Never Bet Against Occam

At 542 pages and referencing over 1200 academic articles, this book is the longest and most thorough resource on mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) to date. Allergies and anaphylaxis are on the rise, alongside gastrointestinal problems, skin issues, fatigue, orthopedic pain, neurological symptoms, and just about everything in between. Patients are coming out of the woodwork with chronic, debilitating, often invisible illness. Recent research estimates that 14%-17% of the population may have mast cell activation disease. Much of the medical community has never heard of the condition, and existing mainstream treatment tends to focus predominantly on pharmacological management. However, once a patient has reached a stable baseline, there are a number of other individualized approaches that can guide patients to successfully address the underlying root issues. This book includes: 1) an in-depth overview of mast cell activation disease, with a focus on mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS); 2) a patient story describing life with MCAS; 3) a detailed literature review and current hypotheses for disease origins; 4) a practical guide of clinical considerations for diagnosis; 5) a chapter devoted to comorbid conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, Lyme disease and much more; 6) several chapters devoted to mainstream and natural treatment options, dietary considerations, and strategies for holistic healing; 7) content from dozens of interviews with prominent MCAS experts, including specialists in allergy/immunology, hematology, functional medicine, naturopathy, psychology, nutrition, gastroenterology, physical therapy, clinical research, and more! Whether a patient, medical practitioner, or family member/friend, this book empowers readers and provides patients with concrete steps to move forward in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of mast cell activation syndrome.

In 2008 Dr. Afrin started coming to understand that a newly recognized type of mast cell disease, now called mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), was the underlying diagnosis in many patients he was seeing who were each suffering large assortments -- quite different from one patient to the next -- of chronic multisystem inflammatory illnesses of unclear cause. Dr. Afrin soon gained experience that MCAS is far more prevalent than the only mast cell disease previously known to medicine (the rare disease of mastocytosis) and that most MCAS patients, once accurately diagnosed, can eventually find significantly helpful medications targeted at the disease. The frequency and magnitude of the improvements Dr. Afrin has seen -- even the relief that comes from finally having a unifying diagnosis other than "psychosomatism" -- have spurred him to focus in this area, not only tending to the needs of his patients but also pursuing research to advance our understanding of the disease and helping to educate other professionals who in turn can help even more of the many people who have long been suffering not only the symptoms of the disease but also the natural concern of not understanding why one would be so "unlucky" to have acquired so many medical problems. As it turns out, such patients are not so unlucky and truly have just one root issue (and a very common one at that), which has the biological capability to develop, directly or indirectly, into most or all of their previously diagnosed problems. There is a great deal yet to learn about this, but even with just the present very limited understanding, the opportunity to diagnose and help patients with MCAS seems to be enormous and Dr. Afrin felt a description of the disease, written for the general public, might help lead some MCAS patients on a journey to diagnosis and improvement sooner rather than later. Dr. Afrin hopes this book will help people who might have, or do have, MCAS. A portion of the proceeds of purchases of this book will go to support research and education in this area.

In 2008 Dr. Afrin started coming to understand that a newly recognized type of mast cell disease, now called mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), was the underlying diagnosis in many patients he was seeing who were each suffering large assortments ? quite different from one patient to the next ? of chronic multisystem inflammatory illnesses of unclear cause. Dr. Afrin soon gained experience that MCAS is far more prevalent than the only mast cell disease previously known to medicine (the rare disease of mastocytosis) and that most MCAS patients, once accurately diagnosed, can eventually find significantly helpful medications targeted at the disease. The frequency and magnitude of the improvements Dr. Afrin has seen ? even the relief that comes from finally having a unifying diagnosis other than "psychosomatism" ? have spurred him to focus in this area, not only tending to the needs of his patients but also pursuing research to advance our understanding of the disease and helping to educate other professionals who in turn can help even more of the many people who have long been suffering not only the symptoms of the disease but also the natural concern of not understanding why one would be so "unlucky" to have acquired so many medical problems. As it turns out, such patients are not so unlucky and truly have just one root issue (and a very common one at that), which has the biological capability to develop, directly or indirectly, into most or all of their previously diagnosed problems. There is a great deal yet to learn about this, but even with just the present very limited understanding, the opportunity to diagnose and help patients with MCAS seems to be enormous and Dr. Afrin felt a description of the disease, written for the general public, might help lead some MCAS patients on a journey to diagnosis and improvement sooner rather than later. Dr. Afrin hopes this book will help people who might have, or do have, MCAS. A portion of the proceeds of purchases of this book will go to support research and education in this area.

The “trifecta” refers to three conditions that commonly occur together: mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and the hypermobile type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). These three conditions are gradually becoming more recognized in the mainstream medical world as more and more patients find themselves struggling with debilitating and often mysterious symptoms. However, recognizing these conditions is only the first step on the healing journey. With the right approach and toolbox, patients can reverse many of these symptoms to find lasting vitality. Written by a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has additional certifications in functional medicine and nutrition and extensive experience in working with these conditions, this book serves as patient guide that empowers individuals to put all of the puzzle pieces together as part of an individualized healing plan. Part One (3 chapters) is an overview of the three trifecta conditions, and Part Two (9 chapters) outlines the important pillars of an essential plan to address any (or all) of these conditions holistically. The book wraps up with a chapter of patient case stories. Accompanying the purchase of this book is access to a free 20-page PDF document that serves as a customizable workbook for readers to use as they read along. The Trifecta Passport dives into topics such as nervous system regulation, mold and other biotoxins, nutrition, exercise, detoxification, mental/emotional health and trauma, structural/musculoskeletal issues and the many underlying root issues (related to hormones, bacterial/viral load, gut health, etc.) that can trigger or exacerbate these conditions. This resource unpacks many different tools and practical treatment options that should be on the radar of patients living with these (and other) chronic conditions. When faced with these labels, it can be overwhelming to weed through all the resources out there to figure out how to move forward with a comprehensive and personalized road map. By helping readers put it all together in an organized manner, this book is a great resource for any patient with chronic illness as well as the caregivers and doctors who support them.

Follow Pam through an intriguing tale of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. At the age of 40 she developed many allergies to foods, medications and even her husband! She became salicylate sensitive and histamine intolerant overnight. Suddenly, she found herself unable to live in her home, and unable to eat most foods. Pam had severe reactions to many foods and medications and yet every allergy test came back negative. Mast cell disorder - the rare disorder that never follows the rules. She has created this guide for the patient by organizing and consolidating the relevant information that is scattered about the web. She has also created this guide for the family and friends of the patient, to help them to understand the bizarre symptoms and what they can do to help. It is a humorous look into the lives of the people who are the exception to the rule.

"The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he breaks, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt." Exactly who first uttered this phrase is somewhat in dispute. It has been attributed to a number of the founding fathers of the United States. This phrase has more relevance today than at any time in the history of the United States or in the history of Mankind. Not only do we need to guard our liberty from the abuse of the power and authority that we have granted to our government, we also need to guard against the abuse of power garnered by multinational corporations. This story chronicles the development of Constant Vigilance in an ordinary guy who by happenstance finds himself in the cross hairs of powerful forces determined to control and prevent the spread of information that may harm their interest. The circumstances he stumbles into threaten his safety and his way of life. His path to understanding tests his beliefs and relationships. In the final analysis, the road less traveled may be the only option left.

Symptomatic: The Symptom-Based Handbook for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders offers a novel approach structured around the panoply of 75 symptoms with which a person with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) may present to a clinician. The content is arranged intuitively from head to feet, with each chapter integrating clinical case studies with a concise discussion and two important diagnostic tools: a simplified algorithm for diagnosing and treating each symptom and differential diagnoses and alternative explanations for their symptoms. This is a handbook that combines the expertise of some 70 leading clinicians, representing more than 30 specialties. This book is suited for clinicians who need a concise and straight-forward presentation of the various and complex symptoms they confront in their clinical practice. It brings forth a field of knowledge emerging from interdisciplinary collaboration despite the pressures of specialization that bridges gaps in understanding between the several dozen disciplines implicated in EDS and HSD. • A comprehensive compendium of the symptoms of EDS and HSD to aid clinicians and patients • Symptom-based chapters for ease of making a diagnosis • A case report, differential diagnosis, discussion, and diagnostic and treatment algorithm for each symptom

Millions of people are suffering from chronic illnesses that, unbeknownst to them, are the result of exposure to environmental toxins and infectious agents such as mold and Borrelia, which causes Lyme disease. Millions. Because the symptoms of these illnesses are so varied and unusual, many of these individuals have sought medical care only to be dismissed, as if what they are experiencing is “in their head.” Many (if not most) have tried to tough it out and continue to function without hope of improvement. Unfortunately, their illnesses are very real. Toxic is a book of hope for these individuals, their loved ones, and the physicians who provide their care. Over many years of helping thousands of patients recover their health (even after their previous doctors had given up on them), Dr. Neil Nathan has come to understand some of the most common causes for these debilitating illnesses, which allows for the utilization of more precise and effective forms of treatment. The goal of this book is to shed light on these complex illnesses so that suffering patients and their families can get the help they so desperately need. Inside, you will find: • Information about how extreme sensitivity and toxicity develop in the body, how sensitivity and toxicity differ, and how they often overlap • Detailed descriptions of each of the five major causes of extreme sensitivity and toxicity: mold, Bartonella (a co-infection of Lyme disease), mast cell activation, porphyria, and carbon monoxide poisoning • An outline of the cell danger response, a revolutionary model developed by Dr. Robert Naviaux that explains how the body essentially gets “stuck” fighting a threat even after the danger has passed • A system-by-system plan for “rebooting” the body to break the cycle of illness and allow healing to begin • Information about coping with stress and embracing an emotional and/or spiritual awakening on the path to wellness