Scarlett - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

Happy half way through the season! 

This week I chatted to Scarlett - she’s been through a bit in terms of her health, and suffers from MCAS, also known as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (like me).

In short, Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition where the mast cells in your body release too much of a substance causing allergy symptoms. Mast cells are part of the immune system through the body in the bone marrow and blood vessels. If you’re exposed to allergens or medications, your mast cells react by releasing substances called mediators. For both Scarlett and I, high histamine foods, stress and exposure to toxins are what flare us up. 

Symptoms of MCAS can vary but includes itchy skin, watery eyes, runny nose, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, stomach issues, headaches and confusion. 

Scarlett is also someone who takes her work seriously, and just manifested and landed her dream job. She is so positive about her health journey and totally gets that it’s a long path, but she needs to learn to listen to her body to fully recover.

For some informative links on MCAS:
https://mastocytosis.org.au/mast-cells-explained/ 
https://www.healthline.com/health/mast-cell-activation-syndrome