What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and How is it Linked to CFS?

Have you ever heard of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (also known as MCAS)? If, so, what is MCAS and how does it link with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?

Growing evidence has started to link problems with mast cells to CFS and long COVID symptoms…

Mast cells are regulators of the immune system found in every single tissue in the body, and they play a big role in inflammatory and allergic responses, releasing over 1000 different chemical mediators, such as histamine when exposed to an antigen.

Mast cell activation syndrome occurs when the mast cells in the body become easily triggered and release too many chemical mediators (such as histamine) at the wrong times. The mast cells get excitable and over-sensitive, and are prone to blowing up in response to any form of stimulation, such as certain foods or chemicals in the environment, rapid temperature changes, stress, or infections. Sometimes there may not be any apparent environmental trigger in MCAS, yet the body can still produce an inflammatory response which is highly unpredictable.

Symptoms typically include those of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, flushing and swelling, but they can also include fatigue, brain fog, diarrhoea, bloating rapid heart rate, abdominal pain and headaches. It’s common for sufferers to be intolerant to light and sound as well as different chemicals and smells.

Not everyone who experiences chronic fatigue will have MCAS, but it is certainly possible that some groups of people with CFS have MCAS as an underlying imbalance that needs to be considered and addressed using dietary and lifestyle approaches.

In my clinic I work with clients to address the root cause of their concerns and support them on the road to restoring their health and longevity.

Is MCAS something you can relate to? Let me know in the comments below!