Breathe Easier: How Mast Cells Impact Lung Conditions Like Asthma, COPD and PF
- histaminehavenmave
- Mar 10
- 5 min read
Our lungs are vital organs that allow us to breathe, providing oxygen to our entire body. But what happens when lung function is compromised by conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary fibrosis (PF)?
Increasingly, research is uncovering the role of histamine and mast cells in lung health—and this presents exciting opportunities for targeted dietary and lifestyle interventions.
Mast Cells: The Hidden Players in Lung Health
Mast cells are a type of immune cell. When triggered by allergens, infections, or other stimuli, mast cells release histamine, a compound that binds to histamine receptors throughout the body, including in the lungs.
These receptors mediate various responses such as broncho-constriction, increased mucus production, and inflammation, contributing to conditions like asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.
Mast cells are an essential part of our immune system, playing a role in microbial defence, tissue repair, and immune regulation. However, when mast cells become overactive, they can contribute to inflammation and chronic lung conditions.
In conditions such as asthma, COPD, and PF (1), mast cells accumulate in lung tissues, releasing inflammatory chemical mediators (such as histamine, interleukins and growth factors) that can contribute to airway hyper-responsiveness and fibrosis (scarring).
Studies have found increased mast cell density in COPD (2) and idiopathic PF (3), with their mediators playing a role in disease progression.
The Overlap Between Lung Conditions and Mast Cell Involvement
Many lung conditions share common triggers, including infections (4, 5, 6), environmental toxins (7, 8) and impaired epithelial barrier function (9).
These same factors are known to activate mast cells, further fuelling inflammation and damage.
Asthma: While allergic asthma is well recognized, non-allergic asthma also has a strong link to mast cell activation and histamine intolerance. Studies show that markers of mast cell activation are elevated in asthma, and dysfunction of lung epithelial barriers allows irritants to trigger inflammation.
COPD: A group of lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, COPD is associated with increased mast cell density and changes in their distribution as the disease progresses. Exposure to environmental toxins and infections can drive mast cell activation, exacerbating symptoms.
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF): PF is characterized by scarring of lung tissue, making breathing increasingly difficult. Research highlights the role of mast cells in releasing fibrotic mediators that contribute to disease progression. Notably, drugs used to slow PF progression, such as Nintedanib and Pirfenidone, target mast cell pathways (10), further supporting their role in the disease.
How to Support Lung Health with Diet and Lifestyle
Understanding the mast cell connection to lung health opens up new possibilities for managing symptoms through targeted strategies. While medications play a role in treatment, incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes can help stabilize mast cells and reduce inflammation.
1. Adopt a Mast Cell-Stabilizing Diet
Incorporate Flavonoids: Quercetin, luteolin, and chrysin are powerful flavonoids found in onions, apples, broccoli, and blueberries. These compounds help stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine release. Eat them often!
Focus on Omega-3s: Found in wild-caught fish and algae, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizing properties that counteract lung inflammation.
Replace High-Histamine Foods: Fermented foods, aged cheeses, alcohol, and processed meats can trigger histamine release and should be replaced with foods like fresh goat cheese, non-alcoholic beverages such as sparkling mineral water or an iced herbal tea, and fresh cuts of meat.
Avoid Food Additives: Artificial preservatives and dyes found in processed foods can act as mast cell triggers. Choose fresh low-histamine fruits, vegetables and meats, or ones that are frozen immediately after harvest or slaughter. (Get our Stage 1 Shopping List for a list of which foods you will want to feature on the regular.)
2. Support Epithelial Barrier Function
Consume Ghee or Butter: These are excellent sources of butyrate and vitamin A, which support epithelial barrier integrity and lung health.
Include Low-Histamine Chicken Stock: Rich in glycine and proline, chicken stock helps repair and maintain epithelial tissues. (Low histamine Meat Stock is a cornerstone of our practice, and is featured in our cookbook.)
Ensure Adequate Zinc Levels: Zinc plays a role in immune function and tissue repair. Good low histamine sources include pumpkin seeds, lamb and poultry.
3. Reduce Environmental Triggers
Limit Exposure to Toxins: Air pollution, mold, pesticides, and household chemicals can trigger lung inflammation. Use air purifiers, choose non-toxic cleaning products, and minimize exposure to smoke and chemicals.
Clean Up Mold and Mycotoxins: Mold exposure is a known trigger for mast cell activation. Address any indoor mold issues and be mindful of mold-containing foods like peanuts, coffee, and dried fruits. Need more help with this? We have a Master Class on this very subject. Find information & registration here.
4. Manage Stress and Sleep Quality
Practice Deep Breathing & Meditation: Stress triggers mast cell activation. Incorporate relaxation techniques like breathwork and meditation to promote calmness.
Prioritize Quality Sleep: Poor sleep contributes to inflammation and immune dysfunction. Establish a bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment. (Know that we have a full Master Class on this subject as well. Excess histamine in the body can be one of the drivers of insomnia! Information & registration here.)
Try Breathwork for Lung Support: Breathwork techniques can help improve lung function and reduce inflammation:
Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing): Encourages deep, slow breaths that engage the diaphragm, reducing strain on the lungs.
Pursed-Lip Breathing: Helps slow down breathing and keeps airways open longer, useful for conditions like COPD and asthma.
Buteyko Breathing: Focuses on reducing over-breathing and increasing carbon dioxide tolerance, which may help with asthma and breathlessness.
Resonant Breathing (Coherent Breathing): Involves breathing at a steady pace (around 5-6 breaths per minute) to improve oxygen exchange and calm the nervous system.
Breathe Easier
Lung health is deeply connected to mast cell function and histamine regulation.
By stabilizing mast cells and reducing inflammation through diet and lifestyle modifications, it may be possible to improve symptoms and slow disease progression in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
At Histamine Haven, we believe in empowering you with the tools to support your health naturally. If you or someone you know struggles with lung conditions, join us for our next free webinar, The Histamine Connection.
You can join us from the comfort of home. Plan to be there live, as there is a Live Q&A at the end of the session. A replay will go out to all who register.
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