Neuroregulation & MCAS: Healing Through Nervous System Support

What is Neuroregulation?

Neuroregulation refers to the control and coordination of physiological processes by the nervous system—your body’s built-in command and response system. This includes both the central nervous system (CNS), made up of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which connects the CNS to the rest of the body.

Through a complex network of electrical and chemical signals, the nervous system governs everything from digestion and immune response to stress resilience and heart rate.

Why It Matters for MCAS

In people with MCAS, the nervous system is often dysregulated. That means it stays in “fight or flight” mode too long, causing the immune system—including mast cells—to stay on high alert. This can lead to increased histamine release, more symptoms, and fewer opportunities for the body to return to a healing state.

By calming the nervous system and improving its regulation, we can reduce mast cell overactivation, lower inflammation, and make the body less reactive to everyday stimuli like food, smells, and stress.

Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in MCAS

• Heightened anxiety, panic, or irritability

• Sensory sensitivity (light, sound, smell, touch)

• Digestive dysfunction (bloating, constipation, diarrhea)

• Chronic fatigue or wired-but-tired states

• Temperature dysregulation or cold extremities

• Rapid heart rate, dizziness, or shortness of breath

How the Nervous System Regulates the Body

The body uses reflex arcs, sensory and motor pathways, neurotransmitters, and neurohormones to maintain homeostasis:

• Homeostasis: Keeps heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and immune responses balanced

• Cardiovascular regulation: Autonomic signals modulate heart rate and blood pressure

• Respiratory regulation: Controls breathing rate and oxygen balance

• Immune modulation: Influences inflammation and immune cell activity

• Digestive coordination: Directs gut motility and enzyme release

• Stress response: Manages cortisol and adrenaline through the HPA axis

The Autonomic Nervous System & MCAS

The autonomic nervous system has two key branches:

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• Sympathetic (“fight or flight”): Triggers stress responses

• Parasympathetic (“rest and digest”): Promotes healing and calm

In MCAS recovery, we focus on retraining the nervous system to shift more easily into the parasympathetic state. This makes a huge difference in symptom severity, food tolerance, and overall quality of life.