Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

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Mast cells are our ‘allergy cells’ which respond when the IgE antibody (present on the mast cell surface) binds to proteins which cause allergies leading to activation of the mast cell which triggers the degranulation of mediators.

MCAS  is a condition in which there is constant and consistent degranulation of mast cells releasing mediators that cause allergy symptoms, this occurs when abnormal internal signals ‘activate’ the mast cell. 

 

Signs and symptoms associated with MCAS include:

• Skin irritations (including itching, swelling, hives, flushing, sweating and rashes)

• Eye and throat irritations (including itching, watering/running)

• Mouth and throat irritations (including itching and swelling)

• Trouble breathing 

• Wheezing

• Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate

• Cramping, nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain 

• Anxiety, depression and insomnia

• Fatigue, headaches and confusion

 

MCAS is complex and there are usually a combination of factors which trigger the condition. These may include foods, insect bites, stress, mould, electromagnetic radiation (including 5G due to the wavelengths) and environmental pollutants such as perfumes and smoke.

 

Naturopathic considerations and investigations

As MCAS is complex, so too are the layers that need to be unravelled. There are many considerations and possible investigations that need to take place. This includes:

 

• Investigating your current diet and foods which may trigger MCAS

• Investigating your home, workplace and possibly means of travel to assess for possible mould exposure, indoor air quality/pollutants, electromagnetic fields and radiation and other toxicants

• Assessing mediators including elevation of serum mast cell tryptase and in urine levels of N-methylhistamine, 11B -Prostaglandin F2α (11B-PGF2α) and/or Leukotriene E4 (LTE4)

• Assessing and correcting nutritional deficiencies such as zinc, quercetin, B12, Vitamin C etc

• Investigating genetic mutations including HLA DR/DQ and MTHRF

• Investigating stealth pathogens and infections such as epstein-barr virus, Borellia, Bartonella, Babesiosis (Piroplasmosis), Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Mycoplasma 

• Assessing (and supporting) liver function and detoxification pathways 

• Assess stressors such as exercise, inflammatory diets and work/life balance

• Assess hormonal imbalances such as cortisol, thyroid and oestrogen

• Assess digestive health, leaky gut and gut microbiome (which all play a vital role with metabolising histamine and toxins, preventing infection/inflammation, immune regulation and the absorption and assimilation of nutrients)

• Support energy production, detoxification pathway, mood and the nervous system through careful prescription of nourishing herbs and an anti-inflammatory, low histamine or low FODMAP diet

 

MCAS needs careful attention and consideration in regards to anaphylaxis, it is also different to a condition called mastocytosis where too many mast cells are produced (and are generally very sensitive leading to excessively degranulation of mediators)