7 Root Causes of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Did you know that mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) affects up to 17% of the population? This eye-opening statistic comes from a recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It highlights the importance of understanding the 7 root causes of mast cell activation syndrome. 

Mast cells are a key part of your immune system. They help protect your body by releasing chemicals to fight infections or respond to allergens. In MCAS, these cells become overactive, releasing too many chemicals and causing widespread reactions in the body.

Keep reading to find out what exactly is MCAS, and why is it important.

What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition where mast cells, which are part of your immune system, release excessive amounts of chemicals like histamine. Normally, mast cells help your body respond to threats like infections or allergens. However, in MCAS, these cells overreact to even minor triggers.

7 Root Causes of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

To get a handle on MCAS, we need to know what’s causing it. Here are the causes of mast cell activation syndrome:

1. Food Sensitivities and Allergies

What you eat can set off MCAS. Some foods make mast cells go crazy and release their chemicals. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Foods high in histamine (like aged cheese, pickles, and cured meats)

• Artificial stuff in processed foods

• Gluten and dairy

• Shellfish and other seafood

• Nuts, especially peanuts

Try cutting out these foods one by one. You might see your MCAS symptoms get better.

2. Chronic Infections

Long-lasting infections can keep your immune system on high alert. This makes mast cells overreact. Some common causes are:

• Lyme disease and its buddies

• Epstein-Barr virus (the one that causes mono)

• Too much yeast in your body

• Bad bacteria growing in your small intestine

Getting these infections under control can help calm down your mast cells.

3. Environmental Toxins

The world around us can be full of stuff that messes with our mast cells. These are some of the big offenders:

• Mold and its nasty byproducts

• Heavy metals like lead and mercury

• Pesticides and weed killers

• Air pollution

• Electromagnetic fields from electronics

Cutting down on these toxins and helping your body get rid of them can make a big difference.

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Your hormones can really shake things up for mast cells. Many people with MCAS notice their symptoms get worse during:

Getting your hormones back in balance can help keep mast cells in check.

5. Stress and Emotional Triggers

Your mind and body are connected, and stress can directly fire up mast cells. Watch out for:

Learning to manage stress through things like meditation or deep breathing can really help with MCAS symptoms.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

Not getting enough of certain nutrients can make mast cells unstable. Here’s what your body needs:

Eating the right foods or taking supplements can fill these gaps and improve MCAS symptoms.

7. Genetic Predisposition

Sometimes, it’s in your genes. Research shows that certain genetic quirks can make you more likely to get MCAS. These include:

While we can’t change our genes, knowing about them can help guide treatment and lifestyle choices.

How MCAS Is Diagnosed

Figuring out if you have MCAS can be tricky. Here’s what doctors usually do:

• Ask about your medical history and symptoms

• Check your body for signs

• Do blood tests to look for mast cell chemicals

• Collect your pee for 24 hours to check for other chemicals

• Test for allergies and food sensitivities

• Rule out other conditions that look similar

• Try mast cell medicines to see if they help

• Sometimes, take a tiny piece of tissue to look at under a microscope

Lifestyle Changes to Support Mast Cell Stability

Making some changes in your daily life can really help with MCAS:

• Learn to chill out with meditation or yoga

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule

• Exercise, but don’t overdo it

• Use air purifiers and stay away from toxins

• Gently help your body get rid of toxins (with a doctor’s okay)

• Try natural antihistamines like quercetin and vitamin C

• Take care of your gut with probiotics and digestive enzymes

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider seeing a doctor who specializes in MCAS if you have persistent vague symptoms that are affecting various body parts.

So what happens is your doctor assesses your condition and creates a personalized plan for you which is a combination of medication, supplements, and lifestyle changes. It is never too late to contact an allergist, contact them if you have reached a point where you are severely allergic to something as they can provide you with the necessary medication.

Final Thoughts 

Controlling MCAS is unique for everyone—what works for one person might not work for another. If you suspect MCAS or are curious about the 7 root causes of mast cell activation syndrome, consult a knowledgeable medical professional to develop a tailored treatment plan. Share your findings with friends and family, as they might also have unexplained symptoms. Raising awareness can help others too.

Also Read How I Cured My Mast Cell Disease?

Frequently Asked Questions