help. Brio-Medical, Combines Natural Supplement IV’s Along With Specialized Equipment To Boost The Bodies Ability To Respond To Disease And Injury. This Is Where Hope Is Restored Thanks To Our Highly Trained Staff And Our Unique Combination Of Treatments & Therapies.
The greatest testimony to the benefits and results of the treatments offered at Brio-Medical comes from the inspiring stories told by actual patients and their families. From hopeless PET scans to Western Blot Tests indicating no positive bands, we can say that our research and dedication have made a difference in the lives of our patients. Don’t take our word for it, please take a moment to watch these amazing stories and know that we are always ready and eager to make a difference in your life or the life of a loved one who may be dealing with chronic illness.
Finding Brio was an answer to prayer and I’m so glad I went. I believe it’s really helped me along in my cancer healing journey. They opened my understanding to whole new aspect of healing in regards to our electrical system and how it can make or break us. The owners passion and love for people really came out in our daily interactions. They have the latest technology for alternative cancer treatment, and the combination of their many state-of-art cancer therapies makes Brio powerful cancer killing clinic.
Positive. It was so refreshing to receive such joyful care in relaxed confidence while in the midst of a very trying, stressful season of life.
I saw Dr. Kollin for cancer prevention. In 2014 I had pain on the left side which occasionally radiated to my left breast. Ultrasound showed nothing but fibrous breasts. The origin of the pain could never be pinpointed. She had me apply a lotion to my torso daily. After a few months, I began to have eruptions under the left breast and increased the lotion applications as instructed. The eruptions progressed, the pain on the left side increased. After 4 months the eruptions stopped and the skin healed. The pain on the left side is gone. Follow up u/s has shown that the breasts are no longer fibrous. Incidentally, they are no longer tender when menstruating. I am so thankful for dr. Kollin. She listened and supported me. She is truly caring.