Understanding MCAS: Connecting the Dots Between Gut Health, Histamine, and Connective Tissue Disorders
Aug 22, 2024
Understanding MCAS: Connecting the Dots Between Gut Health, Histamine, and Connective Tissue Disorders
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can feel like a complicated puzzle, but understanding how it connects to other health issues like gut problems, histamine reactions, and connective tissue disorders can make managing it a bit easier. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow.
What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?
Imagine your body’s defense system has special guards called mast cells. Their job is to keep you safe from invaders like bacteria and viruses. But sometimes, these guards get a bit too enthusiastic and start firing off their defenses even when there’s no real threat. That’s what happens in MCAS. These overactive mast cells release chemicals like histamine, which can cause symptoms such as:
- Red, flushed skin
- Itchy rashes
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Feeling foggy or tired
- Severe allergic reactions (though these are rare)
-insomnia
-intense random hunger
Everyone’s triggers are different—anything from certain foods to stress, or even changes in temperature, can set off these symptoms.
How is MCAS Connected to Gut Problems like SIBO?
Now, let’s talk about the gut, specifically a condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO. Normally, your small intestine has relatively few bacteria compared to the large intestine. But with SIBO, bacteria that should be in the large intestine start growing in the small intestine. This overgrowth leads to fermentation, where these bacteria produce gases like hydrogen and methane, causing uncomfortable bloating, pain, and changes in bowel habits.
Here’s where it ties into MCAS:
- MCAS can worsen SIBO: The inflammation caused by overactive mast cells can mess with the normal balance of bacteria in your gut, making it easier for SIBO to develop. It can also slow down your gut’s movement, leading to bacterial buildup.
- SIBO can trigger MCAS: The gases and toxins produced by the bacteria in SIBO can irritate your gut lining, damaging the microvilli, causing those overzealous mast cells to release more histamine and other chemicals, which can make your MCAS symptoms worse. When the microvilli are damaged, you will produce less DAO which compromises your body’s ability to break down histamine.
What Happens to Your Gut Lining in SIBO?
Inside your gut, there are tiny finger-like structures called microvilli that help absorb nutrients from food. But when SIBO is present, the gases produced by bacterial fermentation can damage these microvilli. This damage reduces your ability to absorb nutrients properly and can lead to a “leaky gut,” where larger, undigested food particles and toxins pass through the gut lining and enter the bloodstream. This can cause even more inflammation and activate mast cells further, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
Histamine, DAO, and Why They Matter in MCAS
Histamine isn’t all bad; it plays important roles in your body. But too much of it, especially if you have MCAS, can cause problems. That’s where an enzyme called Diamine Oxidase (DAO) comes in. DAO helps break down histamine in your gut so it doesn’t build up.
However, if your DAO levels are low—perhaps due to genetics, gut inflammation (like in SIBO), or certain medications—histamine can accumulate. This buildup can worsen MCAS symptoms, as excess histamine can trigger those hyperactive mast cells to release even more chemicals, leading to a frustrating cycle of reactions.
How Does Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Fit into the Picture?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of disorders that affect connective tissues, which provide structure and support to your skin, joints, and blood vessels. People with EDS often have stretchy skin, overly flexible joints, and are prone to bruising easily. Interestingly, MCAS is more common in people with EDS, though researchers are still figuring out why.
A few possibilities:
- Mast cell dysregulation: People with EDS might have mast cells that are more prone to overreacting, leading to MCAS.
- Chronic inflammation: The ongoing pain and joint issues in EDS could keep the body in a state of low-level inflammation, which might trigger more mast cell activity.
- Nervous system involvement: EDS is often linked with issues in the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like heart rate and digestion. This dysfunction might also influence mast cell behavior, worsening MCAS symptoms.
Tips for Managing MCAS When It’s Tied to Gut Issues and EDS
If you’re dealing with MCAS alongside gut issues like SIBO or have EDS, here are some friendly strategies that might help:
- Watch your diet: Consider a low-histamine diet and try to identify other food triggers. Keeping a food diary can be a great way to track what works and what doesn’t.
- Support your gut: Focus on healing your gut lining and clearing SIBO with proper treatment and testing.
- Consider medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, or DAO supplements might help manage your symptoms. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting new treatments.
- Stay calm and carry on: Stress can be a big trigger for MCAS, so practicing self-regulation activities like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can make a big difference.
- Avoid extremes:Try to steer clear of sudden changes in temperature, strong smells, or environments that you know might trigger your symptoms.
Wrapping It Up
While MCAS, gut health, and connective tissue disorders like EDS can be a lot to juggle, understanding how they’re connected gives you a better chance at managing your symptoms. By taking a comprehensive approach that includes diet, antimicrobials as needed, gut support, and stress management, you can find a path to feeling better. And remember, you’re not alone—there’s a growing community of people who understand what you’re going through and resources to help guide you along the way.
Please reach out if you are interested in learning more!
