I would like to point out in advance that I am NOT a doctor. If you experience any discomfort, please seek professional help!
“Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition which can develop in children or adults. MCAS forms part of a spectrum of mast cell disorders. People with MCAS may also have other mast cell disorders such as mastocytosis or hereditary alpha tryptasemia syndrome (HATS).
In people affected by MCAS, chemicals called mast cell mediators are released too frequently or abundantly, and/or in response to triggers that are not typically considered to be harmful, for example; foods or chemicals in the environment. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect multiple parts of the body.
Triggers and symptoms of MCAS vary greatly between individuals. Triggers can include fragrances, exercise, stress and changes in temperature. MCAS symptoms can come and go and may often change over time within the same person. This can make it difficult to identify specific triggers, and the number of triggers and severity of symptoms may continue to increase as the condition progresses.
More research is needed to understand MCAS. Sometimes the condition occurs in family groups, suggesting that there may be genetic causes of MCAS. For example, HATS is a genetic condition caused by the presence of extra copies of the alpha tryptase gene (TPSAB1). Since the genetic causes of mastocytosis and HATS are well-characterised, genetic tests for these conditions are available.” (source: https://www.mastcellaction.org/about-mcas)
Diet plays an important role in managing MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). In this condition, mast cells in the body react excessively to environmental factors, foods, or other triggers, releasing inflammatory substances like histamine and other chemicals. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including skin reactions, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and more.
A targeted diet can help alleviate symptoms by avoiding histamine-rich and inflammatory foods, and focusing on those that support the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Recommended Diet for MCAS
1. Fresh, Unprocessed Foods
Opt for fresh and pesticide-free foods. Avoid processed or preserved foods, which often contain additives, colorings, and histamine.
Try to buy local and seasonal foods to minimize histamine content.
2. Histamine-Free Foods
In MCAS, it is important to consume foods that contain little to no histamine in order to avoid excessive mast cell activation.
Fresh fruits like apples, pears, melons, blueberries (Avoid fruits like bananas, avocados, tomatoes, citrus fruits, which are often high in histamine)
3. Probiotic Foods (caution with histamine intolerance!)
Probiotic foods can help support the microbiome and promote gut health, but some fermented foods may contain histamine, so caution is needed:
Probiotic foods like unsweetened yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut (but only in moderation and if tolerated).
Alternatively, probiotics in supplement form can help promote healthy gut flora without increasing histamine.
4. L-Glutamine-Rich Foods
L-Glutamine helps repair the intestinal lining and strengthen the immune system.
Vegan sources of L-glutamine are typically available only in supplement form.
5. Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Foods high in antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and support the immune system:
Berries (e.g., blueberries, blackberries, raspberries) (Caution with raspberries due to histamine content)
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, chard, kale (Caution with spinach due to histamine)
Turmeric – contains the anti-inflammatory compound curcumin
Ginger – helps with inflammation and digestive issues
6. Magnesium-Rich Foods
Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help alleviate excessive immune system reactions:
Almonds, hazelnuts (Caution with hazelnuts due to histamine)
Spinach, pumpkin seeds (Caution with spinach due to histamine)
Bananas, avocados (Caution with bananas due to histamine)
7. Omega-3
Omega-3 from algae oil is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory fats.
8. Hydration
Adequate fluid intake is essential for detoxifying the body and regulating mast cell activity.
Water should be the main source of hydration.
Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger tea can be soothing for the digestive tract and help reduce inflammation.
Conclusion:
The diet for MCAS should focus on fresh, unprocessed, and histamine-free foods. A diet rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and gut-healthy foods can help alleviate symptoms and calm the immune system. It is also advisable to consider individual intolerances, as these can further promote mast cell activation. Collaborating with a nutritionist or doctor experienced in MCAS can be helpful in developing a personalized plan.
