MCAS or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome occurs when the mast cells (and other immune system cells) are triggered and release a slew of inflammatory chemicals into the body. Mast cells typically are activated during an allergic reaction, but in MCAS, there is no identifiable allergen responsible, but the mast cells are overreacting to various triggers and cause a multitude of symptoms in a variety of body systems.
“There are many MC triggers, including diet, stress, estrogens, excipients, and a variety of infections. The long-lasting, often hidden triggers on which treatment can have a significant impact include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, mycotoxin and chemical exposures, and heavy metal toxicity” (Weinstock LB, Nelson RM, Blitshteyn S)
Symptoms of MCAS
Symptoms of MCAS are many and varied. They tend to track together as they are all caused by the inflammatory chemicals (histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, etc.) that are released during a reaction.
Symptoms can include:
Anxiety and depression
Brain fog, decreased focus, problems with memory and concentration
Insomnia
Chronic Severe Fatigue
Pain: in bones, joints, muscles, tendons, headaches, pelvic pain
Numbness, tingling, paralysis, pseudosezures
Disequilibrium, poor balance
Ringing in the ears
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Sensitivities to light, touch, sound, smells, foods, chemicals, EMFs
Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, distention, heartburn
Interstitial cystitis (bladder pain without infection)
Shortness of breath, air hunger
Skin rashes
A major challenge for people with MCAS is that there are such a variety of symptoms that often are not recognized as coming from the same root cause, blood tests come back normal, and the symptoms are triggered in a seemingly random way. This makes diagnosis and treatment very difficult and people are generally believed to have a mental illness rather than a physical cause for their symptoms.
Solutions for MCAS
Priorities:
Stabilize mast cells
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Address underlying issues and root causes
Keep as many anti-inflammatory foods in your diet as possible
Nutrients and Flavanoids
Vitamins: B1, B5, B6, C, D3 and K2
Minerals: Magnesium, Copper
Flavanoids: Quercetin, rutin, luteolin, hesperidin
Antioxidants: glutathione, vitamin c, vitamin e
Anti-inflammatory: curcumin (if tolerated)
Following a low histamine diet can be helpful. See Understanding Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms and Solutions for more information.
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References
•Foodsforbetterhealth.com
••Patel RH, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, Histamine. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 1, 2023.
•Surviving Seasonal Allergies Presented by Julie Badowski.
•https://mcas.ie/linked-illnesses/
•Dr. Paul Anderson. 5 Best Holistic Treatments for MCAS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q6_2wDX1i8
•Weinstock LB, Nelson RM, Blitshteyn S. Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Response to Mast-Cell-Directed Treatment: A Case Series. J Pers Med. 2023;13(11):1562. Published 2023 Oct 31. doi:10.3390/jpm13111562
All information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. Speak with your healthcare provider for help in managing your conditions and before making dietary and lifestyle changes.
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