Heal from complex illness like MCAS

Healing from conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance can be a long, challenging journey. If I could go back and do it again, there are definitely a few things I would approach differently. Here are six things I wouldn’t do, and why avoiding these mistakes can make a big difference.

1. Take Random Supplements from Online Influencers

It’s easy to get swept up by online influencers promoting the latest “must-have” supplements. The truth is, not every supplement is right for every body, especially if you're dealing with complex conditions like MCAS and histamine intolerance. Many of these supplements can even make symptoms worse by triggering reactions or further imbalancing the body’s delicate systems.

In my case, I tried countless supplements that seemed promising, only to end up with worsening symptoms. I’ve learned that a targeted, personalized approach is far more effective than experimenting based on someone else’s success story. What works for one person might be completely wrong for someone else, and with conditions like MCAS, even well-researched supplements can have unpredictable effects.

2. See Multiple Practitioners and Doctors

When you’re desperate for answers, it’s tempting to seek help from multiple practitioners and doctors. However, jumping from one expert to another can often lead to conflicting advice and confusion. Each practitioner has their own methods and philosophies, and trying to juggle all their recommendations can lead to overwhelm, stress, and sometimes even making your symptoms worse.

In my own experience, working with too many practitioners made it difficult to follow a consistent path. Instead of allowing one approach time to work, I was constantly switching directions, which only prolonged my journey. I’ve found that sticking with a single, aligned practitioner—or a cohesive team who communicates—offers a clearer path to healing.

3. Consume Instagram and TikTok Content All Day

Social media can be a fantastic source of information, but it’s also a rabbit hole. Spending too much time on Instagram and TikTok can lead to information overload, increased anxiety, and constant second-guessing. Everyone has an opinion, and when you’re already struggling with health issues, the endless scrolling can leave you feeling more overwhelmed and uncertain than ever.

Looking back, I realize that the best information came from trusted sources, not endless hours of scrolling. It’s important to limit your exposure to social media and focus on a few credible, helpful resources rather than absorbing every single post or video that crosses your feed. Trust yourself and avoid letting social media dictate every decision in your healing journey.

4. Expect to Be Healed by an End Date

One of the biggest mistakes I made was setting an arbitrary “end date” for my healing. I’d tell myself, “I’ll be better in six months” or “I’ll give this treatment three weeks,” but healing doesn’t work on a schedule. When we place timelines on recovery, we often set ourselves up for disappointment and frustration when things don’t go as planned.

MCAS and histamine intolerance are complex, and recovery looks different for everyone. True healing requires patience, flexibility, and self-compassion. Letting go of the need for a strict timeline allowed me to focus on the journey itself, rather than rushing to a specific end point. Healing isn’t linear, and by letting go of expectations, I found it easier to celebrate small wins along the way.

5. Think I Didn’t Need Nervous System Regulation Because It Was “Just Mold” (or Another Root Cause)

At first, I was convinced that once I tackled the root cause—whether it was mold, metals, or gut dysbiosis—everything would fall into place. I didn’t think I needed nervous system regulation because I believed my issues were purely physical. However, our nervous system is intimately connected to our physical health, especially when dealing with chronic conditions like MCAS.

Ignoring nervous system regulation was one of my biggest setbacks. When we experience trauma or chronic stress, our nervous system can remain stuck in a state of hypervigilance, which can exacerbate histamine issues and make us more reactive to triggers. Techniques like breathwork, meditation, and grounding exercises became essential in calming my body and reducing my symptoms over time. I now understand that nervous system regulation is a foundational part of healing from any chronic illness.

6. Expect to Go Back to My Old Life Exactly the Way It Was

One of the hardest realizations was that I couldn’t just “bounce back” to my old life, even once I started feeling better. Healing from MCAS and histamine intolerance fundamentally changed me, from my lifestyle to my priorities and boundaries. Trying to go back to my old routines, diet, or even social habits only led to setbacks and frustration.

Instead, I learned to embrace a new way of living—one that supports my health, respects my limits, and allows for joy and growth in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Healing isn’t about returning to an old normal; it’s about creating a new, sustainable life that feels better than ever. The sooner we let go of the idea of going back, the sooner we can move forward.



If I were to go back, I’d focus on trusting my own intuition, finding one aligned practitioner or method, and making nervous system regulation a priority. Healing is a journey, and sometimes the most valuable lessons come from learning what *not* to do. I hope these insights help anyone struggling with MCAS or histamine intolerance find a little more clarity and peace on their path to wellness.