In an effort to help you notice common MCAS triggers, below are 10 non-food and 10 food triggers that commonly provoke mast cell mediator release and can result in mast cell disease.
10 Non-Food Triggers of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
If you’re struggling or suspect you have MCAS, it’s in your best interest to reduce your exposure to these common triggers and minimize your chances for mast cell disorders.
The 10 non-food MCAS triggers are:
- Extreme temperatures – either hot or cold
- Exposure to mold or Lyme disease and co-infections
- Emotional stress
- Insect bites
- Chemicals in personal products
- Medications that liberate histamine or block DAO
- Sodium benzoate –a common food preservative
- Airborne smells from chemicals or smoke
- Heavy metal toxicity – aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, bismuth and arsenic are known to be mast cell destabilizers
- Anesthetics
10 High Histamine Foods that Should be Avoided (MCAS Food Triggers)
Studies have shown that eliminating foods high in histamine and other triggers can significantly improve symptoms of mast cell activation. 10 highest histamine foods you can avoid are:
- Yeast and alcohol
- Dairy (especially fermented dairy like kefir)
- Gluten
- Fermented foods, especially sauerkraut, kombucha, miso
- Cured and smoked meats and fish
- Shellfish
- Citrus foods – lemon, lime, orange
- Vinegar
- Leftover and aged food – especially if left in the refrigerator and not frozen immediately
- Berries – strawberries, raspberries
For more information about histamine and MCAS relation read this article: Histamine Intolerance vs Mast Cell
Conditions Associated with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Because MCAS is a chronic, multi-system, multi-symptom condition with an inflammatory theme, it’s been associated with a number of conditions and diseases, including:
- Chronic inflammatory response syndrome
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gut dysbiosis – the gut is rich in mast cells and home to over 70% of the immune system. Parasites, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can all trigger gut mast cells.
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Asthma and allergies
- Autism
- Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s)
- Candida overgrowth
- Celiac disease
- Parasite infections
- Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
- Food intolerances and allergies
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Infertility and endometriosis
- Chemical and medication sensitivities
- Postural orthostatic hypotension (POTS)
- CIRS – exposure to mold mycotoxins is a potent stimulator of mast cell activation
- Migraines
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Fungal infections
- Tinnitus
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cancer
In general, inflammation accompanies MCAS and most of its coinciding or associated illnesses. If you are struggling to get one of these illnesses under control, there’s a possibility MCAS could be causing further complications.
It’s a good idea to check for MCAS and look for the treatment if you have any of the above conditions and vice versa.
