Did you know that Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can affect the following symptoms? 17% Of the population? This eye-opening statistic comes from a recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. This highlights the importance of understanding the seven root causes of mast cell activation syndrome.
Mast cells are an important part of the immune system. It helps protect your body by releasing chemicals to fight infections or react to allergens. In MCAS, these cells become overactive and release too many chemicals, causing a wide range of reactions in the body.
Read on to find out what exactly MCAS is and why it’s important.
What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition in which mast cells, which are part of the immune system, release too many chemicals such as histamine. Normally, mast cells help the body respond to threats such as infections and allergens. However, in MCAS, these cells overreact to even the slightest trigger.
7 root causes of mast cell activation syndrome
To understand MCAS, you need to know its causes. The causes of mast cell activation syndrome are:
1. Food sensitivities and allergies
What you eat can cause MCAS. Some foods cause mast cells to go crazy and release chemicals. Here are some things to keep in mind:
-
Foods high in histamine (such as aged cheese, pickles, and cured meats)
-
Artificial substances contained in processed foods
-
gluten and dairy products
-
Shellfish and other seafood
-
nuts, especially peanuts
Try cutting out these foods one by one. MCAS symptoms may improve.
2. Chronic infections
If the infection lasts for a long time, the immune system can be put on constant alert. This causes mast cells to overreact. Common causes include:
-
Lyme disease and its allies
-
Epstein-Barr virus (virus that causes mono)
-
Too many yeast bacteria in the body
-
Bad bacteria that grows in the small intestine
Controlling these infections can calm the mast cells.
3. Environmental toxins
The world around us can be full of things that confuse mast cells. Below are some of the serious offenders.
-
Mold and its nasty byproducts
-
Heavy metals such as lead and mercury
-
pesticides and herbicides
-
air pollution
-
Electromagnetic fields from electronics
Reducing these toxins and helping your body flush them out can make a big difference.
4. Hormone imbalance
Hormones can have a profound effect on mast cells. Many people with MCAS notice that their symptoms worsen when they:
Rebalancing hormones can help suppress mast cells.
5. Stress and emotional triggers
The mind and body are connected, and stress can directly activate mast cells. Please note the following:
Learning how to manage stress through things like meditation and deep breathing can be very helpful for MCAS symptoms.
6. Malnutrition
Not getting enough of certain nutrients can cause mast cells to become unstable. Here’s what your body needs:
nutrients
|
How does it help mast cells?
|
vitamin C
|
Keep mast cells calm
|
vitamin D
|
Helps control immune response
|
magnesium
|
give energy to cells
|
omega 3 fats
|
fight inflammation
|
Quercetin
|
natural antihistamine
|
Eating the right foods or taking supplements can help close these gaps and improve MCAS symptoms.
7. Genetic predisposition
Sometimes it is encoded in the genes. the study We show that certain genetic idiosyncrasies may increase the likelihood of developing MCAS. These include:
Although genes cannot be changed, knowing about them can help guide treatment and lifestyle choices.
How to diagnose MCAS
Determining whether you have MCAS can be difficult. Here’s what doctors usually do:
- We will ask about your medical history and symptoms.
- Check your body for signs
- Blood tests to check for mast cell chemicals
- Collect your urine for 24 hours to check for other chemicals
- Testing for allergies and food sensitivities
- exclude other conditions that look similar
- Try mast cell drugs to see if they work
- In some cases, a small piece of tissue may be taken and viewed under a microscope.
Lifestyle changes to support mast cell stability
Making some changes to your daily routine can be very helpful for MCAS.
- Learn how to relax with meditation and yoga
- keep a regular sleep schedule
- Exercise, but don’t do too much
- Use an air purifier and avoid toxins
- Gently helps your body remove toxins (with doctor’s permission)
- Try natural antihistamines like quercetin and vitamin C
- Treat your gut with probiotics and digestive enzymes
When to seek professional help
If you have persistent vague symptoms that affect different parts of your body, consider seeing a doctor who specializes in MCAS.
What happens is that your doctor evaluates your condition and creates a personalized plan that combines medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes. It’s never too late to contact an allergist. If you are severely allergic to something, please contact us so that we can prescribe the necessary medication.
final thoughts
Controlling MCAS varies from person to person. What works for one person may not work for another. If you suspect MCAS or are curious about the seven root causes of mast cell activation syndrome, talk to a knowledgeable health care professional to develop a customized treatment plan. You may also be experiencing unexplained symptoms, so share your findings with friends and family. Raising awareness can also help others.
Also read how I cured mast cell disease.
FAQ
How long does it take to see improvement in MCAS symptoms?
Although it varies from person to person, many people notice changes within a few weeks to a few months after starting treatment.
Can stress alone cause MCAS?
Yes, stress can be a major trigger for MCAS symptoms in some people, even if there are no other obvious causes.
Are there any natural treatments for MCAS?
Many people can relieve symptoms with natural approaches such as dietary changes, stress reduction, and certain supplements, but it’s important to work with your health care provider.
Can MCAS suddenly develop in adulthood?
Yes, MCAS can develop at any age, and some people experience symptoms suddenly in adulthood.
Is MCAS associated with other conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome?
MCAS can occur at the same time as these symptoms, and some of the symptoms may overlap, but they are distinct diseases.
How does MCAS affect pregnancy?
MCAS can complicate pregnancy and can lead to increased symptoms and pregnancy complications. Close monitoring by your health care provider is important.