EMFs and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Insights from Shirley Plant

If you live with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), you know how tough it can be to connect the dots between your symptoms and their triggers. Foods, fragrances, temperature changes, and even stress can all cause unexpected flare ups. But according to wellness consultant Shirley Plant, there’s one potential trigger that’s still flying under the radar in many medical conversations: electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

Shirley is a nutritionist, cookbook author, and wellness advocate who’s spent years helping people manage complex conditions in a holistic way. As someone navigating MCAS herself, Shirley has experienced firsthand how environmental factors, specifically EMFs, can quietly wreak havoc on the body.

“As someone who is dealing with MCAS, I have learned the hard way that yes, EMFs do play a big role. My condition is a direct result of finding mold in our home and living near large power lines and not realizing how much nonnative EMFs play a role in my health.” 

-Shirley Plant

Hear more from Shirley Plant on The Wave Forward podcast.

Mast cells are immune cells designed to protect us. When they detect something potentially harmful, like a virus or allergen, they release chemical messengers like histamine to launch a defense. But in MCAS, these mast cells become hypersensitive and start reacting to things that shouldn’t be a threat. This can lead to a long list of symptoms, such as:

• Hives, itching, or flushing

• Brain fog or dizziness

• Digestive issues

• Shortness of breath

• Sensitivities to smells, foods, or chemicals

Symptoms can vary daily and don’t always follow a clear pattern. Shirley explains, “The symptoms will flare up and go into remission, affecting different organs and body parts, repeatedly throughout a person’s life, without a common unifying theme or established diagnoses to account for the patient’s presentation of symptoms.” This unpredictability and inconsistency can make MCAS incredibly difficult to manage.

Most of us are constantly surrounded by EMFs these days. Between cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, and smart home tech, we’re swimming in electromagnetic fields 24/7. These signals might be invisible, but for people with MCAS, they could be adding another layer of stress on the body.

Shirley has been diving into the science behind EMFs and mast cell activation syndrome. She notes that EMFs may contribute to MCAS flares in a few key ways:

• EMFs Increase Oxidative Stress : EMFs can create an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which is a known trigger for mast cell reactions.

• Disrupted Calcium Signaling : EMFs may disrupt calcium channels in cells, overstimulating mast cells and leading to excess histamine release.

• Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability : They might also make the blood-brain barrier more permeable, which allows inflammation to impact the brain and worsen symptoms like anxiety or brain fog.

• Amplifying the Total Load : For many, symptoms aren’t about one thing – it’s the total load on the body. EMFs may simply be tipping the scales when you're already dealing with mold, food triggers, or other stressors.

If you’ve noticed flare ups that seem tied to certain environments or devices, EMFs could be the culprit. Common signs include:

• Feeling dizzy, flushed, or anxious after cell phone use

• Worsening of skin symptoms such as hives, itching, or burning near Wi-Fi or smart meters

• Brain fog or insomnia in high-EMF environments

• Relief of symptoms in nature or EMF-reduced spaces

The good news is you don’t have to eliminate all technology to feel better. Shirley recommends starting with small, sustainable changes such as:

• Using airplane mode often . Switching phones and tablets to airplane mode when not in use lowers your exposure, as does turning off Bluetooth and location services unless necessary.

• Hardwire when possible. Use ethernet cables instead of wireless connections, especially when on the computer for long hours.

• Create an EMF-Friendly sleep zone. Your body heals at night, so keep devices out of the bedroom, turn off Wi-Fi, and avoid sleeping near smart devices.  Use Aires in your home  to clean up the electromagnetic environment.

• Avoid EMF “Hot Spots.” Especially during MCAS flares, avoid places with intense EMF output.

• Ground and get sunlight in the morning. Early morning sunlight and getting your bare feet on the ground both help regulate the nervous system and can stabilize mast cell activity.

• Support with nutrients . Natural compounds such as quercetin, vitamin C, magnesium, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Omega-3s can help support mast cells and buffer EMF-related stress. Note: always consult your practitioner before starting new supplements.

“MCAS requires a multi-faceted approach—and that includes awareness of your environment. While EMFs may not be the root cause of your mast cell dysregulation, they could be amplifying symptoms , prolonging flares, or making your body more reactive than it needs to be.

The good news? You have more control than you think. By making intentional choices about your exposure and supporting your nervous and immune systems, you can create a more stable internal environment—one where healing is possible.”

-Shirley Plant

For more insights on how EMFs may be affecting your health, reach out to Shirley at www.shirleyplant.com