How the Problem of Caregiving Stress Brought on My MCAS

In this post, I share how caregiving stress brought on my MCAS.

I have had Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) symptoms my whole life, but it was not a definitive condition until years of caregiving stress compounded to bring the situation into relief. In 2020 after six years of intense caregiving we moved into a new house to escape the mold situation in our old home. Maybe it was the move on top of already having a very full bucket from caregiving. It may have been a combination of things. I’ll never know. But that year began a free-fall of symptoms which led to the discovery that I had MCAS.

Stress significantly contributes to mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) by dysregulating the immune and nervous systems, leading to the overactivation of mast cells. Mast cells are immune cells that release histamine and other inflammatory mediators in response to perceived threats. Here’s how stress plays a role:

1. Chronic Stress Activates Mast Cells

• Stress triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing cortisol and other stress hormones. While cortisol is initially anti-inflammatory, chronic stress can make mast cells more sensitive and reactive, leading to excessive histamine release.

• The release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) during stress directly activates mast cells, increasing inflammation and worsening symptoms.

2. Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation

• Stress disrupts the balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems.

• Dysregulation of the vagus nerve (part of the parasympathetic system) can impair mast cell regulation, making the body more prone to inflammation and hypersensitivity.

3. Inflammation and Gut Health

• Stress weakens the gut barrier, leading to intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which exposes mast cells in the gut lining to more triggers.

• This can result in systemic inflammation and exacerbate MCAS symptoms such as digestive issues, skin reactions, and fatigue.

4. Stress and Immune System Imbalance

• Chronic stress skews the immune response, amplifying mast cell activity and prolonging inflammatory cycles.

• Stress also disrupts the balance of T-helper cells (Th1/Th2), which can further contribute to hypersensitivity and immune dysregulation.

5. Feedback Loop

• The physical symptoms of MCAS (e.g., flushing, hives, gastrointestinal distress) can cause emotional distress, creating a vicious cycle where stress worsens symptoms, and symptoms increase stress.

Managing Stress for MCAS Relief

Stress management strategies—like mindfulness, vagus nerve stimulation, therapy, and relaxation techniques—are crucial for reducing mast cell overactivation and breaking the stress-inflammation cycle.

My caregiving stress

My MCAS because it was so bad I was trying anything I could think of to make my symptoms better. This time turned out to be a turning point for me when I applied my forgiveness practice to the situation and realized there were some unhealed areas of my life calling out for attention. I realized that behind my illness was the assumption that I had to continue to be my daughter’s full-time caregiver in order to keep her alive. When I applied the light of forgiveness to the situation I had an epiphany about my health.

This healing I’m talking about was in my mind so it didn’t exactly change my MCAS symptoms, but it led me to write my second book, and then I began sharing my MCAS journey more publicly.

I was invited onto the Miracle Voices Podcast to talk about this forgiveness experience, and I have linked episode #47 below:

So, I invite you to listen and get a taste of the nature of this profound turning point in my MCAS journey. And I’d love to hear about your MCAS journey in the comments below!

What is MCAS?

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. MCAS is serious and disabling and people with MCAS experience often significant and debilitating symptoms daily, including anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.

MCAS is often found in combination with other chronic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

Frequently healthcare providers do not know about MCAS, and the tests for MCAS are problematic because they are not uniformly reliable. MCAS can be difficult to manage. Treatments include blocking mast cell mediators with anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers, as well as avoiding triggers.

Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.

Why caregiving stress?

The stress of caregiving pushes you beyond your normal coping mechanisms. Add to that the stress of having a chronic illness yourself, and you have a recipe for disaster. Caregiving stress is like no other because you don’t get a break. Check out this post where I discuss caregiving survival tips.

The bucket theory

The bucket theory offers a helpful analogy for understanding symptom reactions with MCAS.

Think of your body as an empty bucket that you want to keep from overflowing. Different foods and activities fill your histamine bucket at different speeds but they combine to form the total level of histamine in your body (how full your bucket is). A fuller bucket means you have more histamine symptoms. When you manage triggers, reduce exposure to known triggers, and take medications and supplements to reduce histamine, you can manage the level of your bucket.

Know your typical symptom progression

Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your own rescue plan. In this post, I discuss how to determine your own symptom progression. Once you know what typically happens in your symptom progression you can design a rescue plan to address those symptoms.

Get my free ebook, symptom log, and meal plan!

Want a tool to easily keep track of your symptoms? Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive my free 50-page ebook of lower-histamine, grain-free, sugar-free, Keto recipes, my free symptom log, and a free two-week meal plan!

Sign up for the SSP!

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) has had the biggest impact on healing my MCAS.

The SSP is a listening therapy based on Polyvagal Theory created by Stephen Porges to unlock your ability to think, feel, and connect better through nervous system regulation. You use the SSP via an app on your phone and listen with over-the-ear headphones to specially filtered music that heals the nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve. You subscribe to the app with a provider like me and listen to the specially curated music for 30 minutes each day for a 5-hour cycle. Studies show the SSP has a profound effect on mental health and chronic conditions

You can sign up for the SSP here!

Order my book!

Rocks and Roots chronicles my journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.

Check out this powerful frequency device

Healy is an individualized microcurrent device I use to reduce inflammation. Check out this post for more about Healy.

Sign up for a session!

I provide one-on-one in-person and remote chronic illness and caregiver coaching and Sacred Self-Healing Sessions based on the Sacred Self-Healing Method, a proven novel co-creative healing modality detailed in my Books. 

Click here for more information.

What do you think?

I’d love to have your reply below!

Disclaimer

The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.