Why You’re Reacting to Everything: Understanding Mast Cell Activation
What Is Mast Cell Activation?
(And Why It Feels Like You’re Allergic to Life)
If you feel like your body is reacting to everything—foods, smells, supplements, the weather, or even emotions—you’re not imagining it. You may be dealing with a condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Mast cells are part of your immune system. They’re designed to protect you from infections, allergens, and other threats. But when they become overactive or hypersensitive, they can start releasing chemicals (like histamine) in response to everyday things—leading to a wide range of mysterious, uncomfortable symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation
Many people with MCAS are misdiagnosed or dismissed because the symptoms seem unrelated. But they’re actually all connected through immune system dysregulation.
Here are just a few signs you may have mast cell activation:
Flushing, itching, or hives that appear randomly
Anxiety, irritability, or brain fog after meals
Reactions to food, supplements, or even vitamins
Dizziness, heart palpitations, or low blood pressure
Headaches or migraines triggered by smells or chemicals
Difficulty tolerating heat, cold, or changes in environment
Gut issues like bloating, nausea, or diarrhea
Feeling “on edge” all the time, without explanation
What Causes Mast Cell Activation?
There’s no single cause of mast cell issues—but many triggers are rooted in inflammation, infection, or chronic stress. The immune system becomes overwhelmed and begins to misfire.
Common root causes include:
Chronic infections (e.g., Lyme disease, EBV, mold exposure)
Gut permeability (leaky gut) and microbiome imbalance
Environmental toxins and chemical exposures
Histamine intolerance
Autoimmunity or a family history of allergies
Hormonal imbalances, especially in perimenopause
Nervous system dysregulation and emotional trauma
When the body is under chronic stress—physically, emotionally, or environmentally—it can cause mast cells to go into overdrive.
How We Address Mast Cell Activation Naturally
At Nutritionally Yours, we take a functional approach to MCAS. That means identifying and addressing the root causes—not just masking symptoms.
Here’s how we help clients calm their immune system and restore balance:
1. Functional Lab Testing
We use advanced testing to look for underlying infections, mold, gut issues, histamine intolerance, immune deficiencies, or chronic inflammation.
2. Personalized Nutrition Plans
We guide clients toward an anti-inflammatory, or low-histamine diet tailored to their sensitivities—without over-restricting.
3. Natural Mast Cell Stabilizers
Supplements like quercetin, vitamin C, DAO enzymes, luteolin, and magnesium can help regulate mast cell activity gently.
4. Nervous System Support
We help you retrain your body’s stress response and support your adrenals and vagal tone, which play a huge role in mast cell overactivation.
5. Detox & Drainage Pathways
If toxins or mold are involved, we provide safe, step-by-step detox support to reduce your body’s burden.
You’re Not Crazy—You’re Inflamed
If you’ve been told your symptoms are “just anxiety,” “just hormones,” or “just stress,” I want you to know this: You are not crazy. You are not overreacting. Your body is trying to protect you—it just needs help doing it the right way.
We believe you. We hear you. And we’re here to help you feel safe, supported, and in control of your body again.
Book a Session and Start Healing
Whether you’re local to Atlanta or prefer to work virtually, we offer both in-person and telehealth appointments to help uncover the root of your symptoms.
Holistic Nutritionist | Functional Wellness | 30+ Years Experience
HAVE A QUESTION? MEET THE OWNER, ALANE WINCEK!
CERTIFIED HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST, METABOLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST, AND NATUROPATH.
Hey! I’m Alane Stieglitz-Wincek. I grew up on sugar and plenty of junk food and had no clue how my diet effected my health.
I changed my life and have worked as a holistic nutritionist and naturopath, for over the last 30 years. I help people get healthy, fit and lean, find hormone happiness and recover from all sorts health challenges.
Obsessed With: my family, my dog, my clients, loving life, and living it to the fullest!