Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Treatment in Jacksonville, FL
At Foundational Health, we specialize in uncovering the root causes behind chronic, complex symptoms that many traditional doctors overlook. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is one such condition—difficult to diagnose, widely misunderstood, and often misattributed to anxiety, allergies, or autoimmune disorders. If you live in Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville, or the surrounding area and have been told your symptoms are “in your head,” or have bounced from specialist to specialist with no real answers, we’re here to help. Our approach combines functional medicine, advanced diagnostic testing, and nervous system-based therapies to identify and calm mast cell dysregulation, helping you regain control over your health and quality of life.
What Is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome occurs when your mast cells—immune cells that help protect you from pathogens—become overactive and release excessive amounts of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals inappropriately. These chemical surges can trigger a wide range of symptoms throughout the body, from skin rashes and GI problems to fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and cardiovascular issues. What makes MCAS especially challenging is its inconsistency: symptoms can wax and wane and differ from one person to another, making it hard to pinpoint.
Unlike a true allergy, MCAS reactions aren’t always tied to a specific allergen. Instead, they can be set off by stress, certain foods, chemicals, infections, or even heat and cold exposure. Many people suffer for years without a diagnosis because their standard lab tests come back “normal,” and their symptoms span multiple body systems. At Foundational Health, we know what to look for and how to approach MCAS from the ground up—addressing both the immune system and the brain’s role in regulating it
Why MCAS Often Goes Undiagnosed
Many MCAS patients are told they have IBS, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or anxiety—when in reality, these conditions are often downstream effects of immune dysregulation. Conventional lab work typically does not detect MCAS unless specialized markers and tests are run. Even then, symptoms may not be apparent during a flare-up, which further complicates diagnosis. At Foundational Health, we take a comprehensive view that includes deep patient history, environmental exposure assessment, and advanced labs that explore histamine levels, cytokines, and other immune factors.
Most importantly, we believe our patients. We listen carefully to your experiences and patterns, using that information alongside diagnostic tools to build a picture of what’s really going on—rather than dismissing your concerns or trying to manage individual symptoms in isolation.
Why Choose Foundational Health for MCAS?
We bring a unique blend of personal experience, clinical insight, and advanced functional medicine expertise to the table. Our providers have worked with hundreds of patients suffering from complex chronic conditions and know what it feels like to have invisible symptoms that don’t show up on standard tests. We also understand the deep toll that MCAS can take—not just physically, but emotionally and socially.
Located in Jacksonville Beach and serving the greater Jacksonville area, Foundational Health is a trusted partner in your healing journey. Whether you’re just beginning to explore whether you have MCAS or have been living with it for years, we’ll help you uncover the root causes and create a roadmap to recovery that is realistic, sustainable, and personalized for your unique needs.
Living with MCAS can feel isolating—but the right support can make all the difference. At Foundational Health, we’ve walked this path alongside countless patients, and we’ve also experienced it ourselves. Here’s what makes our approach so impactful:
Personalized, Root-Cause Testing
We go beyond basic labs to investigate your immune system, histamine levels, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental triggers. This allows us to identify what’s really driving your symptoms, so we can create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your body.
Calming the Brain-Immune Connection
Through brain retraining techniques and functional neurology, we help calm the limbic system and vagus nerve—two key regulators of immune activity. This nervous system approach is often missing from traditional MCAS care, yet it’s essential for lasting healing.
Guidance from a Clinician Who’s Been There
Our team includes providers who have personally experienced mast cell illness and have fully recovered. That means you’ll be guided by someone who understands the journey—both its frustrations and its possibilities—and who knows how to support you with empathy and expertise.
“I lived in fear of everyday things—perfumes, cleaning products, even food. I had been to multiple specialists, and no one could explain what was happening to me. Dr. Jackson not only understood my symptoms but knew exactly what tests to run. With the right protocol, I finally have my life back.”
“Before Foundational Health, I felt like a prisoner in my own body. Everything I ate or touched would set off symptoms. Their team didn’t just treat me—they educated me, gave me tools to reduce my exposures, and supported me every step of the way. It changed my life.”
“I had been misdiagnosed with anxiety and IBS for years. Dr. Jackson connected the dots, diagnosed my MCAS, and helped me rebalance my immune system through both brain retraining and gut healing. I’ve seen more progress in 6 months here than I did in 6 years elsewhere.”
Frequent Asked Questions
How do I know if I have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
MCAS is tricky to diagnose, but common symptoms include flushing, itching, hives, nausea, brain fog, fatigue, lightheadedness, and sensitivity to smells, foods, or temperature. If your symptoms fluctuate and affect multiple systems, and standard labs show little insight, you may be dealing with MCAS.
What triggers MCAS reactions?
Triggers vary from person to person but commonly include environmental toxins, stress, high-histamine foods, mold exposure, infections, and even weather changes. A key part of treatment involves identifying your unique triggers and calming the body’s hypersensitivity response.
Can MCAS be cured?
There is no “cure” in the conventional sense, but many patients see substantial improvements—or even remission—when their immune and nervous systems are regulated, their environment is addressed, and their gut and detox pathways are supported.
How long does it take to see results?
Every patient is different, but many begin to notice improvements in symptom severity and flare frequency within the first 3–6 months. Full recovery often depends on how long you’ve been symptomatic and the number of triggers involved.
Do you offer remote consultations for MCAS?
Yes, we offer Telehealth appointments for patients across Florida and beyond. Whether you’re in Jacksonville Beach, Atlanta, or elsewhere, we can guide you through the same in-depth process virtually, including lab orders, protocols, and ongoing support.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
“Living with MCAS can feel like you’re reacting to the world around you in ways no one else understands. I’ve seen firsthand how isolating and confusing this journey can be. That’s why at Foundational Health, we don’t just treat symptoms — we help patients retrain the brain, calm the immune system, and reclaim their lives.”
Dr Josh Jackson, DC
Founder and Clinic Director