From Bloating to Brain Fog: How MCAS May Be Affecting Your Gut

Many people with chronic digestive symptoms assume it’s just IBS or food sensitivities. What often goes unnoticed is a condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a subtle yet powerful driver of gut dysfunction and systemic symptoms.

What is MCAS?

MCAS occurs when mast cells, the immune cells responsible for allergic and inflammatory responses, become overactive or hyper-sensitive. When triggered, these cells release histamine and other chemicals, which can directly affect gut motility, permeability, and microbiome balance. This means your bloating, cramps, and irregular stools may not just be “digestive” issues, they could be signals of underlying immune dysregulation.

What are the symptoms of MCAS?

Symptoms of MCAS can extend beyond the gut. Many people report the following symptoms. All of which are linked to histamine release.

• Brain fog

• Fatigue

• Skin reactions

• Flushing

• Multiple food intolerances

How do we treat MCAS?

At Flow Herbal, we work alongside your specialists and approach MCAS with a root-cause lens. Functional testing, personalised dietary and herbal protocols, and targeted lifestyle strategies allow us to calm mast cell activity, support gut repair, and reduce systemic inflammation.

The goal isn’t just symptom management, it’s restoring balance so your gut, immune system, and overall health can function optimally.

If you’ve been struggling with persistent bloating, brain fog, or unexplained digestive issues, it may be time to explore whether MCAS is part of the picture. A clear understanding of triggers, combined with tailored interventions, can be life changing.

Discover how integrative gut and MCAS support can help you feel like yourself again. Book a consultation with Flow Herbal today.