MCAS is a chronic condition involving excessive or dysregulated release of mast cell mediators – histamine, tryptase, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and more affecting multiple systems in the body. Symptoms of flushing, itching, brain fog, fatigue, GI distress can indicate mast cell dysregulation.

A mast cell is a type of white blood cell that lives in the tissues. Inside each mast cell ARE hundreds of tiny storage sacs called granules. The granules are packed with powerful chemical messengers that when released during degranulation manifest as an allergic reaction.

Closely linked with MCAS, according to medical research, is mitochondrial dysfunction in a destructive feedback loop. When hyperactive mast cells release excess inflammatory chemicals like histamine and cytokines, they cause oxidative stress that impairs cellular mitochondria. In turn, damaged mitochondria struggle to produce ATP and can release internal components that further trigger mast cells and increase systemic inflammation

MCAS involves mast cells becoming overly reactive to allergens, stress, environmental toxins, even temperature changes. Hundreds of mediators are released in the process resulting in wide range of health implications.

Triggers for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) may be inhaled, ingested, touched and include not only external exposures but also internal stressors. Stressors include high-histamine foods, changes in temperature and barometric pressure, molds and mycotoxins, environmental pollutants, medications, hormones, anxiety and more.